The Festive History of Surfing Santas: Cocoa Beach’s Unique Holiday Tradition
Every Christmas Eve, Cocoa Beach transforms into a merry spectacle as hundreds of festive Santas take to the waves. What began as a quirky family outing has blossomed into a cherished holiday tradition that draws thousands of locals and visitors alike.
It all started in 2009, when George Trussing was inspired by his wife’s Surfing Santa ornaments and a Honda commercial featuring surfing Santas. With some encouragement from family, George and his crew—his son and daughter-in-law—donned Santa suits and paddled out to the ocean.
In the early years, the event was small and intimate, but its charm caught on. Photos of Surfing Santas began circulating online, gaining national media attention and catapulting the event into the spotlight. Within seven years, the number of participating Santas skyrocketed from three to over 500. Spectators grew to over 5,000, turning George’s beachside backyard tradition into a statewide phenomenon.
By 2015, the original location in South Cocoa Beach couldn’t safely accommodate the growing crowds. Limited parking and high-speed traffic made the event risky for families. Fortunately, the city of Cocoa Beach stepped in, offering a larger beachfront location downtown. This new location welcomed 648 Surfing Santas and delighted thousands of onlookers, providing the perfect setting for a joyous celebration.
Adding to the thrill, skydiving Santas have become a beloved part of the event, descending onto the beach in dazzling displays. While the event’s scale is impressive, George emphasizes that Surfing Santas is about more than just breaking records. It’s about the joy it spreads to the community.
Join Us for Surfing Santas 2024!
This year’s Surfing Santas event is just around the corner, and we can’t wait to see you there! Here are the details:
📅 Date: December 24, 2024
⏰ Time: 7:30 AM EST
📍 Location: 3 Minutemen Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL
