How Professional Santas Are Trained | What It Takes

Professional Santas from all around the world travel to the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School in Midland, Michigan, to learn about all things Santa Claus before the start of the holiday season. Referred to as the “Harvard of Santa institutions,” it's been in operation since 1937, making it the oldest Santa school in the United States.
During the three-day course, Santas learn how to sound like Santa, use American Sign Language to communicate Santa-related phrases, and answer questions from children. Insider visited the 84th running of the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School to find out what it takes to be a professional Santa Claus.
MORE INSIDER VIDEOS:
How Christmas Lights Are Made
• How Christmas Lights A...
Why 'Die Hard' Is A Christmas Movie
• Why 'Die Hard' Is A Ch...
What It Takes To Be A Rockette In Radio City's Christmas Spectacular
• What It Takes To Be A ...
------------------------------------------------------
#SantaClaus #Christmas #Insider
Insider is great journalism about what passionate people actually want to know. That’s everything from news to food, celebrity to science, politics to sports and all the rest. It’s smart. It’s fearless. It’s fun. We push the boundaries of digital storytelling. Our mission is to inform and inspire.
Subscribe to our channel and visit us at: www.insider.com
Insider on Facebook: / insider
Insider on Instagram: / insider
Insider on Twitter: / thisisinsider
Insider on Snapchat: / 4020934530
Movies Insider on Snapchat: / 9616609930
Insider on TikTok: / insider
How Professional Santas Are Trained | What It Takes

[@perry750]

bruh this is so wholesome just a bunch of old people having fun dancing and experiencing their childhood once again

[@Northern_Critter]

@@NoBoomBoomGaming shut up grandpa

[@perry750]

@@NoBoomBoomGaming okay kool

[@m4gn3tic82]

@@Northern_Critter what did he say

[@Northern_Critter]

@@m4gn3tic82 "not that old, im 26 yrs old and i have been there"

[@Northern_Critter]

@@m4gn3tic82 something like that

[@harshitabharadwaj2551]

Idk why but Santa school NEVER EVER crossed my mind! It's wholesome! They all are so adorable and doing so much to make someone's day! ✨

[@faisalsyahreza4377]

yeah, since 37's

[@rufiredup90]

Yes! I thought so too. It’s adorable!

[@teamgogreen5504]

Same

[@samuraiboi2735]

Tbh i thought santa owned a elf factory but i didnt know Santa instructors owned santa workshops.

[@thediamondsunset]

It kind of gives them some certification of sorts too, I'd imagine.

[@aleksandrrozentsvit8390]

I'm deaf and I'm delighted that ASL is taught during the training. Honestly we need to have signing santas and trust me; deaf and hearing kids from deaf families will be delighted. When I was younger; I went to Macy's Santaland and none of the Santas signed. Then one time a Santa really signed to me and I was shocked.

[@mohdmoazzam120]

So much Concoction and Corruption in the religion. No wonder why logical people abandon this faith 🤫

[@rykerwilder1863]

@@mohdmoazzam120 how is your reply even remotely related to the comment

[@genesis5347]

@@mohdmoazzam120 pisslam, the most radical of all. Most of islamic dominant countries suffer from it's brutal oppression backwards illlogical thinking. They cry in minority and destroy in majority.

[@PranavTarlapalli]

@@genesis5347 There wasn't any need to insult Islam by calling it "Pisslam". You didn't have to start a fight in the comment section

[@rohanwithlegoandcube3686]

@Aleksandr Rozentsvit How do you understand this video? With subtitles? I'm genuinely curious and mean no offense.

[@Jhopeisbrighterthanyourfuture]

I don’t believe in Santa but I still always look forward to visiting the Santa at my local mall every single year. Sometimes just being able to talk to one of the Santas just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. My parents aren’t the most affectionate people so when I’m talking to those mall santas, I just feel so loved and grateful for life.

[@EuphoriaInBloom]

Aw that’s sweet. I never thought mall santas would affect someone in such a way but that is so lovely :)

[@Ghost_-_]

Ya same i don't believe in Santa, but I like seeing them cheering up people

[@Hoaxe72]

Average Santa denier be like;

[@n_coder]

I love how you said "I don't believe in Santa" like it's a religion or something

[@charliepea]

I find this wholesome. They trained a lot so they'll make children happy on a special day.

[@callumbmx9763]

They might just be aload of old nonces though... Jk

[@afsaramehrin2993]

Santa isn't just for the kids; he's for pets and grown-ups too 🎅🏻❤🎄 I was one of those unfortunate then-children from the 90s who was kept away from not only visiting Santa but also... kept away from celebrating Christmas overall 💔 I know some of you won't believe this but the ones who constantly kept Santa and Christmas out of my way back in those days, were members of my own family 😭 It's true. My 2 furbabies and I are the only ones at home who actually celebrate Christmas 🎄🐈🐈 Rest of my family sees Christmas as "anti-Islamic" 💔

[@arandommalaysian4039]

@@afsaramehrin2993 it is anti islamic infact its haram to celebrate it.

[@afsaramehrin2993]

@@arandommalaysian4039 don't try to start an argument here 🤚🏻

[@arandommalaysian4039]

@@afsaramehrin2993 i wont ;)

[@nshalpun4744]

love what the last guy said, he loves what he’s doing and wants to bring joy to the kids

[@TheSebasdesign]

Michael jackson said something similar i believe!

[@nshalpun4744]

@@TheSebasdesign lol 😁

[@romainepillay7716]

@@TheSebasdesign 😐

[@Pink_pr1ncess]

@@TheSebasdesign not funny

[@samuraiboi2735]

@@TheSebasdesign idk if he said that or not?.

[@Heather-xm9ul]

I went to church with a guy who was constantly mistaken for Santa. He leaned all the way in on that! His beard is already fairly white, but he has it stripped every year so that it matches his snow white hair! All year long little kids want to talk to him, and he loves making them feel heard and special!

[@mckenziefutch8286]

God loves you Jesus died on the cross for your sins God bless you

[@jamiem2444]

That's sweet of him!

[@sushigirl648]

Immediately thought of that one seen from the Santa clause movie where the little girl goes to talk to Scott cuz she can just tell he’s Santa haha

[@andysfishden6506]

My family has been going to Frankenmuth Michigan for the last 7years when Santa school is happening, we adopted one of the Santas as our Santa and he has watched my boys grow and even calls to check on them throughout the year, and they look forward to seeing him each fall and giving him their lists.

[@Aethelhadas]

ADOPT SANTA????

[@aisadal2521]

Interesting! Never knew there was training involved if you wanted to be a Santa! I think it's cute that the training process is wholesome, as it should be, since they're playing the role of a beloved, wholesome character 😄💖🥰

[@water5210]

wait until you see that video about a school training secret service nannies

[@mCblue79]

There's definitely training, police checks, working with children checks etc. As there has to be these days.

[@chadlikespasta3142]

@@mCblue79 bro the training has existed since long before these days

[@Elementl19]

I absolutely love how dedicated they are to being santa. they really add to the christmas spirit! I also really appreciate that they are taught sign language and how to acknowledge other holidays outside of christmas to include all people!

[@zirconium2014]

Santa is for everyone of course!

[@JJ-ob7np]

Where the black Santa’s tho 🤨

[@TvConfusionn]

@@JJ-ob7np doesnt exist

[@Yeezus_2]

@@JJ-ob7np I guess none have auditioned yet

[@karolinacichecka1279]

@@JJ-ob7np His ethnicity is well known to children (lives in Finland) so... black one from there? I would be confused as a child. Especially that is no reason why somebody could have so much melatonin living in the north pole. You know... little sun in there

[@sadlobster1]

First of all; I love the fact that EVERY "student" here has a real, full-faced white beard. This way, if a kid should think they're fakes and try to pull off said beards; they' quickly discover they're real. Second, this further proves my point that Santa is MORE than just a jolly man in red with a beard; he's a symbol of all the things that make Christmas great (kindness, love, empathy, selflessness and generosity.) So long as these things exist in the world and that people like THESE men and women continue to uphold them this time of year, Santa IS real

[@rufiredup90]

Not all of them have a real full face beard and moustache though. It’s said in the video that some do but some also buy a fake beard.

[@sadlobster1]

@@rufiredup90 I remember that but it was difficult to tell who's was real and who's was fake. THAT'S how convincing they looked to my eyes

[@rufiredup90]

@@sadlobster1 Yeah but your earlier statement was about if a kid pulled their beard. If it was a fake one surely the kids would discover it wasn’t real?

[@whyiseverysinglehandletaken2]

@@rufiredup90 yeah but

[@rufiredup90]

@@whyiseverysinglehandletaken2 But what!??? Lmao.

[@aliaturner8101]

I don’t know why I’m so emotional watching this… It’s just too precious for words

[@idylledoll]

Omg I thought I was the only one tearing up lol!

[@malicemew]

Seeing Santas being trained to sign so they can communicate with special needs children made me cry, love that they're spreading Christmas cheer to all even to kids who are non verbal

[@joenuts5250]

*Non hearing

[@chasethomsen7616]

Did it really make you cry?

[@MikuHatsune12]

@@chasethomsen7616 made me genuinely tear up

[@AverageSynth]

@@joenuts5250 not everyone who uses sign language is necessarily deaf

[@o7doki]

UR PROFILE PICTURE OMGGGG

[@Read_Scripture]

I wonder if they do sensitivity training? As an image Santa is a person that a child is very familiar with. I am pretty sure occasions arise where a child in a difficult position would tell Santa something they wouldn't tell other adults. If you think about it, the role of Santa comes with a lot of responsibility. They are playing a character that has immediate access to a child's inner thoughts because they knows Santa is safe, a provider and someone who can help. It definitely makes sense a training school exists.

[@VeginMatt]

I hope so. I received a rude comment from a Santa years ago and even though I know they are all different people in costumes I haven't trusted Santas since.

[@lol1494]

@@VeginMatt what did he say?

[@chunkymonkey7983]

@@VeginMatt What did the Santa say?

[@laneatkinson6441]

Even though my parents never taught me to believe in Santa, I always admired the concept and never spoiled the fun for other kids. If more people acted like santa, the world would be a better place 🤷‍♂️ You definitely have to have a big heart to play the part.

[@kaiwalyaghotkar832]

@@VeginMatt What did he say ?

[@CoffeeHolicxx]

Bunch of old men learning to be in character and give joy to kids. This video made my week.

[@penitent2401]

here in Australia, the qualification to be Santa is the ability to survive wearing the suit and sit in a plush seat in 40C (104F) heat.

[@kontroller5304]

Jesus, 40c in december? Where i live, we had a summer heat wave recently and the peak was 40ish.

[@pchound5962]

Ho ho ho, crickey that's hot mate! ☀️🇭🇲

[@AlphineWolf]

Santa should wear a swimsuit instead

[@czarownicatko]

@@kontroller5304 remember that in Australia seasons are reversed. December, January and February are summer :)

[@daijoubu4529]

Water cooled or at least fan cooled suit lol

[@LittleParade_]

I really love how inclusive their training is!! Learning sign language, being able to also say Happy Hanukkah, etc. I think it's really lovely and heartwarming!

[@Flowertot]

This is the most oddly specific job and i love it

[@lisag.4054]

I am 30 years old, but the sight of a room full of Santa’s still does something for the kid in me. My face is sore from smiling while watching this.

[@F21303]

Lol this is so cute and wholesome....old people having the time of their lives.

[@laneatkinson6441]

No way, this is an hour away from where I live! There's a santa man who sometimes shops at the store I work at, he spends the entire year growing out his beard and his car is always decorated to look like a reindeer. Super cool guy :)

[@babblebob]

I've been having a tough time recently and this cheered me up.

[@georgemoore2830]

I’m praying for you, God loves you and heal you from every wound! I pray for you to be healed in Jesus name Amen!!!

[@kwkw5711]

Sending a prayer for you. Lord please send material and spiritual aid quickly to Greg. Please bring people to help him. Give him hope and a purpose. Amen.

[@pripyat.sadboi8092]

ya got this Greg!

[@mohakrokade3788]

"Who says Santa isn't real" they live among us! 🥺❤️

[@OpTubeShorts]

Among us is a dead game St Nicholas is a dead person

[@jokutyyppi4226]

A- amogus? 🥺

[@dr.dankytp8683]

Never even thought they were trained such dedication just to make children smile.

[@makotohideki9509]

It's so cool they learn sign language.

[@mole1596]

I've been dancing like Santa all my life... Who would've known!

[@Sadsluganimations]

The is seriously the most wholesome thing I’ve ever seen, at 4:43 my heart just rushed to the fireplace to melt

[@Aethelhadas]

What's so wholesome about wiggling your nose?

[@Sadsluganimations]

@@Aethelhadas after that, one of the Santa’s told a cute story

[@Aethelhadas]

@@Sadsluganimations Haha I know, Im just kidding around

[@EveloGrave]

The sign language portion melted my heart.

[@TheChach19]

Average rate for a Professional Santa is $150 an hour? 👀👀👀 I know what I’m doing after I retire from my current job lol

[@laneatkinson6441]

The only downside is that you work one month per year 😅

[@dmcgee3]

True Lane, but doesn’t look like any of them are under the retirement age. Hence why Mike mentioned after he retires. Always nice to have some extra spending cash during holiday season.

[@laneatkinson6441]

@@dmcgee3 Oof I missed that part, my bad! 😂

[@winterwolf211]

@@laneatkinson6441 1 and a half if you count half of November.

[@lala-4458]

You better have a full white beard! H

[@tempest7001]

the real santa is secretly hiding among the helper santas

[@shobashin2108]

this is exacty what i imagined a santa school would look like, and I am not disappointed edit: yeah I think I cried with tears of joy during this video, I cant handle it its so cute,

[@Vitorruy1]

im crying too

[@caseys.7804]

Not only do you bring magic out for kids but also adults. I'm 37 and when I talked to one Santa a couple years ago, I felt like a kid again. He made me love Christmas even more and brought so much joy to those around him. It was beautiful to see. Thank you to all you Santas and Mrs. Claus' for all your hard work and truly bringing out the Christmas spirit! 🎅🤶

[@tommiller9743]

It was an awesome school to attend. Lots of fun, lots of learning and worth returning to each year.... for refresher and reunion with other Santa's and Mrs C's!

[@cleverusername9369]

5:12 US Army Staff Sergeant is Santa. Too awesome.

[@polaricee8247]

Just noticed that 🤣

[@kathym1995]

All this is done to make Christmas magical for so many kids. This is amazing. Thank you to all of Santa's "cousins" who help make Christmas extra special.

[@NickDodenhoff]

Yep. I cried. All of these people are what Christmas is all about. Giving people joy thr best they can.

[@blengdiabloed7335]

let's appreciate that even though they do this for a month every year, they all do this because they love children.

[@Kaice88]

LOVED THIS VIDEO! this is so wholesome and great! I love that they teach sign language! All of these Santa's look and sound just like any Santa ive ever seen! AND OMG TELLING THE KIDS ITS SANTAS COUSINS! that must've been the best for those kids!

[@TeraGreene1]

Really love elder folk, and this just warms my cold, blackened heart. Thank you for this respite from the calamity in the world. Also, I love how the one Santa who did the ASL for the special needs kid said they sat on his "knee", vs sitting on his "lap". Something about that just sounds clean and respectful. Never heard it worded like that.

[@poorvajajagu8627]

Seriously..this video shows..how even a small job...has great history of hardwork...let's value all the jobs equally...because each job has its own importance 🧡

[@toastycarp]

I like to imagine that the real Santa attends this every year for a kick

[@thelolfaceguy]

He's right there at 6:01 with mrs claus

[@PhoenixTV109]

I went on a cruise a few years ago, and there was a super realistic Santa Claus on it, (not hired as a entertainer, just their for vacation) and he dressed like Santa every day and even gave me and my family a card!

[@cheinei]

Being Santa is such a big deal. You become embodiment of the Christmas spirit. You are no longer you. You have a duty to give happiness to all children who encounter you. I admire these guys so much.

[@kimmiestell849]

You know what? As a child, this is exactly the kind of training I pictured the mall Santas had to go through.

[@ronalddiberto4161]

I have been Mill City Santa here in Lowell Mass for almost 6 years now. No formal training whatsoever. And it has been amazing. You want to be a great Santa, keep a child-like imagination, know how to talk to children at their level. Even if that means taking a knee or laying on the floor. Being a Santa is like being like Christ. You have to be selfless and have a serving nature.

[@youarewrong5523]

As. A Massachusetts resident thank you so much for what you do to make our community happier. You’re anazing

[@misterhuman895]

i want to hug all of these guys, i wish them the best

[@benjaminobeng4772]

Bless all these people for going the extra mile just to bring a smile to a childs face ☺️

[@Jessicahasopinions]

I love how much fun they're having. You can tell they really love bringing joy to kids. This video is so sweet.

[@henloworld514]

I love this so much!! Growing up, Christmas was and still is my favorite holiday and I always remember Christmas being a happy and magical time.

[@samanthamatuszak1201]

This is just awesome. How can you not smile after watching this? Thank you to all those who do this! It's people like this who just add to the magic of the holiday. 💫🎄☺

[@nicholasmiller1425]

This is probably the best, most wholesome thing I’ve seen all day.

[@Puuuurrrr]

Honestly one of the best things…like, these people are investing their time and effort with intent to spread joy….even if dreams are self-serving in nature their dreams serve all. So lovely ❤️🥺

[@solomonoverhead]

Saying the iconic: Ho! Ho! Hooooo! is classic. We all know why😉🎅🏼👩🏻😝

[@aznamoon1111]

❤️ Insider! I’ve learned so much from their videos. Had no idea that there was a Santa School!

[@katheryndong2825]

Damn they found the most wholesome grandpa and grandmas and put them all in a room 🥺

[@ht15377]

This video of those old people enjoying Christmas to share this with the Kids and make them happy just made my day .💛🧡

[@rpelletier2771]

outrageous! the best thing ill see the rest of the year!!

[@HannahTinsel]

Thank you for learning sign. You have brought endless joy to deaf and hoh individuals and families ❤️

[@yourfriendthecryptid]

this made me smile so much just seeing all these santa’s is so uplifting for some reason

[@alexanderwolfe326]

God Bless you all! Keeping the spirit of Christmas hope alive and doing a good deed. Christmas joy and holiday cheer, Santas Claws coming near.

[@meganpoppy]

I worked with a professional Santa and Mrs Claus once- they're really married too💜 I was so impressed by them! To me, they were the "real deal" ✨ They also taught other Santa's

[@DocGoneRogue]

Best thing I've seen all day. Warmed my heart 🥺

[@boobabe1741]

This is awesome. Totally love the authenticity of their profession. The training is so richly detailed. Didn’t know this existed,but happy to know it’s not casually done.

[@med_qb]

These grandfathers are so kind and sweet. They do their best to be a great Santa, to bring joy to children.

[@classtilton871]

Honesrly at first i was like "so they teaching a bunch of old dudes to say ho ho ho", learning sign language so desf kids can talk to santa didnt even cross my mind. That is so awesome

[@mistyc.5136]

Love how they learn sign language!!!!

[@fakeandrxwz2777]

All that effort to make kids more happy is just so wholesome🥺

[@glitch2218]

I think this is the sweetest most wholesome thing I have ever found

[@pati1713]

I love everything about this :) Honestly put a massive smile on my face.

[@rhyfelwrDuw]

This is so cool! Some of those guys look so much like you'd imagine Santa to look (and that's before the costume etc)!

[@RayTrophies]

The sign language really made me appreciate the love that goes into this

[@lukewarmsinkwater5857]

This video makes me so happy, i started to watch it again right before falling asleep and i hope this is a new tradition :)

[@luxuryhub1323]

I never knew Professional Santas from all around the world travel to the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School in Midland, Michigan, to learn about all things Santa Claus before the start of the holiday season. I learn a new thing today , thanks for the information

[@deeb3272]

I didnt know they go thru training. Such a wholesome video

[@gravel9270]

6:03 "Holy peppermint sticks I am happy to see you guys!" That's some good alternative words.

[@ilovejewelyn]

Santa students 🤗 The dedication, detail to all things Santa and community ❤️ I’m here for it! 🎅

[@monstwapushin2295]

This it’s so cute! Really glad there are people who want to make an effort so they can make an festivity as much enjoyable as possible (It was lovely how they taught hand sight) but I just hope they would a good income for those clases and expenses I know it’s mostly out of good will but I would hope for them to get more when they make this much effort

[@TheMsdeedee85]

This is the most wholesome thing ever....☺☺

[@vsbaretummysugastonguetech1540]

Too cute! I love that they actually put themselves through training.

[@adamburgins441]

I want a documentary about the Rivalry between Santa's thought the Schools History. The pettiness and Drama that would happen😀Even drunken Santa Brawls....all the dirty goods 👌🤣

[@unknownz1238]

No wonder they’re able to send presents all in one night They got a whole army of Santas on standby and new recruiting constantly every year

[@CallMeCU8E]

I have great respect for people who dedicate themselves to keeping the Holiday Spirit alive. Hope I live long enough and keep enough hair to be Santa one day. Happy Holidays.

[@leahmarkowitz9323]

I live in the town where this school is at and it is definitely a point of pride for the city

[@dondonnysson4973]

This is so wholesome

[@dojabrain1369]

I can't stop laughing at the amount of santas🤣

[@cheycupcake05]

This is great! I'd assumed there was some type of training or course pro Santa's had to go though, but more on a local/cottage industry scale. Definitely didn't think it was so involved. Everyone looked just so happy to be there, I love it! Way to go Santa! 🎄🎁

[@hamilcross]

i just love this. coming together to make children happy.

[@saraperidott2013]

absolute magic! I love this.. So adorable 😂😂🥰

[@salmon1290]

Fun fact: my great uncle drove the bus for one this Santa Claus camp. He loved it so much this year he became a Santa Claus

[@funfettirapunzel]

So blessed. So wholesome. So delightful.

[@chadhiggins7171]

This is so wholesome. I really needed this right now!

[@Vesspix]

This is a front for the real Santa to make parents feel important and you can’t change my mind.

[@bunnyfinn2]

Cool!! I made the reindeer! Way back in the 80’s, and Santa used them for many many years :)

[@JuneStayQuokka]

This is wholesome. I'm so happy this was on my recommendations

[@DavidRemixify]

God bless these people who made people's dream come true.

[@Lin.Stone.]

This is too cute and magical ✨

[@robertmatthews9650]

Man Santa need some scholarship programs.

[@juleswick]

This is the best thing I’ve seen in a long time!!🎅🏻♥️🎅🏻

[@nelsenfamily631]

Thank you Santa school for remembering sign language ❤️❤️👍

[@Wingwang11]

This reminds me of all those Santas from Jingle All The Way 😂😂