Santa School 2026

Graduation Banquet at the 
89th Santa School

"What Do You Do At Santa School?"

We get this reaction all the time when we mention that we attend the prestigious Charles W. Howard Santa School in Midland, Michigan.  In the words of school dean Tom Valent:  "We don't simply teach people to look like Santa. We teach them to become the Santa a child will remember for a lifetime."

Mrs. Claus is making
a wooden gumball dispenser

In addition to Santa Claus history and lore, how to sound out a proper "HOHOHO", and taking care of Santa's look from Beard to Boots, we also learn how to deal with shy children, special needs kids, and how Santa enters through heart.  And yes, we even learn how to make toys.  Imagine the racket of 200+ Santas and Mrs. Clauses hammering away in a workshop!

Most of all, we learn how to embody the Spirit of Christmas by showing love and giving to children from newborn to 101.  Although picking up details on how to wear the red suit and associated boots, belts, and bells is important, the school's teachers as well as other Santas give us pointers on how to be the best Santa and Mrs. Claus we can be for your family or event. 

Visiting Reindeer at Rooftop Landings
Reindeer Farm

Once you book a professionally trained Santa, you'll never want to go back to your uncle with a cheap suit again.  If Santa Karl isn't available for your event, we also have a network of other professional Santas to make sure you have the best possible experience.  

Call or text us:  231-753-8660

See more pictures and reviews on GigSalad.

2026 Christmas Season Just Around the Corner

“Being Santa is a privilege, not a job." - Tom Valent

2025 Christmas Tree Lighting
in Muskegon's Hackley Park

As the morning temperatures in West Michigan plunge into the 40s, Mrs. Claus and I are packing our red and green suits to once again attend the Charles Howard Santa School in Midland October 1-3.  Now that we have several seasons under our 4" wide belts, it's time for a refresher in Christmas Spirit with our Brothers and Sisters in Red.

MADL Story Time
with Santa

Meanwhile, Santa Karl and Mrs. Claus' calendar is already filling up for December and even November.  Looks for Santa at these events:

• November 28, 6 PM - Muskegon Tree Lighting in Hackley Park - Event page (Facebook)
• December 1, 6 PM - Roosevelt Park Tree Lighting - see Roosevelt Park Facebook page for event details as they become available.  
• December 5, 10 AM - noon - Muskegon Farmer's Market
• Multiple events with the Muskegon Area District Library (MADL) - see branch locations for events.  

Pictures With Santa?  Of course!

Reindeer pose with
Lexi in her studio

We work with Lexi Fogle Photography in Muskegon's Core Plaza.  Watch Lexi's Facebook Page for photo sessions with Santa.  

Don't Delay - Book Soon!

Prime Santa visit times go fast, especially the December weekends.  

Check our reviews, see more pictures and request a quote on GigSalad.

2025 Christmas Season Kicks Off

We know it's not even Halloween yet, but Santa Karl and Mrs. Claus can't help getting excited about the Christmas season! 

The Charles Howard Santa School we attended last year was in session again this past weekend, so we caught up with some of our alumni friends and picked up a few Christmas goodies at the Santa Expo in Midland, Michigan.

We also stopped in at the Rooftop Landings Reindeer Farm in Clare, MI to visit with Dasher and Dancer's cousins.  

2025 Santa Karl Appearances

We are starting to get quite a few requests for events, so don't wait too long to add a visit from Santa to your holiday events!  

Look for us at:

• The Muskegon City Christmas Tree Lighting - date to be announced, but usually the last Saturday in November
• Muskegon Area District Library - check your local branch for dates
• Muskegon Farmer's Market

Santa Karl and Mrs. Claus would be honored to take part in your Christmas event.  Please contact us directly or see our listing on GigSalad.  

2024 Season Wrap Up

Santa's last 2024 event

December 27, 2024 marked the season's final event for Santa Karl.  In only 80 days between our drive to the Charles W. Howard Santa School and the after-Christmas party at an organic food producer, Mrs. Claus and I were transformed from Christmas newbies to seasoned Santas.  

We walked into Santa School with barely a stitch of red or green clothing in our possession to now having several proper outfits and quite the array of festive seasonal clothing.   

Retirement community
visits were super fun!

Our Hearts are Full

More importantly, the experience of home visits, concert appearances, photography sessions and even pub crawls has filled us with the Christmas Spirit.  Sharing our joy of Christmas with children of all ages has elevated our love for the season even more.

Back for 2025

As we hang up our Santa suits and Claus clothing, we are already thinking ahead to next year.  We have ideas of cookie baking at Muskegon Farmer's Market (calendar), Santa's workshop at the Lakeshore Fab Lab and earlier photo sessions with Lexi Fogle Photography so we'll be exploring more ways to spread Christmas Cheer all year long.

That's a wrap for 2024!

Book Early

As word of Santa Karl and Mrs. Claus got around, we found our calendar filling up quickly, especially the desirable weekends leading up to Christmas.  If you're able to plan that far ahead, please call or email us to secure your 2025 event now and beat the rush!