Once you’ve experienced Surfing Santas in Cocoa Beach you’ll never want to spend your Christmas anywhere else. On December 24th at 7:30 am hundreds of Santas grab their surfboards and hit the waves on the Space Coast. Gathering at Coconuts on the Beach at the end of Minutemen Causeway, they are soon joined by thousands of spectators for the most exciting holiday event on the planet. There’s live music & performances, a costume contest, an impressive array of boards, and plenty of holiday cheer to spread around!
When: Christmas Eve, Dec 24 @ 7:30am
Where: Coconuts on the Beach – 2 Minutemen Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931
Why: It’s the most fun you’ll ever have on Christmas Eve!
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!
The 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 2023 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+).
Pack Light
Surfing Santas starts at 7:30 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.
Where To Stay in Cocoa Beach
There’s plenty of space for your family to enjoy Christmas in Cocoa Beach. With premier hotel options and tons of quaint and cozy vacation rental properties speckled throughout town, you’ll have your pick of places to call your home-away-from-home for the Holidays.
How to Get Around Cocoa Beach
Now is a great time to utilize the Cocoa Beach Trolley. The trolley service runs Monday through Saturday from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm and on Sunday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm from Port Canaveral to 13th Street in Cocoa Beach. It connects all the major hotels and attractions of Cocoa Beach, like the Cocoa Beach Pier & Ron Jon Surf Shop to all the fun shops and restaurants in Downtown Cocoa Beach.
A one-way ride on the trolley costs $1.50 with a special rate of .75 for seniors, veterans, disabled, and students. There is no charge for children under 5 or for transfers to fixed-route bus service. Please have the exact fare ready when riding a bus/trolley. Drivers are not equipped to make change. The Cocoa Beach Trolley is route #9. Click here for Trolley Map and Schedule.
Where To Park in Cocoa Beach for Surfing Santas
Surfing Santas takes place at the end of Minutemen Causeway in the heart of Downtown Cocoa Beach. There is limited street parking in this area. The Cocoa Beach Parking Garage is a great option for visitors. You’ll definitely want to arrive early, or utilize rideshare services to ensure a hassle-free arrival in Cocoa Beach!
Metered parking is available throughout Cocoa Beach. Check out this website for a comprehensive list of all the parking spaces in Cocoa Beach, and the opportunity to download the Passport Parking Mobile App for a seamless parking experience.
Plan your Cocoa Beach Weekend Getaway!
Experiencing Surfing Santas is an unforgettable way to spend your Christmas holiday on the Space Coast, and there’s so much more to see and do. Check out our favorite ways to enjoy the weekend in Cocoa Beach and start planning your holiday getaway now!