Surfin’ Santa Swaps His Sleigh for a Surfboard at Seaport Village

Santa’s trading his sleigh for a surfboard again, and honestly, it makes way more sense for San Diego. Surfin’ Santa returns to Seaport Village, delivering holiday cheer in the only way that feels right for Southern California – in boardshorts and a Hawaiian shirt.

The Grand Entrance

Santa makes his arrival by watercraft from San Diego Bay, leading a festive parade to the Fountain Courtyard. If you want a good spot on the boardwalk to catch his entrance, get there early.

It’s the kind of spectacle that draws a crowd, and for good reason – watching Santa cruise in from the bay instead of descending from a chimney is peak San Diego.

Free Photos Worth Taking

Once Santa settles in at the Fountain Courtyard, families can pose with him on his giant surfboard riding a six-foot wave. The photos are free and downloadable, which means you’re not stuck buying overpriced prints or dealing with package options.

Just capture the moment, download it later, and move on with your day. It’s a small thing, but it’s the kind of detail that makes the whole experience easier.

Holiday Vibes at the Village

Seaport Village goes all-in on holiday décor throughout the season, and with the waterfront location and those shops worth browsing, it’s an easy place to spend an afternoon.

After the Santa photo, you can explore the village, grab food, and soak up that holiday magic without feeling like you’re being rushed through a mall Santa line.

Bring the whole family and remember – this is beach Santa, so leave your expectations of traditional North Pole aesthetics at home.

See you there!

Celebrate the most magical time of year, San Diego style.

📆 Saturday, November 29, 1 PM – 4 PM
🎟️ Free admission and photos
ℹ️ More info here

See you there, San Diego!