A Comprehensive Guide to 12 Famous "Santa" Movies (1) Miracle on 34th Street (1947, USA): This classic Christmas film introduces us to Kris Kringle, a department store Santa who truly believes he's the real thing. It explores themes of faith, trust, and childhood innocence against the bustling backdrop of New York City. (2) The Santa Clause (1994, USA): This family-friendly comedy follows Scott Calvin, who, after accidentally causing Santa Claus to fall from his roof, is magically tasked with taking up the mantle. Set in the United States during the festive holiday season, this film is a beloved Christmas classic. (3) The Santa Clause 2 (2002, USA): In this sequel, Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) is faced with a new challenge. He must find a wife by Christmas Eve, or he will stop being Santa Claus. The film continues in the United States' festive atmosphere. (4) The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (2006, USA): This third installment follows Scott Calvin as he tries to maintain harmony between his family life and his responsibilities as Santa, while also dealing with the villainous Jack Frost. The film takes place in the North Pole. (5) Santa Claus: The Movie (1985, UK/USA): This British-American film is an origin story that chronicles Santa Claus's beginnings and how he became the Christmas icon we know today. The setting alternates between the North Pole and the United States. (6) Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (1964, USA): An infamous B-movie in which Martians, worried about their children's well-being, kidnap Santa Claus to bring joy to Mars. The film takes place in the United States and Mars. (7) The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993, USA): Though not solely focused on Santa, this Tim Burton classic features "Sandy Claws" as a key character. It's set in the imaginative worlds of Halloween Town and Christmas Town. (8) Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town (1970, USA/Japan): This stop-motion TV movie provides another take on Santa Claus's origin story, from a young orphan named Kris to the gift-giving legend. It takes place in a fictionalized European location. (9) Arthur Christmas (2011, UK/USA): This British-American computer-animated film portrays the high-tech operations at the North Pole and follows the clumsy but well-meaning Arthur, Santa's youngest son, on a mission to deliver a forgotten present. (10) Fred Claus (2007, USA): This film tells the story of Santa's bitter older brother, Fred, who returns to the North Pole after many years. The story unfolds at the North Pole and the United States. (11) The Christmas Chronicles (2018, USA): In this modern film, Santa Claus is depicted by Kurt Russell, whose mission to save Christmas is jeopardized when two children accidentally crash his sleigh. The movie is set in the United States, with parts happening at the North Pole. (12) Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010, Finland): This unique Finnish movie offers a darker take on the Santa Claus mythology, centered around the original, more monstrous, Scandinavian folklore version of Santa. The movie takes place in the Korvatunturi mountains of Finland.

13 Fascinating Facts and Trivia about Santa Claus (1) Santa Claus is also known as Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle, and simply Santa. These names come from different cultures around the world, demonstrating his global popularity. (2) The modern image of Santa Claus – rotund, jolly, and dressed in red – was popularized in part by The Coca-Cola Company. Their 1930s holiday advertisements featured this version of Santa Claus and it quickly became the standard representation. (3) The tradition of Santa Claus originates from Saint Nicholas of Myra, a bishop who lived during the 4th century in modern-day Turkey. He was renowned for his kindness and generosity, particularly towards the poor and children. (4) According to folklore, Santa's "Naughty or Nice" list determines who receives presents. It's said that he checks it twice to ensure accuracy. (5) Santa Claus supposedly lives in the North Pole, and that's where his toy-making workshop is located. Some countries, like Finland, claim to be his home, with Finland housing a theme park called "Santa Claus Village". (6) Santa's magical sleigh is traditionally said to be pulled by eight reindeer: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder (or Donner), and Blitzen. The name of each reindeer reflects its personality or characteristics. (7) Rudolph, the most famous of Santa's reindeer, was not part of the original eight. He was introduced in a 1939 booklet written by Robert L. May for the department store Montgomery Ward. Rudolph is known for his glowing red nose. (8) Santa Claus is believed to deliver presents to children around the world in just one night. This feat is often attributed to the magic of Christmas. (9) In the U.S., children often leave out milk and cookies for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. This tradition varies around the world; in the UK, it's common to leave mince pies and sherry. (10) Santa Claus has a wife named Mrs. Claus. Though not as prominent as her husband, she is often portrayed as a kindly woman who helps Santa prepare for his annual journey. (11) The NORAD Tracks Santa program has been offering live updates on Santa's whereabouts on Christmas Eve since 1955. This started due to a misprint in a Sears catalog that listed NORAD's phone number for children to call Santa. (12) The first department store to feature a visit with Santa was the J. W. Parkinson's store in Philadelphia in 1841. It's been a common holiday season feature in stores ever since. (13) Santa Claus has been the subject of numerous films, songs, and books, reflecting his significant role in popular culture, particularly during the holiday season.