Santa has ditched his sleigh and reindeer for a surfboard, while others have taken a Christmas Eve cold plunge to help raise funds for charity.
The annual dip at Helen’s Bay in Co Down saw swimmers dashing and dancing into the ocean.
Santa Splash festivities kicked off at 11am with carol singing and bell ringing before a warm-up session led by local fitness coaches Eamon Swail and Calvin Brennan.
The crowd was decked out in Santa hats, tinsel, and elf ears.
Among them was Agriculture Minister and local MLA and Mayor of Ards and North Down Councillor Gillian McCollum.
This year’s event is in aid of two charities, Dementia NI and the Air Ambulance Northern Ireland.
Weather conditions around Helen’s Bay were partly sunny today, with a high of 8C, while the low was 5C.
Meanwhile, Gorebridge Instructor and lifeguard Finn Clark was spotted dressed as Santa Claus during a surfing session at the Lost Shores Surf Resort in Newbridge near Edinburgh.
Newbridge was partly cloudy today and saw a high of 7C and a low of 3C.
Finn Clark made his best impression of Santa at the Lost Shore Surf Resort in Newbridge, near Edinburgh
Crowds at Helen’s Bay bracing for their cold plunge in the ocean on Christmas Eve
Crowds embracing freezing temperatures in the name of charity
Many were spotted wearing Santa hats, tinsel and elf ears
No mistle toe was needed for this couple spotted having a Christmas pash at Helen’s Bay
This swimmer celebrating while many swimmers braved the conditions
