COCOA BEACH, Fla. — Surfing Santas returned to Cocoa Beach, Florida, for a 16th year, a traditional costumed extravaganza on Florida’s Space Coast that has become one of the world’s most-anticipated Santa-themed gatherings at the surfing capital of Florida’s East Coast.
▶ WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS
More than 12,000 spectators flocked to Cocoa Beach Christmas Eve morning to cheer on over 400 surfers, taking to the Atlantic Ocean decked out in their St. Nick outfits
Read: Ocala police spread holiday cheer with Operation: Secret Santa
This year’s event raised a record-setting $100,000 for charity, bringing the total raised since 2013 to more than $400,000.
Read: Federal judge rejects Florida’s attempt to end lawsuit over manatee death
All proceeds benefit the work of local organizations, including Grind for Life, which provides financial assistance to cancer patients and their families when traveling long distances for their healthcare; the Florida Surf Museum, which preserves Florida’s unique surfing history; and several local school sports teams.
Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.