Waterskiing Santa And Grinch Deliver Laughs On Cold Christmas

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Just past noon, a number of boats pulled water skiers on the Potomac River waterfront near DC. It's a common sight during the summer, but this was the scene Christmas Eve and the water skiers were Santa Claus and other holiday characters.

Santa and his elves put on the 32nd annual Waterskiing Santa show at 1 p.m. this Christmas Eve in Old Town Alexandria. It began when the original Santa lost a bet to water ski on the Potomac River, but it turned into something bigger. Three decades later, the 30-minute show and 15-minute pre-show are kept alive by volunteers willing to brave the icy temperatures of the Potomac River as spectators look on and shiver.

The latest interpretation was under the direction of "Papa Noel" Comeaux, who fittingly took on the role of Santa six years ago after starting out as a reindeer and Jack Frost. And Papa Noel has no problem bundling up in layers of flannel in bare feet "to bring smiles to children's faces."

Viewers saw an array of their favorite Christmas characters like Frosty the Snowman, the Heat and Snow Misers and reindeer before Santa came out for the grand finale. But while the show built up to the entrance of Santa, another character has been known to steal the spotlight from the Jolly Man in Red. "The Grinch returns every year and tried to steal Christmas," Papa Noel tells Patch. Viewers often say their favorite part of the show is Grinch terrorizing one of the Christmas characters until Santa's elves come to the rescue.

The show has captivated audiences in all weather conditions. This year, the Potomac River was a chilling 42 degrees, while other years have involved snow and even parts of the river freezing over. "To be on the water even in a dry suit, parts of you get really cold," says Papa Noel.

Luckily, characters stay on the boats before braving the cold water for about 10 to 12 minute segments. The show immediately follows with a meet-and-greet with the characters on the waterfront.

Beyond those daring water skiers, it takes local sponsors around dozens of volunteers to drive boats, help dress the characters in their gear and manage radio communications. And if the water skiers fall during the show, there's always "safety elves" to help them get back up again.

For more information, visit Waterskiing Santa's website and view highlights of the show below.

Image via Nick Eckert/Visit Alexandria