COCOA BEACH, Fla. – On Christmas Eve, the festive spirit took a unique twist in Cocoa Beach as Santa swapped his sleigh for a surfboard, embracing the waves in true Florida fashion.

Sporting red suits and Santa hats, a lively group of surfers paddled into the Atlantic Ocean, much to the delight of onlookers lining the shore. Families, including children perched on shoulders and eager dogs tugging at leashes, gathered on the beach to witness the beloved Surfing Santas tradition and share holiday cheer.

From its humble beginnings in 2009 as a small family gathering, this event has blossomed into a hallmark celebration, attracting hundreds of surfing Santas and drawing thousands of spectators annually.

Reflecting on the event’s origins, George Trosset, Surfing Santas’ chief financial officer, recounted, “It started with just him and me. Our audience then was my three-year-old grandson Anderson, our dog Lola, and my wife. A few more surfers joined, and a local newspaper snapped a photo. That’s how ‘Surfing Santa’ was born.”

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Since then, the event has become about much more than festive fun. Proceeds from Santa suits and event merchandise benefit local charities, including the Florida Surf Museum and Grind for Life, a nonprofit that supports cancer patients.

Organizers say the event has raised more than $120,000 over the years, all while keeping the focus on community and giving back.

“It’s amazing,” said Cocoa Beach Mayor Keith Capizzi. “I’ve been going to it since it was at George’s house. To see what it’s turned into, the tourism, the locals, everyone having a good time, I love it.”

As the event has grown, so has the planning behind it. This year, Cocoa Beach police implemented traffic and parking plans to keep neighborhoods clear and improve safety. For the first time, shuttle service helped transport attendees to and from the beach, easing congestion and allowing families, pets, and first responders to move freely.

[MORE: Cocoa Beach police to Surfing Santas attendees: Park where you should, for goodness sake]

From sparkling morning waves to laughter, barking dogs and cheers from the crowd, Surfing Santas once again delivered a holiday message rooted in community spirit.

On a beach filled with red suits and Christmas cheer, the event proved that the best gifts of the season are meant to be shared, by people, by pets and by every generation.