Santa Claus - Atlas Obscura
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Santa Claus

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Medina, Ohio

Castle Noel

Year-round Christmas attraction filled with movie magic.
Rovaniemi, Finland

Santa's Hometown

This Finnish town on the Arctic Circle is trademarked as the Official Hometown of Santa Claus.
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17 Can’t-Miss Christmas Places to Visit

From Santa’s workshop to the land of candy-cane stripes, these locales will put you in the Christmas spirit.
Roxanne Hoorn December 20, 2024
Oslo, Norway

'Santa'

A bold and controversial statue of a Christmas icon, blending adult undertones with playful humor, stands year-round in a traffic circle.
Uummannaq, Greenland

Santa's House

Danish children are taught that Santa lives in Greenland, at this exact cabin.
Cascade, Colorado

The North Pole

This vintage theme park is peak Christmas kitsch—and it's open all summer.
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7 Places Dedicated to the Story of Santa Claus

From a school for Santas to the post offices that manage the man in red's mail.
Jonathan Carey December 15, 2023
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From Cursed Coconuts to Santa Claus, 6 Unexpected Election Day Stories

Including a guide to some of the most disastrous votes in history.
April White November 3, 2023
A member of the Milwaukee Krampus Eigenheit was one of dozens of furry, horned menaces swatting onlookers with switches during the annual Milwaukee Krampusnacht.
santa claus

Krampus Is the Christmas Icon We Need—And Maybe the One We Deserve

At Milwaukee’s Krampusnacht, we go in search of the essence of Santa’s unholy enforcer.
Gemma Tarlach December 9, 2022
Some years, the water is so choppy, Santa arrives on Mooloolaba beach in a soaking wet red suit.
santa claus

The Town Where Santa's Sleigh Is a Surf Boat

In Mooloolaba, Australia, Saint Nick wears sunglasses.
Tiare Tuuhia December 9, 2022
Columbus, Texas

Santa Claus Museum

An entire home filled with over 3,000 pieces of Santa memorabilia in glass cases, walls, on Christmas trees, and even in the bathroom.
santa claus

Remembering When Mrs. Claus Cracked the North Pole's Glass Ceiling

In the 19th century, the character embodied debates about women’s rights—and occasionally got a sleigh ride of her own.
Maura Ives December 20, 2021
Demre, Turkey

Church of St. Nicholas

This church houses the tomb—but not the remains—of St. Nicholas, the likely progenitor to Santa Claus.
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7 Places to Get to Know the Real Saint Nick

Before he was courted by children, he defended the poor and the falsely accused.
Jonathan Carey December 16, 2020
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9 Unusual Places to Experience Christmas Any Time of the Year

Gifts that keeps on giving.
Jonathan Carey December 11, 2020
Kudla says he can spot plain-clothes Santas when he travels. "There's a look in the eye and you can tell."
santa claus

In Nome, Alaska, Santa Is a Gravedigger Named Paul

Festive cheer and cemetery caretaking go together surprisingly well.
Bailey Berg December 23, 2019
Issa Kassissieh on his holiday rounds. A large poster of him as a basketball player is visible on the wall.
santa claus

Meet the Only Certified Santa in the 'Ho Ho Holy Land'

Issa Kassisieh has turned his centuries-old family home into a Christmas wonderland.
Gitit Ginat December 23, 2019
Outside crossing when there is no snow.
Rovaniemi, Finland

Rovaniemi's Arctic Circle Border

If you visit Santa's village, you can get your passport stamped to show you crossed into the Arctic Circle.