Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School

06/12/2026

We present the legacy of the world's oldest Santa Claus School-nearly nine decades devoted to preserving Santa Claus history and teaching authentic performance. Our instruction covers presentation, costume integrity, and the ethics of embodying Santa and Mrs. Claus. 🎩🎄

Aspiring Santas, Mrs. Claus, and beyond are invited to learn from instructors with unmatched expertise in Midland. MI. Visit https://www.santaclausschool.com/ to explore the program and enrollment details. ✨

04/23/2026

October 1-3, 2026 in Midland, MI

03/17/2026

Happy Birthday in loving memory to Nate Doan, former Dean of the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School. A proud 1953 alumnus of the school, Nate served as its Dean from 1966 to 1986, carrying on the magic after Charles W. Howard's passing.

Nate served in the U.S. Army during World War II, sang in the choir at Christian Assembly Church for 61 years, and served as past state president of the Michigan Association of School Employees.

In 1940, when a Santa became sick at Christian Assembly Church on E. Vermont Street, Nate stepped up — and discovered his true calling. He embraced the privilege of being Santa with lifelong passion and joy.

Nate and his beloved wife, Mary Ida, became the first couple to graduate together from the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School in Albion, NY. In 1966, they took over the school themselves, and by the early 1970s, they relocated the school to Bay City, Michigan.

In 1982, the City of Bay City honored Nate by dedicating Nate Doan Park near the family home on the city's west side.

After Nate's passing in 1997, Mary Ida — still with us today, remains involved with the Nate & Mary Ida Doan Santa House, keeping their spirit alive for many generations.

Happy Birthday, Nate Doan! Your legacy of kindness, cheer, and Christmas magic lives on. God bless Nate and Mary Ida Doan.

02/13/2026

Register today for the legendary Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School, October 1-3, 2026, in Midland, Michigan—the world's oldest Santa school, keeping the true spirit of Santa alive since 1937!

Under the inspiring leadership of Dean Tom Valent (a dedicated CWH Santa since 1975 and Dean of the school for nearly 40 years), you'll learn the art of being the perfect Santa or Mrs. Claus.

Check out this hilarious and heartwarming video from 2023, with YouTuber Michelle Khare (5.3M+ subscribers) "I Tried Santa School"

santaclausschool.com/register

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02/05/2026

Register today for the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School on October 1-3, 2026 in Midland, Michigan. Register at: santaclausschool.com/register

Dean Tom Valent has led the school for nearly 40 years alongside Holly Valent, keeping the original 1937 santa spirit alive.

Check out this classic clip: Back in 2009, Dean Tom Valent appeared with Glenn Beck and Blaze Media during a segment tied to “The Christmas Sweater: A Return to Redemption.”

02/02/2026

Dec 13, 2002 — Bill Geist, formerly of CBS Sunday Morning, famously called the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School in Midland, Michigan, as "The Harvard of Santa Schools"

Register for 2026 school today, October 1-3: https://www.santaclausschool.com/register

Since 1937, the world’s oldest and most prestigious Santa Claus School has been dedicated to spreading the true spirit of Christmas. As Charles W. Howard eloquently said, “He errs who thinks Santa enters through the chimney. Santa enters through the heart.”
Celebrated by The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, National Geographic, Fox News, CNN, NBC, ABC, CBS, and nearly every major media group worldwide, our non-profit school captures the heart of the holiday season.

Our school blends essential classroom learning with unforgettable hands-on experiences, preparing you to bring life to the heart of Christmas.
• Practice parade techniques on a real sleigh
• Build toys in Santa’s workshop
• Interact with live reindeer
• Observe Santa & Mrs. Claus engaging with a live kindergarten class
• Embrace your jolly dance and voice lessons
• Explore Bronner's Christmas Wonderland, the world’s largest Christmas store
• Tour the iconic 1225 Pere Marquette Polar Express Steam Engine (tentative)

In-Depth Classroom Foundations:
• Uncover the rich history of Santa and St. Nicholas
• Master Christmas traditions and captivating storytelling
• Understand the expectations of children and parents
• Collaborate as Santa & Mrs. Claus
• Perfect your Santa beard and wig
• Learn Christmas sign language
• Adopt technology for magical virtual Santa visits
• Discover health and vitality tips for the holiday season
• And so much more!

Visit our website for full details and join us to share the spirit of Christmas while creating lasting holiday memories.

09/07/2025

Straight from the North Pole... are you ready to join us October 9-11?
https://wix.to/T6XbEd1

09/03/2025

Rooftop Landing Reindeer Farm

08/19/2025

Join the World’s Premier Santa Claus School!

Register today for our October 9–11, 2025, class in Midland, Michigan, at the world’s oldest and most prestigious Santa Claus School, spreading holiday joy since 1937. santaclausschool.com/register

As Charles W. Howard beautifully said, “He errs who thinks Santa enters through the chimney. Santa enters through the heart.” Our non-profit school lives this philosophy, training Santas and Mrs. Clauses to create unforgettable holiday memories.

Featured in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, National Geographic, Fox News, CNN, and more, our program—known as the “Harvard of Santa Schools”—inspires joy worldwide.

Spots are limited—don’t miss your chance to bring Santa’s spirit to life!

08/15/2025

CNN 2015: “Santa Claus School is the trick to being like St. Nick"

Join the world’s oldest & most prestigious Santa Claus School at the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School in Midland, MI, October 9-11, 2025! No natural beard? No problem—designer beards are welcome!

•Craft Holiday Magic: Build toys in Santa’s workshop and meet live reindeer.
•Spread Festive Cheer: Master sleigh parade techniques, jolly dance moves, holiday sign language, and voice skills.
• Explore Christmas Wonders: Tour Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland & (tentatively) the iconic 1225 Polar Express Steam Engine.
•Deepen Your Santa Spirit: Learn the history of St. Nicholas, perfect storytelling, and understand children’s and parents expectations.
•Master Santa’s Appearance: Perfect your Santa beard, wig, and suit for an authentic look.
•Connect and Inspire: Observe Santa and Mrs. Claus with a live kindergarten class and hear from high schoolers about their recent Santa experiences.

Featured in The New York Times, Fox News, CNN, National Geographic and nearly every major media network, our non-profit school has spread holiday cheer since 1937.

Enroll now at santaclausschool.com/register to create unforgettable Christmas memories!

Source: CNN, “Santa Claus school is the trick to being like St. Nick,” Dec 4, 2015.
Read more: [https://www.cnn.com/2015/12/04/living/santa-claus-school-charles-howard-training-feat]