WATCH: Surfing Santas returns to Florida’s Space Coast for 12th year

COCOA BEACH, Fla. — Hundreds of surfers and thousands of spectators hit the beach Saturday morning for one of the most unique holiday celebrations around.

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Billed as the largest themed surfing event in the country, “Surfing Santas” returned to Cocoa Beach for a twelfth year.

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The 2021 event included live music, hula dancers, and a costume contest in addition to the hundreds of surfers dressed as Santa hitting the waves.

“Surfing Santas is one of the most unique ways to celebrate the holidays here on the Space Coast,” Space Coast Office of Tourism Executive Director Peter Cranis said. “It is certainly a legacy event on the Space Coast, and the best part is how they give back to the community through fundraisers.”

All proceeds from Surfing Santas benefit the Florida Surf Museum and their charity “Grind for Life,” which helps provide financial support to cancer patients for expenses that aren’t covered by insurance.

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Surfing Santas has raised more than $200,000 for local charities since 2013.

Organizers are still calculating how much was raised Saturday, but estimate it to be in the tens of thousands of dollars.

In addition to a visit from Santa Claus, former NFL Quarterback Doug Flutue also joined in the festivities for the 2021 event.

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Flutie kicked off the event by jumping into the ocean from a helicopter.

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Surfing Santas 2021 More than 400 surfers and 10,000 spectators participated in the 2021 Surfing Santas in Cocoa Beach on Christmas Eve. (Space Coast Office of Tourism)

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