04/10/2024
Nationwide Santa Shortage Leaves Families Scrambling to Book Their Favorite Christmas Performer
Four years after the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted nearly every aspect of American life, its effects are still rippling through one of the most cherished holiday traditions: Santa Claus visits. This year, families and businesses hoping to book a Santa for their holiday events are facing a nationwide shortage, with many Santas reporting packed schedules earlier than usual. As the demand for holiday magic soars, the number of available professional Santas is lower than ever.
The Santa Claus community has not fully recovered from the pandemic. COVID-19 took a heavy toll on the Santa population, which skews older and was more vulnerable to the virus. Many beloved Santas tragically lost their lives, while others retired or chose not to return, particularly due to health concerns. In the wake of the pandemic, several Santa schools and organizations report a significant drop in active members, with new Santas unable to fully replenish the ranks left by those lost.
"Santa isn’t just a job; it’s a calling, and it takes years to perfect the art of creating that magical Christmas experience," explains Ben Belhorn, Founder of Ohio Santas. "But with so many retirements and COVID-related losses, it’s hard to meet the rising demand."
This year’s challenges are compounded by the “short season” phenomenon, which holiday planners dread. The holiday season cycles between “long” and “short” years, depending on how Thanksgiving and Christmas fall on the calendar. With Thanksgiving on November 28, 2024, and Christmas just four weeks later, the season is officially shorter. Short seasons create an intense rush for Santa bookings, especially during prime weekends. The limited availability means many Santas have already filled their schedules for popular weekend slots by mid-fall, with bookings extending earlier and more tightly than in longer seasons.
Families and businesses are encouraged to act quickly if they wish to secure a Santa. While weekday bookings and virtual visits remain an option for some, peak weekends are quickly becoming unattainable. “Everyone wants that magical Santa visit on a Saturday or Sunday,” says Belhorn. “We’re already seeing those dates fully booked as early as October."
Looking ahead, families and event planners should take note: 2025 will also be a short season, as the leap year shifts Thanksgiving later in the month, meaning another tight holiday calendar. Planning ahead is strongly advised to secure a Santa during the high-demand holiday weekends.
Despite the shortage, the Claus community remains committed to spreading joy and magic during the holidays. Families hoping to book a Santa for this season should consider planning for alternative dates and potentially earlier bookings in future years.
For many, this year’s Santa shortage serves as a reminder of the dedication and joy these performers bring to families each holiday season.
