The Magical History of Santa Claus Around the World

Your dream of meeting Santa is finally within reach! At Christmasville in Emeryville, we’ve made it possible for you to meet Santa himself and experience the true joy and magic of Christmas.

When you picture Christmas, what comes to mind first? For many of us, it’s Santa Claus, the jolly man in red with twinkling eyes, a snowy beard, and a laugh that makes the whole season feel warmer. But here’s the magical part: Santa isn’t the same everywhere. His story has traveled across the world, gathering different traditions along the way, each carrying the same spirit of joy and giving.

That’s exactly the feeling we celebrate here at Christmasville in Emeryville. When you walk into our studio, it’s more than just a photoshoot. It’s an invitation to step into the wonder of Christmas itself. Before we share how, let’s take a quick journey through time and around the globe to see how Santa became the beloved figure we know today.

From St. Nicholas to Santa: The Untold Story of Christmas’s Most Beloved Figure

Santa’s story began hundreds of years ago with St. Nicholas, a kind and generous bishop from what is now Turkey. He was famous for secretly leaving gifts for those in need, and soon, tales of his kindness spread across Europe. As the story traveled, each culture gave it its own magical twist:

• In the Netherlands, children welcomed Sinterklaas, who arrived by boat from Spain bringing sweets and gifts. 

• In Germany and Austria, families awaited Christkind, a radiant angel-like figure who carried presents. 

• In Italy, it was La Befana, a kind old woman flying on her broomstick, delivering surprises. 

• And in America, immigrants carried pieces of these traditions with them, blending them together until Santa Claus—complete with sleigh, reindeer, and a snowy workshop—came to life.

  
  

Different names, different faces, but one message has always remained the same: the joy of giving, the warmth of family, and the wonder of believing.

What Santa Prepares for Christmas?

Two Santas join forces, carefully checking the list, the glowing book, and the globe to make sure no child is left without the joy of Christmas.

Have you ever wondered what Santa does to prepare for the most magical night of the year? Behind the scenes at the North Pole, months of planning, crafting, and organizing go into making Christmas a success for children around the world. Let’s take a closer look at how Santa prepares for Christmas.

1. Checking the List (Twice!) Santa’s preparations always begin with the famous Naughty and Nice list. With the help of his magical book, he carefully checks the names of children from every corner of the globe. He doesn’t just look at behavior, but also at kindness, sharing, and moments of joy throughout the year. The list is updated constantly to make sure every child is accounted for.

   
   

2. The Workshop in Full Swing At the North Pole, Santa’s workshop is a hub of creativity and hard work. The elves are busy making toys, wrapping gifts, and ensuring every detail is perfect. From wooden trains to high-tech gadgets, Santa’s workshop combines traditional craftsmanship with modern magic. Each toy is tested and inspected to bring smiles to children on Christmas morning.

   
   

3. Preparing the Sleigh Santa’s sleigh is no ordinary ride. It’s polished, enchanted, and equipped to travel the world in just one night. The sleigh is fitted with magical stardust, ensuring smooth flying across snowy skies. The reindeer, led by Rudolph’s glowing nose, undergo special training and are given extra treats to boost their energy for the long journey.

   
   

4. Packing the Gifts Packing is one of the most important parts of Santa’s preparation. Every gift is carefully placed in Santa’s magical sack, which never runs out of space. Each present is tagged with a child’s name and location to make sure no one is missed. Santa double-checks everything before he sets off.

   
   

5. Spreading the Spirit of Christmas Beyond gifts, Santa also prepares something invisible yet powerful—the spirit of Christmas. He gathers warmth, kindness, and joy to sprinkle into every home he visits. His goal isn’t just to deliver toys but to remind families of love, togetherness, and the magic of giving.

   
   

6. Magical Mission Santa’s preparations show us that Christmas isn’t just about presents under the tree—it’s about thoughtfulness, joy, and spreading happiness around the world. So, as you hang your stockings and prepare for the season, remember that Santa and his team have been working all year to make the holidays magical for you.

Make This Season Unforgettable!

If Santa’s history shows us anything, it’s that Christmas has always been about more than gifts. It’s about family, connection, and the joy of creating memories that last. Here’s the truth. Children grow up faster than we imagine. Yet for a little while, the sparkle in their eyes when they see Santa and the joy in their laughter carry the true magic of Christmas. That’s why we believe in more than quick snapshots. At Christmasville, we help families hold onto those moments with photos that capture not just how you look, but how it felt. The wonder, the laughter, the love.

Don’t wait—our spots fill up quickly every year, and Santa can only stay for a limited time.  Book your magical photoshoot at Christmasville in Emeryville before the calendar fills up!