What are Some Winter Wave Pool Incentives? (or Summer if You’re Down Under)

Wave pools across Europe, North America,and Australia have launched a wide range of holiday promotions, combining themed surf sessions, food and beverage programming, gift card incentives, and community events running through December and into the New Year.

What are some winter wave pool incentives? Well, it can be about anything, from Christmas trees and concerts, to some Scottish thing plunge we never knew about until today… the possibilities are limitless, really.

WavePoolMag offers this Christmas stocking, which explores some of the more creative incentives as well as flat-out deals used to get people on site, surfed out and stoked during the holiday season and beyond.

Lost Shore, Edinburgh

Lost Shore has scheduled a dense slate of December and New Year events anchored by its Christmas Kook Out, which was held December 14. The lighthearted surf competition featured two themed wave windows and prize categories for costume, style, and wipeouts. Entry costs were donated to The Wave Project and Inclusive Surfing Scotland. Prizes included surf vouchers and food items.

Additional holiday programming at Scotland’s wave tank includes classic Christmas film screenings, children’s events featuring Mrs. Claus, and a fully ticketed Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve) cookout featuring open‑fire dining and a ceilidh (music!), with access bundled into dinner bookings. 

On January 1, Lost Shore will host its Loony Dook, an inland take on Scotland’s New Year’s Day cold‑water plunge. Participants receive access to lockers, hot showers, and optional sauna bookings. The on‑site Canteen will open at 8 a.m. for breakfast service.

Atlantic Park Surf, Virginia Beach

Atlantic Park Surf has paired seasonal décor with retail incentives and expanded winter surf programming. The park unveiled a 30‑foot surfboard Christmas tree on November 28, built from 52 painted boards created with local muralists and area schools. The installation will remain on display through the holiday season alongside decorative lighting throughout the district.

Gift card promotions run through January 4, with tiered incentives ranging from free beach passes at the $50 level to cabana rentals, merchandise, and surfboard and wetsuit rentals at higher tiers.

Every Friday and Saturday in December, beginning at 4:30 p.m., the park is hosting Fireside Sessions featuring firepits, heaters, hot drinks, and evening surf viewing. 

“We’re bringing festive energy to the beach with experiences that go beyond traditional surfing,” a spokesperson said. 

Surf with Santa sessions are scheduled for December 20 and 21, with participating surfers entered into gift card drawings.

Palm Springs Surf Club, California

Palm Springs Surf Club will host an island-style celebration inside their Beach Ballroom, which will be transformed into a warm tropical escape for an evening. Authentic Polynesian hula and fire-inspired performances will happen on the lanai, a Hawaiian buffet dinner will be served, and a photo-op visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus. Friday, December 19. Doors open at 5:30 PM. $60 Adults | $40 Kids

A cozy indoor night of aloha, flavor, and holiday cheer—perfect for families and friends looking to celebrate the season island-style.

Palm Springs Surf Club is also staying true to its party roots and focusing on New Year’s Eve with “Afterglow,” a ticketed celebration combining dining and live entertainment. Guests can choose from dinner‑only, dinner‑plus‑party, or party‑only access. The event includes two separate dinner seatings, live music by Lisa Lynn and the Broken Hallelujahs, DJ sets by Zephyr, passed bites, and a champagne toast at midnight.

Programming is spread across multiple indoor venues, allowing guests to arrive early for dinner or later for music and dancing. All ticket tiers require advance booking.

Revel Surf, Arizona

Revel Surf will host a holiday event on December 20. The program includes photos with Santa for beach pass holders, a Santa Suit Surf Competition, and a stocking stuffer scavenger hunt in cabanas. Guests who participate in Rivian test drives will receive complimentary beach passes. The day concludes with a reverse happy hour offering seasonal food and drink specials. 

The Wave, Bristol

The Wave has launched an extensive Christmas schedule combining children’s activities, themed surf sessions, and a broad gift program. Gingerbread decorating sessions run every weekend at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., with a complimentary hot chocolate or soft drink included. Festive children’s films screen twice daily in The Hideaway.

Surf with Santa sessions are scheduled across six dates in December, including advanced, intermediate, and women-only sessions. The venue is also promoting gift packages ranging from £60 single‑session cards to £195 family surf bundles, with additional digital vouchers available from £10.

“What most of us actually need is time, time to reset, laugh, and reconnect,” a spokesperson said. “Time in the water does that.” Gift packages are available for home delivery or digital purchase and remain valid for 12 months.

Alaïa Bay, Switzerland

Alaïa Bay has released a structured holiday gift lineup featuring discounted surf packs valid through November 1, 2026. Offers include one‑session Surf Packs starting at CHF 149, multi‑session bundles of three, five, or ten sessions, and combination packages that add meals at the Twin Fin restaurant and overnight stays at Alaïa Hostel.

All packs include equipment, peak upgrades, and flexible booking. Gift cards remain available for open‑ended use. “We look forward to seeing these gifts turn into real moments in the water next season,” said the Alaïa Bay team.

URBNSURF, Melbourne and Sydney

URBNSURF is promoting holiday gifting through digital gift cards and merchandise bundles redeemable at its Melbourne and Sydney parks. Gift cards are available in denominations from AUD 50 to 300 and are valid for three years. Physical bundles combine surf credit with items such as wet bags and hooded towels. Whether delivered digitally or by mail, the offerings are designed for all skill levels and year‑round use. 

“Whether they’re learning to surf, chasing barrels, or making memories that last a lifetime, URBNSURF has something for everyone,” the wave pool said.

O₂ SURFTOWN MUC, Munich, Germany

Bavaria’s favorite wave pool is offering a range of holiday-season promotions, including surf gift cards and value vouchers that cover surf sessions, memberships, and coaching packages. The promotion is open to all skill levels and can be purchased online. The ongoing SURFTOWN Winter Jam invites surfers to submit Flowstate Clips through the end of January for a chance to win an Indio Racer 5’8 surfboard.

Giveaways are also being run on Instagram, including items such as a surf camp trip, a Truma cooler, and a TUDOR watch valued at €3,800. In response to user feedback gathered from social media, newsletters, and in-person visits, O₂ SURFTOWN MUC has launched a Local Status option. After completing five sessions, participants can bypass standard briefings and access additional sessions in the booking calendar. The Membership Program has also been updated, with discounts of up to 20% on session packages planned for 2026.