IT HAS NEVER BEEN REVEALED, at least not officially, whether the flying reindeer leading Santa’s sleigh have trusted stand-ins or substitutes. We’re talking about any enchanted non-reindeer animals who can fill in should Prancer or Vixen need a little time off, which surely happens. We imagine a feisty fleet of flying dolphins could ably take the celebrated sleigh wherever it needs to go, should the iconic airborne ungulates that usually help Mr. Claus soar be unavailable for the job. After all, Santa is at home everywhere, even on the ocean, and he shows his saltier side around Thanksgiving each year when he famously arrives by boat in San Diego and Capitola. Nope, dolphins are not leading the way to the two surfside towns, nor are Santa’s reindeer, but there are some trusty humans ferrying the Jolly Old Elf to shore, all so he can happily hobnob with fans.
SURFIN’ SANTA… is an uplifting tradition at Seaport Village in San Diego, and the name tells the tale: The North Pole denizen traditionally shows up in a pair of colorful board shorts, a fashion touch that pays homage to the beach-loving region. He’ll be at the shopping destination over several midday hours Nov. 29, after arriving “by watercraft” after a short cruise on the bay. Once he is on land, visitors are invited to snap a photo with the festively attired dude (we think referring to Santa as “dude” in this instance is appropriate and respectful). And on the same date, right around the same time, in Capitola? Santa Claus will glide up to a warm welcome via kayak. Sweeter things will soon follow, as he’ll make time to chat with kids at the Esplanade Stage once he has bid his kayak goodbye.
TRUE, both of these events are happening simultaneously on the final Saturday of November 2025, but this is Santa Claus we are talking about. He may not drive a sleigh with a team of dolphins at the lead, but he is magical in all the ways, even when riding the waves and appearing in two spots at the same time.