Catch the Wave of Festivity: Surfing Santas Ride into Cocoa Beach for Christmas Eve Fun

Santa's jolly journey on Christmas Eve isn't just about chimney descents and rooftop landings. Before embarking on his night of gift-giving, Santa is heading south to Florida for a sun-soaked prelude to the holiday rush.

 

Prepare for the festive spectacle as Surfing Santas make a triumphant return to Cocoa Beach on the morning of December 24th. This annual gathering brings together a sea of Kris Kringle doppelgangers and spirited Floridians, transforming the beach into a merry and bright Christmas celebration.

 

The inception of this unique Christmas tradition dates back to 2009 when founder George Trosset, then 70, found inspiration in an unexpected source—a Honda commercial. The ad showcased someone in red placing a surfboard on a car, followed by Santas catching waves on 4-5 foot swells.

 

"In 2009, I saw a Honda commercial where someone dressed in red put a surfboard on a car. Next thing you know, they’re out there surfing on 4-5 foot waves, shredding while dressed as Santa," recalls Trosset. "I thought, ‘Well, I want to be a Surfing Santa.’ My wife and I went to the thrift shop across from our beach house. I bought an old red raincoat and my wife sewed it up like a Santa suit."

 

Accompanied by his son and grandson, Trosset hit the beach, and a Florida Today photographer captured the iconic moment, featuring a front-page photo with the headline, "Surfing Santa."

 

The event's humble beginnings evolved into a grand tradition, drawing thousands each year and gaining international media attention. While the event spreads holiday cheer, Trosset and his elves have also raised substantial funds for the nonprofit Grind for Life, providing financial support to cancer patients for travel, lodging, and other expenses, as well as for the Florida Surf Museum.

 

Reflecting on over a decade of joy and fundraising, Trosset shares, "It’s been really cool to be a part of this, to think back about all the fun and fundraising and the joy it brings."

 

A familiar face at the event is Clifford "Peanut" Kuehner, who has donned the Surfing Santa role for almost as long as the tradition has existed. On December 24th, he'll be posing with numerous fans eager to capture the festive moment.

 

"I told George, ‘I’ll grow a beard if I can play the Surfing Santa,’” he said. “It’s fun doing what we do, just putting smiles on people’s faces."

 

Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, the beachfront haven Coconuts on the Beach, adjacent to the event, offers beachfront Bloody Marys and hot cocoa. Owner Christina Artz notes a surge in business on this day, declaring, "It’s one of our busiest days of the year. It’s all hands on deck that day."

 

Amidst the joyful chaos of surfboard-wielding Santas, Artz highlights the infectious joy: "You can’t not have fun watching everyone dress up and walk around in their outfits. Everybody’s happy, it’s a heartwarming atmosphere."

 

**Event Details:**

* Surfing Santas: 7:30 a.m.-noon, December 24th, at 3 Minuteman Causeway in Cocoa Beach.

* Festivities include live music, a costume contest, Hawaiian dancers, and a big group surf at 10 a.m. with a group photo-op shortly beforehand.

* For more information, visit [surfingsantas.org](https://surfingsantas.org/).

 

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