“Being Santa is a privilege, not a job."
Tom Valent
Here you will find answers to most of your Santa School questions.
What are the dates for the 2023 CWH Santa Claus School?
The dates are October 5-7, 2023 in Midland, Michigan.
Can my spouse/guest attend classes?
All events and classes are for registered students only. However, if your spouse prepaid at registration, they are welcome to attend the Friday Adventures and/or the Saturday Graduation Banquet as an additional paid guest.
What are the additional Friday Adventures and Saturday Banquet tickets?
Registered students have the option of purchasing additional guest tickets at two events during the school.
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The Friday Afternoon Adventure includes transportation on Greyhound busses, a trip to Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland - the "World's Largest Christmas Store," downtown shopping and sightseeing in Frankenmuth, and dinner at the world-famous chicken restaurant The Bavarian Inn. The time is roughly 12:00 PM to 7:30 PM. The price is $110.
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The Saturday Graduation Banquet is time is 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM and includes dinner with our graduation ceremony. The price is $60.
These events are included with the student tuition. However, we offer this option for those who may want to share a part of the school experience with their spouse or family. Tickets can be purchased by registered students on our registration page as a separate ticket. Adults ages 18+ only, please.
What do I bring to class?
Students must wear the official school Santa pendant and a name tag for admittance to all school activities. Students and pre-registered guests attending the Friday Adventures and Saturday Graduation Banquet will have a separate name tag. We will have everything you need for class.
Do I bring my suit or beard?
No suits, beards, or accessories will be needed. There will be vendors to explore if you are looking for a Santa suit, beard, or wig. This Santa School is about learning how to BE Santa. We believe in the magic of only one Santa and do not encourage groups of Santa to be dressed in suits together.
Is it best to have a real beard?
Not really. The school will give you ways and ideas to have a real beard that you put on and magically change into the most well-known character in the world, Santa Claus. Our wig master can show you the way. These hairpieces are the best and very real.
What is the expected dress for school?
Dress for Santa School is casual during class, but we ask that you wear Sunday clothes (nice clothes saved for special occasions) for the Graduation Banquet on Saturday evening.
Are meals included?
This year we will include some meals for registered students, including dinner Friday and Saturday. Students are responsible for all other meals. Upon your arrival, we will have a few cookies, beverages, and treats!
Is transportation included?
Students are responsible for transportation. We will be providing transportation on Friday for the Afternoon Adventures.
What are the school hours?
We begin Santa School at 9:00 AM daily and finish class work by 5:00 PM. The Graduation Banquet will finish around 9:00 PM.
The CWH Santa Claus School is offered once a year. We are only open THREE days in the fall each year.
Can I record or film during Santa School?
Please refrain from taking photos or videos during class out of respect for the speakers. Recording activities and lectures are not permitted during school.
Will the Midland Santa House be open?
Yes! We will have an Open House at the Midland Santa House for registered students and their guests.
What is the closest airport to Midland, Michigan?
The closest airport is the MBS - MBS International Airport in Saginaw, Michigan (14 miles).
Other nearby airports include:
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FNT - Bishop International Airport in Flint, Michigan (65 miles)
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GRR - Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan (120 miles)
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DTW - Detroit Metropolitan International Airport in Detroit, Michigan (136 miles)
Is lodging included?
Students are responsible for lodging. Some hotel accommodations in the Midland area are listed below.
Hampton Inn 989-837-4000
SpringHill Suites 989-837-2700
Fairfield Inn & Suites 989-631-7100
Holiday Inn 989-794-8500
Sleep Inn 989-837-1010
H Hotel 989-839-0500
What is your cancellation policy?
Tickets are refundable minus a $50 convenience fee for each ticket on or before September 15. Tickets are non-refundable after September 15. Refunds will be made after October 10, 2023, through PayPal only.
Can I purchase a gift certificate?
Yes! We offer gift certificates to be put towards tuition. Please email us with your request, and we will send you a gift certificate with a unique one-time registration code to be printed for the recipient.