Established 1937, The World's Oldest Santa School
The Harvard of Santa Schools
non-profit organization
NEWS & MEDIA
The CWH Santa Claus School has been shared worldwide.
Santas and Mrs. Clauses came from the United States, Canada, Denmark and Norway to learn wood toy-making, brush up on storytelling skills, drive sleighs, feed reindeer and, most importantly, spread the Christmas spirit. 2016
What goes into becoming Saint Nick? It takes more than just a red suit and white beard to don the title of Santa Claus. 2017
At this Santa school in Michigan, students learn how to play an iconic holiday role. 2016
It's hard to believe Christmas is two months away. But, hundreds of Santas are already hard at work, preparing for the holiday. They just finished up a weekend at Santa School. 2018
There are many exams and multiple tests, because the subject of wonder is not a game, and knowing how to enchant the world is the discipline of only a select few. 2016
Tom Valent started suiting up as Santa Claus when he was just 25 years old, doing his part to spread the Christmas spirit until the real Santa arrives on Christmas Eve. 2010
Abby Hornacek visits the world's oldest Santa school, learning to embody Santa's joy, love, and generosity—a crash course in Christmas spirit! 2024
While I certainly wanted to stay informed, I had begun to feel helpless against the deluge of negativity. Mrs. Claus became my guardian angel. 2018
As more than 100 stout and bearded men, all dressed in various shades of red and green, board a train to go rattling through the Michigan countryside for no apparent reason, I turn to Tom Valent and ask, "Why?" 2015
The Charles W. Howard Santa Claus school in Midland, Mich., teaches aspiring Santas everything from dance lessons to beard grooming. 2011
Being Santa is a serious business. It requires hard work. And conscientious study. 2017
Founded in 1937, this Michigan institution provides three days of intensive training for hundreds. We teach the heart of Santa. Explore the world’s oldest Santa school. 2021
Ken Jeong Cracks Christmas is the ultimate comedic quest to uncover the pop-culture myths and shocking unexpected stories behind the world’s most celebrated holiday. 2019
Each year, thanks to Tom and Holly Valent, Midland attracts 300 of Santa's best students from around the world to participate in the CWH Santa Claus School. You can bet they have a jolly good time. 2018
Michelle Khare immerses in the rigorous training at the historic Charles W. Howard Santa School in Michigan. Over three days, she masters essential skills ranging from toy making and reindeer handling to complex holiday lore and authentic costuming before facing her final challenge. 2023
Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School continues into 81st year
A longstanding Midland tradition continued over the weekend with the 81st annual Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School. Nearly 300 of "Santa's cousins" came from across the country and the world for fellowship, inspiration and a celebration of the Christmas spirit. 2018
I came here to learn "Claus and Effect." 2025