Santa

National

A thousand Santas ditch the sleigh in favor of bikes in downtown Milwaukee

11:49am December 05, 2023

by Lina Tran

For nearly two decades, thousands of Santas take over the streets of Milwaukee in what's known as the Santa Cycle Rampage — the "world's largest holiday-themed costume group bicycle ride for charity."

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Scott Simon with his daughter, Elise, during the holidays.

Education

Opinion: School shows are a magical part of the holidays

8:39am November 25, 2023

by Scott Simon

NPR's Scott Simon talks about how much he enjoys watching school stage productions this time of year and why.

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Inflation has reached the North Pole as a Santa shortage looms

6:30am December 13, 2022

by Greg Rosalsky

Santa's services are more in demand than ever — and he and his helpers are having a hard time keeping up.

Revellers gather in Times Square for the start SantaCon in New York City on Saturday.

National

Santas gather by the thousands to drink and be merry at SantaCon NYC

5:54pm December 10, 2022

by Giulia Heyward

The annual SantaCon celebration is back in New York City this Saturday.

Volunteers and community members attend the WPKY toy drive in Princeton, Ky.

National

For kids who survived tornadoes, Santa comes 'a little bit differently' this year

5:32am December 23, 2021

by Sarah McCammon

Holiday gift donations have poured in from across the country for children who survived the tornadoes in western Kentucky.

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Santa at the West Dallas Christmas Block Party

National

Black Santas are helping to change holiday icons and add more representation

7:25am December 20, 2021

by Michelle Aslam

African American communities say they appreciate a growing trend of Black Santa Claus representations at Christmas

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A Santa Claus in Germany wears a surgical mask in December 2020. If you're planning to take the kids to see Santa this year, experts say it's safest to keep everyone's masks on.

Coronavirus FAQ: Is it OK for the kids to take a pic with Santa?

3:47pm December 17, 2021

by Sheila Eldred

Plus: Is it safe to go to a holiday party if not everyone is vaccinated? And are people getting different side effects from the COVID booster?

Santa entertainer Randyl Wagner examines a Santa suit at his home.

Economy

Santa Claus is coming to town and he's busier than ever

10:26am December 15, 2021

by Jeff Dean

Santa Claus performers are working from dawn to late in the evening as they try to meet the pent-up demand for appearances, while dealing with retirements and deaths among their ranks.

With countless lights, Christmassy illuminated man-high trees and reindeer decorate the entrance of a shop

Arts

Opinion: T'was The Night Before Christmas in 2020

8:00am December 19, 2020

by Scott Simon

With apologies to Clement Clarke Moore, NPR's Scott Simon updates "A Visit from St. Nicholas" for 2020.

Arts

David Sedaris Reads From 'Santaland Diaries'

7:12am December 25, 2019

The holiday tradition continues. Writer David Sedaris reads from his "Santaland Diaries," recounting his time spent working as a Macy's department store elf named Crumpet.

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