Santa Goes Paddleboarding in Greece for the Holidays

Santa Claus may usually arrive by sleigh, but in northern Greece he showed up on a paddleboard.

Along the seafront of Thessaloniki, dozens of people dressed as Santa Claus paddled across the water as part of the annual “Santa SUP” event, a festive twist on stand-up paddleboarding that blends sport, spectacle, and seasonal spirit.

The event, now in its fifth year, is organized by a local stand-up paddleboarding club with the aim of encouraging people to connect with the sea while celebrating Christmas in an unconventional way.

Organisers say SUP is one of the fastest-growing water sports worldwide, offering a full-body workout while promoting well-being and a positive mood. Thanks to Thessaloniki’s mild climate, paddling is possible year-round.

More than 50 participants joined this year’s Santa SUP, many wearing full red suits and hats as they paddled along the waterfront, drawing smiles from onlookers. Beyond the festive visuals, the event also supports a good cause, raising funds for children receiving care at the Ippokratio Hospital of Thessaloniki.

With drone views capturing Santas gliding over the water, the event has become a crowd-pleasing holiday tradition, turning a simple water sport into a joyful seasonal celebration.