The quirkiest holiday traditions from across the United States

Surfing Santa in California
Lobster trap Christmas trees in New England
Chanukah on Ice
A Festivus for the rest of us
Keeping lights on until mid-January in Denver
Santa climbs down Chimney Rock, North Carolina
Scuba Claus in St. Louis
A sand tree in Florida
Skiing Santas in Maine
Surfing Santa in California

Michael Pless has been California’s surfing Santa since the 1990s. Hitting the waves at Seal Beach, California, he wears a Santa-themed wetsuit.

Lobster trap Christmas trees in New England

Lobster trap Christmas trees are no joke in New England. Here is one in the Plymouth Town Wharf in Plymouth, Mass.

Chanukah on Ice

In cities across the US, a new Jewish tradition has begun that involves lighting ice Menorahs on skating rinks to celebrate Chanukah. This photo is from Houston.

A Festivus for the rest of us

Based on a holiday from the Seinfeld universe, people around the US celebrate Festivus — featuring the Festivus pole, the airing of grievances, and, of course, feats of strength!

Image: Seinfeld / Youtube

Keeping lights on until mid-January in Denver

While most parts of the country are pulling Christmas lights down shortly after Christmas or New Year, Denverites leave them on until the National Western Stock Show in mid-January… or else! Yes, new residents have found this out the hard way.

 

Santa climbs down Chimney Rock, North Carolina

While most people think of Santa climbing down the chimney, in North Carolina he rappels down the 315-foot freestanding Chimney Rock.

Image: Chimneyrocknc/Instagram

Scuba Claus in St. Louis

At the St. Louis aquarium, visitors come out to see the city’s famous Scuba Claus… played by a local marine biologist, this Santa isn’t afraid to swim with sharks.

Image: Show Me St. Louis/Youtube

A sand tree in Florida

“Sandi” the world’s only 700-ton sand tree is sculpted each holiday season in West Palm Beach, Florida. Besides celebrating the season, it aims to raise awareness for cleaner beaches and oceans.

Skiing Santas in Maine

In Maine, hundreds of skiers and snowboarders dress up like Santa Claus hit the slopes of Sunday River mountain to raise money for a local charity.