Established 1937
World's Oldest Santa School
non-profit organization
About the
Charles W. Howard
Santa Claus School
Established in 1937
In 1937, Charles W. Howard, a farmer in Albion, New York, established a Santa school in response to his displeasure with seeing other Santas in frayed suits, cheap beards, and shockingly inadequate knowledge of reindeer. He decided that he could start a school to make a better Santa. The first class consisted of three men, including a welder from New Jersey, his friend, and a neighbor. Charles eventually had a Christmas-themed park with several barns, a train, and some reindeer. Children from miles around would visit, including Tom Valent, originally from Salamanca, about an hour's drive from Albion.
"As a little girl, I sat on Charles Howard's lap, too," Holly Valent said. "We were from a small town. Every child wanted to go to Christmas Park." From 1948 to 1965, Charles Howard was the featured Santa Claus in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, perhaps the most visible Santa in the United States.
The school was taken over by Nate Doan in the 1960s, another famous Santa who, in 1968, moved the school to Bay City, Michigan. Tom attended the CWH Santa School in 1975 when he was expecting his first child.
Today, the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School continues running under the direction of Tom and Holly Valent. It is carried on in Midland, Michigan, with an eager student body of about 300 joyful and jolly new and returning students each year.
Tom & Holly Valent
Midland, Michigan
In 1987, under the direction of Tom and Holly Valent, the Charles W. Santa Claus School moved to Midland, Michigan. It became a non-profit organization and is the longest continuously running Santa Claus School worldwide. Tom Valent is the Dean of the internationally recognized Santa School.
Tom and his wife, Holly (yes, that's her real name!), have been involved in the CWH Santa Claus School since 1975. Together with their five adult children, they keep the spirit of Santa alive. In 1986, Tom had the honor of designing the amazing Midland Santa House. It was designed to look like those made of gingerbread. He makes all the animation and hand-carving displays in the Santa House. Tom is a civil engineer currently president and CEO of Gerace Construction Company. Tom is a toy maker, a woodcarver, and a builder, which comes in handy at the North Pole workshop. Both Tom and Holly love working with elves and have 13 little people they call grandchildren. Of course, they also love animals, especially the reindeer they care for in their backyard.
1995 Tom and Holly conducted the first World Santa School in Illulisatt, Greenland. The participating countries included Germany, Ireland, England, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Canada, Spain, Australia, Greenland, South Africa, Switzerland, and the United States.
This Santa School has been taught in Australia, Greenland, and England. Tom and Holly have participated in the weeklong St. Nicholas festivities in Zurich, Switzerland, Oslo, Norway, and Stockholm, Sweden. Together, they have continued to spread Christmas cheer around the world!
Academic Excellence
CWH Santa Claus School Curriculum
Ho Ho Ho! Get Ready for Santa School 2026!
Classes will begin on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 9:00 AM, kicking off three holly-jolly days packed with learning, laughter, and Claus-inspired adventures. The CWH Santa Claus School will officially conclude after our festive Graduation Banquet on Saturday, October 3, around 9:00 PM.
Throughout the weekend, students will dive deep into the wonder-filled history of Saint Nicholas, Santa, and Mrs. Claus, discovering the heart and legacy behind the red suit. You’ll learn proper dress, grooming, and make-up techniques, practice your warmest “Ho Ho Ho,” and even enjoy magical moments with live reindeer.
But that’s not all—our curriculum blends cheer and professionalism. Students will gain valuable marketing and business insight, take part in fun-filled adventures, and journey together to the Largest Christmas Store in the World! Whether you’re continuing your Claus education or just beginning your Santa journey, this weekend promises to be unforgettable.
2026 Tuition
⭐️ NEW Santa or Mrs. Claus Student: $645
🎄 ALUMNI Santa or Mrs. Claus Student: $615
Registered students may also purchase guest tickets for the Friday Adventures and the Saturday Graduation Banquet.