Established 1937, The World's Oldest Santa School
The Harvard of Santa Schools
non-profit organization
Celebrating
89 Years
Since its founding in 1937, this has never been merely a school. It is a tradition, faithfully preserved and passed down through generations of Santas and Mrs. Clauses.
CWH Santa Claus School is not just a school we have preserved, but a tradition we continue. Founded in 1937 by Charles W. Howard, it has endured for nearly nine decades, shaping generation after generation of those who don the mantle of Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.
What began as one man's vision to train Santas with genuine skill, warmth, and character has grown into the oldest and most respected institution of its kind in the world. Through changing times, our purpose has remained unchanged: to prepare men and women not merely to wear a red suit, but to carry the responsibility, the history, and the spirit that come with it.
Today, the Charles W. Howard Santa School continues that legacy, welcoming new students each year into a lineage that stretches back to 1937, one built on craft, on character, and on the enduring belief that Santa Claus is a calling worth doing well.
About the
Charles W. Howard
Santa Claus School
Established in 1937
In 1937, Charles W. Howard, a farmer from Albion, New York, founded a school with an unusual mission: to make a better Santa Claus. He'd grown tired of seeing men play Santa in frayed suits, cheap beards, and with shockingly little knowledge of reindeer, and he believed he could do something about it.
His first class had just three students: a welder from New Jersey, his friend, and a neighbor.
Charles went on to build a Christmas-themed park of his own, complete with several barns, a train, and live reindeer. Children from miles around came to visit, including a young Tom Valent, who made the hour-long drive from Salamanca, New York.
"As a little girl, I sat on Charles Howard's lap, too," recalls Holly Valent. "We were from a small town, and every child wanted to go to Christmas Park."
From 1948 to 1965, Charles Howard served as the featured Santa Claus in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade — for nearly two decades, quite possibly the most visible Santa in America.
In the 1960s, the school passed into the hands of Nate Doan, another celebrated Santa, who moved it to Bay City, Michigan, in 1968. Tom Valent attended the CWH Santa Claus School himself in 1975, while awaiting the birth of his first child. In time, Holly and Tom's own children would sit on Nate Doan's lap, and years later, their oldest grandson would sit on Tom's. It's a big circle.
Today, the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School continues under the direction of Tom and Holly Valent, held each year in Midland, Michigan. Around 300 joyful, jolly students, new and returning, join us annually, continuing a tradition that began with three men and one man's determination to do Santa right.
MEET Tom & Holly Valent
Midland, Michigan
In 1987, under the direction of Tom and Holly Valent, the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School moved to Midland, Michigan, and became a nonprofit organization, making it the world's longest-running Santa Claus school. Tom Valent serves as Dean of the internationally recognized school, a role he and Holly have grown into together since first getting involved back in 1975.
And yes, Holly is her real name — and her birthday falls just a few days before Christmas. Together with their five adult children, Tom and Holly keep the spirit of Santa alive year-round.
In 1986, Tom designed Midland's beloved Santa House, built to resemble a gingerbread house, and he continues to create all of its animated and hand-carved displays himself. By day, Tom is a civil engineer and currently serves as president and CEO of Gerace Construction Company — but he's also a toymaker, woodcarver, and builder, skills that come in handy at the North Pole workshop. Between the two of them, Tom and Holly have 14 grandchildren they lovingly call their "little elves," along with a soft spot for animals, especially the reindeer they care for in their own backyard.
In 1995, Tom and Holly led the first World Santa School in Ilulissat, Greenland, welcoming participants from Germany, Ireland, England, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Canada, Spain, Australia, Greenland, South Africa, Switzerland, and the United States. Since then, the school's teachings have traveled to Australia, Greenland, and England, and Tom and Holly have taken part in weeklong St. Nicholas festivities in Zurich, Switzerland; Oslo, Norway; and Stockholm, Sweden. Together, they've spent more than 50 years spreading 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.