“Being Santa is a privilege, not a job."

Tom Valent

🎅🏻 2026 CWH Santa Claus School — FAQ 🤶🏻

Ho ho ho — here’s the updated, jollier-than-ever FAQ with details baked right into the sleigh! 🎁

📅 Mark Your Calendars

What are the dates and hours for the 2026 CWH Santa Claus School?
The CWH Santa Claus School will be held October 1–3, 2026, in Midland, Michigan. Classes begin between 8:00 and 9:00 AM each day and conclude by 5:00 PM. The Afternoon Adventures typically wrap up around 7:30 PM, and the Graduation Banquet finishes by 9:00 PM.

Please note: our Santa School runs only once a year and is open for three magical days each fall.

🎟️ Tidings of Tuition

What is the tuition for 2026?

NEW Santa or Mrs. Claus student: $645
ALUMNI Santa or Mrs. Claus student: $595

🎄 Checking Your List Twice (Check-In)

What time should I arrive on the first day?
Doors open early, please arrive between 8:00 and 8:45 AM at the Midland Center for the Arts (1801 W. Saint Andrews, Midland, MI 48640) to check in and collect your welcome packet.

What do I need to check in?
We’ve got your registration info. You’ll receive the official 2026 Santa School pendant and a name tag—both are required for admittance to all school activities. Pre-registered guests attending Friday or Saturday events will get a separate personalized name tag.

💕 Mrs. Claus & Guests (Who Can Attend)

Can my spouse/guest attend classes?
All classes and on-site events are exclusively for registered students. If your spouse/guest prepaid during registration, they may attend the Friday Afternoon Adventure and/or the Saturday Graduation Banquet as an additional paid guest.

Ticket Eligibility: Adult tickets (for guests aged 18 and above) for guest events can be purchased on our registration page.

🎁 Special Santa Adventures (Guest Ticket Details & Prices)

Friday Afternoon Adventure (approx. 12:00–7:30 PM): $110 per guest
Includes a bagged lunch, transportation via Greyhound buses, a visit to Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland (the “World’s Largest Christmas Store”), sightseeing and shopping in Frankenmuth, and dinner at The Bavarian Inn.

Saturday Graduation Banquet (5:30–9:00 PM): $65 per guest
Includes dinner and the graduation ceremony.

(These two events are included for registered students; guest tickets are available for purchase separately.)

🛷 Packing Your Sleigh (What to Bring)

What do I bring to class?

Your official Santa pendant and name tag (required for entry).
New students receive a CWH Santa School book at check-in.
Alumni may wish to bring paper and a pen for notes.

We’ll provide the rest; no need to bring props or lesson materials.

🧤 Suit, Beard, & Becoming Santa

Do I bring my suit or beard?
Nope, you don’t need to bring a suit, beard, or accessories. Santa School teaches you how to embody the spirit of Santa. Vendors will be available if you’d like to purchase suits, wigs, or beards, but our focus is on authenticity and individuality; one Santa, not a posse!

Is it best to have a real beard?
Not necessary. We’ll teach techniques for realistic beards, and our expert wig master will help you choose and style hairpieces that look authentic.

🦌 Reindeer Rules (Dress Code)

What is the expected dress for school?
Casual and comfortable is perfect for daytime classes (layers recommended for Michigan fall). For the Graduation Banquet on Saturday, please wear your Sunday best—nice clothes reserved for special occasions (no Santa or Mrs. Claus suits).

🍪 Milk & Cookies (Meals)

Are meals included?
Yes, this year, registered students receive four meals:

Lunch on Thursday
Lunch on Friday
Dinner on Friday
Banquet dinner on Saturday

Other meals are the student’s responsibility. We’ll also have cookies, beverages, and treats waiting for you when you arrive!

🚍 Travel & Lodging

Is transportation included?
You are responsible for travel to Midland (we don’t provide airport shuttles). We do provide transportation on Friday for the Afternoon Adventures (Greyhound buses).

Is lodging included?
Students are responsible for their own lodging. We have secured discounted rooms at several hotels (please mention “Santa School” when booking). Limited rooms are available—call the hotels below for the discounted rate:

Hampton Inn: 989-837-4000 (discounted rate)
SpringHill Suites: 989-837-2700 (discounted rate)
Residence Inn: 989-837-9990 (discounted rate)
Holiday Inn: 989-794-8500 (discounted rate)
Fairfield Inn & Suite: 989-631-7100 (discounted rate)
Sleep Inn: 989-837-1010
H Hotel: 989-839-0500

✈️ Closest Airports

MBS: MBS International Airport (Saginaw, MI) 14 miles (closest)
FNT: Bishop International Airport (Flint, MI) 65 miles
GRR: Gerald R. Ford International Airport (Grand Rapids, MI) 120 miles
DTW: Detroit Metropolitan Airport (Detroit, MI) 136 miles

🎥 Santa’s Secrets Stay Secret (Recording Policy)

Can I record or film during Santa School?
Please refrain from taking photos or videos during class. Recording lectures and activities is not permitted out of respect for our speakers and the integrity of the program.

🏠 Midland Santa House

Will the Midland Santa House be open?
Yes, we will host an Open House at the Midland Santa House for registered students and their guests.

🎁 Gift Certificates

Can I purchase a gift certificate?
Yes! Email us to request a gift certificate, and we’ll send a printable certificate with a unique one-time registration code that can be put toward tuition.

🔁 Cancellation Policy

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! If you’re unable to join us for this magical event, we will miss you dearly. Please email us at cwhsantaschool@gmail.com to let us know.

Refund Policy

🎄 On or before August 15
Tickets are refundable with a $150 per-ticket deduction. To begin a cancellation, please be sure you receive a confirmation of receipt from CWHSS.

🎅 August 15 – September 15
Cancellations during this period will receive a 50% refund.

✨ After September 15
Tickets become non-refundable.

All eligible refunds will be processed by October 30, 2026.

📬 How to Reach Us

Christmas comes once a year, and so do we! As a small non-profit, we are only open for three days and will monitor email intermittently until the end of August. Starting in August, we’ll be more responsive. We do not have a public phone number or a single physical school address (events are at various Midland locations). To contact us:

Email: cwhsantaschool@gmail.com
Mailing: CWH Santa Claus School
% Tom & Holly
P.O. Box 1642
Midland, MI 48641 USA

🎄 Please note: the address and phone number listed on Google are incorrect — use the contact info above.