Illustration of Santa greeting families at long breakfast tables with pancakes and cocoa (Surfing Santa Contest)

Surfing Santa Contest

2026 dates not announced yet. Details are from 2025.

Experience the thrill of the Surfing Santa Contest, a unique holiday surf and stand-up paddleboard competition. Participants don festive Santa and holiday-inspired costumes as they battle the waves at Salt Creek Beach. This exciting event supports Surfers Healing, a non-profit dedicated to providing surf therapy for children with autism, making it a meaningful way to celebrate the holiday season.

Map It Details Official site

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Plan Your Visit

Last year

Tickets

$$

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Salt Creek Beach

Food & Drink

Food trucks and beverage vendors available on-site

Going?

Location

Salt Creek Beach · Dana Point, CA Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ (4/5)

Best For

Holiday enthusiasts, surfers, families, charity supporters

Vibe

Festive, charitable, active, community-oriented

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

📷 📷 📷 📷 📷 (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

High

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot for the surf competition, especially if you want to see participants dressed as Santa.
  • Consider bringing beach chairs or blankets for comfortable viewing of the surf and paddleboard contests.
  • Check the event's social media pages for any last-minute updates or schedule changes before heading out.
  • Be prepared for potentially cool coastal weather; layers are recommended for comfort.
  • Learn more about Surfers Healing beforehand to fully appreciate the impact of your participation or support.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Holiday Surfboard Auction coming soon
  • Participants dress as Santa and holiday characters

Links & Contact

Run by Surfers Healing

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Surfing Santa Contest?

It's a unique surf and stand-up paddleboard competition where participants dress in holiday-themed costumes to raise funds for Surfers Healing, an organization that provides surf therapy for children with autism.

Where is the event held?

The contest takes place at Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point, California, directly below The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel.

How can I participate or support the event?

You can register to compete in the surf or paddleboard contest, or support the cause by participating in the holiday surfboard auction. Information on registration and auctions can be found on their website.

What is Surfers Healing?

Surfers Healing is a non-profit organization founded by Izzy and Danielle Paskowitz that offers complimentary one-day surf camps for children with autism.

Is this event suitable for families?

Yes, the event is family-friendly, offering exciting surf action and a festive atmosphere. It's a great opportunity to enjoy the beach and support a meaningful cause.

Featured Video

Browse Christmas in Dana Point

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

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