Surfing Santas began in 2009 as a small family gathering and has become a must-experience event that raises thousands of dollars every year for local charities. It’s fun for the whole family and makes for a Christmas vacation you'll never forget!
Surfing Santas is kind of a big deal, and it gets bigger every year. If you want to plan out your best holiday experience, here are a few tips.
Arrive Early
Surfing Santas is one of Cocoa Beach’s biggest events, and parking near Minutemen Causeway in Downtown Cocoa Beach can get a bit complicated as the morning rolls on.
Hop on the Cocoa Beach Trolley!
he Cocoa Beach Trolley (Route 9) is a local bus route that transports locals and visitors alike to top spots between Port Canaveral and Cocoa Beach. For $1.50/rider you can ditch the car at your hotel and enjoy a stress-free ride to Coconuts on the Beach!
Dress Up!
Join in the fun with the Costume Contest- beginning promptly at 8:30 am. (See the 2022 Schedule) Dress up in your favorite winter themed outfit – snowman, Santa and Mrs. Claus, gingerbread man, reindeer, elves – for your chance to win prizes. The more creative the costume, the better your chances of winning. The crowd will participate in the contest by giving applause for their favorite costume. The crowd favorites will determine the winners. There are five categories: babies (0-3), kids (4-15), groups (2 people or more), men (16+), and women (16+).
Winners will receive a 2-night hotel stay at the Country Inn & Suites in Port Canaveral, a gift bag with suncare products from Sun Bum along with other fun prizes. Additionally, the grand prize winner gets a free full-day boat rental, including a tank of fuel from Carefree Boat Club at Anchorage Yacht Basin (Melbourne Florida only)!
Pack Light
Surfing Santas starts at 8 am and ends at 12 pm. There is so much to do and see on the beach, you probably won’t need your normal beach-day setup. A backpack with a few towels to sit on and some holiday treats to munch on should be just enough. The weather is looking like it may get a little chilly this year, but don't forget your sunscreen and a hat though!
Plan ahead for Food!
While most Cocoa Beach restaurants stay open to feed the Surfing Santas crowd, some do close their doors or limit hours on Christmas Eve. Make sure you check up on your favorite restaurant's social media or call to make sure they will be open when you're ready to feast.
Buy the T-shirt!
Surfing Santas is, at its heart, a charitable event. Every year the organization donates thousands of dollars to, The Florida Surf Museum and Grind for Life. When you snag some Surfing Santas swag you're giving back to two incredible causes. It's a souvenir that won't be available after this year either, stash one or two of these under the tree and remember this year's Space Coast Holiday getaway for years to come.
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