If you’ve ever wished your family Christmas photo came with a sea breeze and sandy toes, you’re in luck.

Santa on the Beach is returning to Jones Beach, turning the shoreline into Kiama Downs’ most festive pop-up photo studio.

Run by Kiama Downs Surf Life Saving Club, the annual tradition has become a firm favourite with local families who flock to the beach each November for a coastal spin on the classic Santa portrait.

With a freshly redesigned set, a cheerful Surf Club Santa and the ocean as the backdrop, it’s become one of those only-in-Kiama moments that signals the start of summer.

Sessions will run across two weekends in late November: Saturday 22 November from 9am to 1pm, Sunday 23 November from 1pm to 4pm, Saturday 29 November from 9am to 1pm, and Sunday 30 November from 12pm to 4pm.

Pre-booking is strongly encouraged, with last year’s slots filling quickly.

Bookings can be made online via the Kiama Downs SLSC Facebook page, and organisers say there’s a chance additional times may open up if demand is high.

The fundraiser has grown steadily over the years, now serving as one of the surf club’s major income streams for its nippers program and essential rescue equipment.

“Our Santa Photos on the Beach have been a huge success over the years,” says junior activities chairperson Ben Woods.

“We invite everyone to come on down, bring family and furry friends.

“It is great to see everyone getting into the festive spirit, from matching outfits to dressed-up pets.

“It is a fantastic community event.”