NEWS
Santa Claus
Fun and festive Santas from around the world
![A Royal Air Force crew member waves while wearing a Santa Claus costume at ISAF headquarters in Kabul on December 25, 2016.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/0916d88954ebaeba2a68c7b332d703b4503db9a8/c=0-272-3495-2246/local/-/media/2016/12/25/USATODAY/USATODAY/636182629267105675-AFP-AFP-JF1ID.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
A Royal Air Force crew member waves while wearing a Santa Claus costume at ISAF headquarters in Kabul on December 25, 2016.
Wakil Kohsar, AFP/Getty Images![An Iraqi odontology student dressed in a Santa Claus outfit distributes gifts to impoverished children outside their shanty home in the Iraqi holy Shiite city of Najaf.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/5fd7cc86130474b4b9144c242904c26abed516f0/c=0-184-4261-2591/local/-/media/2016/12/25/USATODAY/USATODAY/636182629284889789-AFP-AFP-JF29H.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
An Iraqi odontology student dressed in a Santa Claus outfit distributes gifts to impoverished children outside their shanty home in the Iraqi holy Shiite city of Najaf.
Haidar Hamdani, AFP/Getty Images![People dressed in Santa Claus costumes run at the start of a Santa Claus Race in Macedonia's capital Skopje. A few hundred people dressed as Santa Claus participated in a race through downtown Skopje.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/6f2cbbf0207cd13858ec4a98c0cfdaded22a085a/c=0-373-4043-2657/local/-/media/2016/12/25/USATODAY/USATODAY/636182629345262176-AP-Macedonia-Santa-Claus-Race.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
People dressed in Santa Claus costumes run at the start of a Santa Claus Race in Macedonia's capital Skopje. A few hundred people dressed as Santa Claus participated in a race through downtown Skopje.
Boris Grdanoski, AP![Santa Claus celebrates during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at New Era Stadium on December 24, 2016 in Orchard Park, New York.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/c5efa41eabc83da3bea582c92d58fe8d55bde403/c=0-152-2987-1840/local/-/media/2016/12/25/USATODAY/USATODAY/636182629278181746-GTY-630499936.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Santa Claus celebrates during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at New Era Stadium on December 24, 2016 in Orchard Park, New York.
Brett Carlsen, Getty Images![Tim Sutton poses for a photograph in a Santa costume before entering the pool for a Christmas Day swim at Brockwell Lido on December 25, 2016 in London, England. Winter swimmers enjoyed themselves in the cold pool as they celebrated Christmas Day.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/18e51bdefcf5d49886384de219bde04be43d17c5/c=0-520-5213-3465/local/-/media/2016/12/25/USATODAY/USATODAY/636182629387694448-GTY-630511668.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Tim Sutton poses for a photograph in a Santa costume before entering the pool for a Christmas Day swim at Brockwell Lido on December 25, 2016 in London, England. Winter swimmers enjoyed themselves in the cold pool as they celebrated Christmas Day.
Carl Court, Getty Images![A small boy wears a Santa costume to celebrate Christmas in a slum area on December 25, 2016 in Kathmandu, Nepal. Many Christians in Nepal celebrate Christmas by copying traditional European Christmas symbols.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/dcd9d8c2ec8a4a9858446d1cbd1f7bedb44bc382/c=0-202-7245-4295/local/-/media/2016/12/25/USATODAY/USATODAY/636182629312189964-GTY-630513630.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
A small boy wears a Santa costume to celebrate Christmas in a slum area on December 25, 2016 in Kathmandu, Nepal. Many Christians in Nepal celebrate Christmas by copying traditional European Christmas symbols.
Tom Van Cakenberghe, Getty Images![Surfers dressed as Santa took to the waves during Surfing Santas event.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/0fe8227a4bd93d3046f237812cc01fef24d16f80/c=0-149-2511-1568/local/-/media/2016/12/25/USATODAY/USATODAY/636182629315465985-USP-News--Surfing-Santa-2016.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Surfers dressed as Santa took to the waves during Surfing Santas event.
Craig Bailey, FLORIDA TODAY Via USA TODAY Network![Houston Texans honorary captain Santa walks onto the field before a game between the Houston Texans and the Cincinnati Bengals at NRG Stadium.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/24158e3dd6d05fb0bb0ad706be20bc2e387bcd19/c=0-219-3557-2229/local/-/media/2016/12/25/USATODAY/USATODAY/636182629298149874-USP-NFL--Cincinnati-Bengals-at-Houston-Texans.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Houston Texans honorary captain Santa walks onto the field before a game between the Houston Texans and the Cincinnati Bengals at NRG Stadium.
Troy Taormina, USA TODAY Sports![Members of the volunteer Water Skiing Christmas Show, including a water skiing Santa Claus with elves, reindeer, the Grinch, and others, water ski Dec. 24, 2016, on the Potomac River, in Alexandria, Virginia.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/c6dde59629237ee091fc3d0f94296b5d8d45dfe3/c=0-0-3259-1841/local/-/media/2016/12/24/USATODAY/USATODAY/636181871827025190-AFP-AFP-JF06S.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Members of the volunteer Water Skiing Christmas Show, including a water skiing Santa Claus with elves, reindeer, the Grinch, and others, water ski Dec. 24, 2016, on the Potomac River, in Alexandria, Virginia.
Paul J. Richards, AFP/Getty Images![Over 500 runners dressed as Santa Claus participate in the Run Run Santa one-mile race in Viera, Fla.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/5292e1c74d77a6fdb4b897fe1884b78b02c484ad/c=0-49-4758-2737/local/-/media/2016/12/24/USATODAY/USATODAY/636181928726985931-USP-News--Surfing-Santa-2016.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Over 500 runners dressed as Santa Claus participate in the Run Run Santa one-mile race in Viera, Fla.
Craig Bailey, Florida Today, Via USA TODAY NetA motorcyclist dressed as Santa joins others on a ride through Belgrade, Serbia, on Dec. 24, 2016. The group reportedly makes the holiday ride through the capital a seasonal event.
Srdjan Suki, European Pressphoto AgencyLaura Nickel kisses Rick Reigle outside Lambeau Field before the game between the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings on Dec. 24, 2016, in Green Bay, Wis.
Matt Ludtke, APA man dressed as Santa Claus is surrounded by children dressed as Santa's elves at a shopping mall in Beijing on Dec. 24, 2016. Although Christmas is not traditionally celebrated in China, retailers take advantage of the gift-giving spirit to boost year-end sales.
Ng Han Guan, APA man dressed as Santa Claus poses in front of a Christmas tree installation during Christmas Eve celebrations in Hong Kong on Dec. 24, 2016.
Kin Cheung, APBikers in Christmas attire ride through Hagen, Germany, on Dec. 24, 2016, on their way to an annual Christmas Eve meeting to have hot chocolate, mulled wine, coffee and a chat.
Ina Fassbender, Dpa, Via AP![A member of the TV crew dresses as Santa prior to the game between the New York Jets and the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Mass. on Dec. 24, 2016.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/1d0ca3fefa2eeaef379add3ea3fe3286210a19ac/c=0-77-2377-1420/local/-/media/2016/12/24/USATODAY/USATODAY/636181822646461932-USP-NFL--New-York-Jets-at-New-England-Patriots.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
A member of the TV crew dresses as Santa prior to the game between the New York Jets and the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Mass. on Dec. 24, 2016.
David Butler II, USA TODAY Sports![A man wearing a Santa Claus outfit speaks to 19 month old Maya during a Christmas show for children of Romanian military families, in Bucharest, Romania on Dec. 13, 2016. This months Christmas party at the grand Palace of the National Military Circle in Bucharest brought together the sons and daughters of Romanian soldiers who were slain or wounded while on peacekeeping missions overseas.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/6d4a79e2b37f8fae98019c8c704c64b03e642e50/c=0-291-3900-2494/local/-/media/2016/12/22/USATODAY/USATODAY/636180137531437785-AP-APTOPIX-Romania-Army-Children-Photo-Gallery.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
A man wearing a Santa Claus outfit speaks to 19 month old Maya during a Christmas show for children of Romanian military families, in Bucharest, Romania on Dec. 13, 2016. This months Christmas party at the grand Palace of the National Military Circle in Bucharest brought together the sons and daughters of Romanian soldiers who were slain or wounded while on peacekeeping missions overseas.
Vadim Ghirda, AP![Finland's Santa, right, and Russia's Grandfather Frost meet at the two countries busiest joint border crossing in Nuijamaa, Finland as an annual show of goodwill and neighborly friendship.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/718004738e9327c2cdc55c9490ecf7f33f9f6b98/c=0-396-4028-2672/local/-/media/2016/12/22/USATODAY/USATODAY/636180137623791561-AP-Finland-Russia.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Finland's Santa, right, and Russia's Grandfather Frost meet at the two countries busiest joint border crossing in Nuijamaa, Finland as an annual show of goodwill and neighborly friendship.
Vitnija Saldava, AP![Indians dressed as Santa participate in a procession to celebrate Christmas in Jammu, India. Christians make up about 2 percent of India's 1 billion-plus population.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/f42b80595484920e6864b60ec9588b16f5e07aac/c=0-441-5345-3461/local/-/media/2016/12/22/USATODAY/USATODAY/636180137626131606-AP-India-Christmas.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Indians dressed as Santa participate in a procession to celebrate Christmas in Jammu, India. Christians make up about 2 percent of India's 1 billion-plus population.
Channi Anand, AP![Students at the Evangelical School for Arts wearing Santa Claus costumes, distribute Christmas gifts to Syrian refugees in an informal Syrian refugee camp, in the southern port city of Sidon, Lebanon. Some one million Syrians live in Lebanon as refugees, according to the U.N. Almost six years since the start of the Syrian war, refugees in Lebanon have been pushed to the margins of society, living in crowded or incomplete housing, or camps in open fields.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/e2e794ba64d6813d932a41f6e5dfd5f607bfd02f/c=0-108-3881-2301/local/-/media/2016/12/22/USATODAY/USATODAY/636180137584946814-AP-Lebanon-Syria.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Students at the Evangelical School for Arts wearing Santa Claus costumes, distribute Christmas gifts to Syrian refugees in an informal Syrian refugee camp, in the southern port city of Sidon, Lebanon. Some one million Syrians live in Lebanon as refugees, according to the U.N. Almost six years since the start of the Syrian war, refugees in Lebanon have been pushed to the margins of society, living in crowded or incomplete housing, or camps in open fields.
Mohammed Zaatari, AP![Santa Claus stands in front of a decorated shop with Christmas items in a Christian neighborhood in central Tehran, Iran. Iran's population of 80 million includes about 120,000 Christians, mostly Armenian ethnicity, and the constitution gives protected status to Christians, Jews and Zoroastrians. It reserves parliament seats for them and permits churches - Roman Catholic, Armenian Orthodox and others, as well as synagogues and Zoroastrian temples that are under sporadic watch by authorities. Religious celebrations are allowed, but no political messages or overtones are tolerated.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/8c286d236b4ab7bf03196e431e4d2e778dc2a641/c=0-259-3501-2237/local/-/media/2016/12/22/USATODAY/USATODAY/636180137667784407-AP-Mideast-Iran-Christmas.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Santa Claus stands in front of a decorated shop with Christmas items in a Christian neighborhood in central Tehran, Iran. Iran's population of 80 million includes about 120,000 Christians, mostly Armenian ethnicity, and the constitution gives protected status to Christians, Jews and Zoroastrians. It reserves parliament seats for them and permits churches - Roman Catholic, Armenian Orthodox and others, as well as synagogues and Zoroastrian temples that are under sporadic watch by authorities. Religious celebrations are allowed, but no political messages or overtones are tolerated.
Vahid Salemi, AP![A man dressed as Santa Claus sits inside a "Christmas peace train" specially decorated by Pakistan Railways for Christmas celebrations, at Margalla railway station in Islamabad, Pakistan. Pakistan Railways has launched a special from the capital, Islamabad to express religious harmony, tolerance and love for minority Christians living in this Islamic nation on the eve of Christmas celebrations.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/1d38735ba515fb4bdc6310e55224ceeb9eba4b81/c=0-387-5420-3449/local/-/media/2016/12/22/USATODAY/USATODAY/636180137617239435-AP-Pakistan-Christmas.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
A man dressed as Santa Claus sits inside a "Christmas peace train" specially decorated by Pakistan Railways for Christmas celebrations, at Margalla railway station in Islamabad, Pakistan. Pakistan Railways has launched a special from the capital, Islamabad to express religious harmony, tolerance and love for minority Christians living in this Islamic nation on the eve of Christmas celebrations.
Anjum Naveed, AP![Indian people dressed as Santa Claus ride bikes as they take part in Christmas procession in Jammu, the winter capital of Kashmir, India. Despite Christians forming a little over two percent of the Indian population Christmas is celebrated throughout the country.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/ddd7dc76858537488c3d408bab52edce94dd5664/c=0-8-4096-2322/local/-/media/2016/12/22/USATODAY/USATODAY/636180137579954718-EPA-INDIA-CHRISTMAS-TRADITION.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Indian people dressed as Santa Claus ride bikes as they take part in Christmas procession in Jammu, the winter capital of Kashmir, India. Despite Christians forming a little over two percent of the Indian population Christmas is celebrated throughout the country.
Jaipal Singh, European Pressphoto Agency![A Santa poses with fans prior to the game between the South Dakota Coyotes and the Gonzaga Bulldogs at McCarthey Athletic Center in Spokane, Washington.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/0e736fca3e5e680391e07c71518a423316ecf8ad/c=0-177-2998-1871/local/-/media/2016/12/22/USATODAY/USATODAY/636180137635959795-GTY-630388370.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
A Santa poses with fans prior to the game between the South Dakota Coyotes and the Gonzaga Bulldogs at McCarthey Athletic Center in Spokane, Washington.
William Mancebo, Getty Images![Fairfax County Firefighter Grant Higginbotham plays the part of Santa Claus and gets a hug while helping fellow firefighters from Bailey's Crossroads Station 10 to distribute toys to children at the Culmore Support Center in Falls Church, Virginia. Station 10 has been accepting toy donations and giving them to needy families for 10 years with the help of Alternative House, the community organization that operates the support center.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/221766c1088683a0d9e158f1dad40676059a278e/c=0-230-2996-1923/local/-/media/2016/12/22/USATODAY/USATODAY/636180137618019450-GTY-630424796.1.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Fairfax County Firefighter Grant Higginbotham plays the part of Santa Claus and gets a hug while helping fellow firefighters from Bailey's Crossroads Station 10 to distribute toys to children at the Culmore Support Center in Falls Church, Virginia. Station 10 has been accepting toy donations and giving them to needy families for 10 years with the help of Alternative House, the community organization that operates the support center.
Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images![A man dressed as Santa Claus gestures as he arrives in a helicopter in the garden of the presidential palace in Abidjan on December 21, 2016 to distribute gifts to 3000 children during a Christmas event organized by the Children of Africa foundation.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/30a5b96125cb5bbf44b8c5562394ac64cdd709da/c=0-437-5889-3764/local/-/media/2016/12/21/USATODAY/USATODAY/636179328165204441-AFP-AFP-JB8HU.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
A man dressed as Santa Claus gestures as he arrives in a helicopter in the garden of the presidential palace in Abidjan on December 21, 2016 to distribute gifts to 3000 children during a Christmas event organized by the Children of Africa foundation.
Sia Kambou, AFP/Getty Images![Traffic police officer Marco Chira, dressed in a Santa Claus costume, performs tricks on his moving motorcycle outside the government palace in downtown Lima, Peru, Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2016. An annual holiday ritual, the capital's traffic cops dress as Santa and his helpers.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/f8482760816c1ebc32b575bff412bb680e0107f7/c=0-278-4929-3063/local/-/media/2016/12/21/USATODAY/USATODAY/636179328169884531-AP-Peru-Christmas.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Traffic police officer Marco Chira, dressed in a Santa Claus costume, performs tricks on his moving motorcycle outside the government palace in downtown Lima, Peru, Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2016. An annual holiday ritual, the capital's traffic cops dress as Santa and his helpers.
Martin Mejia, AP![Snowboarders and skiers dressed in Santa costumes ride down the hill at Mountain High Resort in Wrightwood, Calif., on Dec. 18, 2016 during the second annual Santa's Ski Free Day, a fundraiser for Protect Our Winters. The group seeks to engage and mobilize the snow sports community to lead the fight against climate change through educational initiatives, advocacy and community-based activism.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/08216916ccfb1feabac53d3f816a3eb225ac841f/c=0-457-4215-2839/local/-/media/2016/12/21/USATODAY/USATODAY/636179328384544659-AP-Skiing-Santas.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Snowboarders and skiers dressed in Santa costumes ride down the hill at Mountain High Resort in Wrightwood, Calif., on Dec. 18, 2016 during the second annual Santa's Ski Free Day, a fundraiser for Protect Our Winters. The group seeks to engage and mobilize the snow sports community to lead the fight against climate change through educational initiatives, advocacy and community-based activism.
John Valenzuela, The Sun Via AP![A man dressed as Santa Claus holds a fish in front of Royal Penguins at the animal exhibition park Marineland in Antibes, southern France, 21 December 2016.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/e19c465d5818953fc466a7b25bf5b82193054364/c=0-169-3496-2144/local/-/media/2016/12/21/USATODAY/USATODAY/636179328194689008-EPA-epaselect-FRANCE-ANIMALS-CHRISTMAS.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
A man dressed as Santa Claus holds a fish in front of Royal Penguins at the animal exhibition park Marineland in Antibes, southern France, 21 December 2016.
Sebastien Nogier, EPA![A window cleaner costumed as Santa Claus cleans the windows of the DECKS Tokyo Beach commercial facility building at dusk in Tokyo, Japan, 21 December 2016. Yearend housecleaning is done all over Japan in preparation for the upcoming New Year festivities.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/ef8854d2a335d7028007f738fa39fca19d85ed04/c=0-269-4090-2580/local/-/media/2016/12/21/USATODAY/USATODAY/636179328160992360-EPA-epaselect-JAPAN-LIFESTYLE-CHRISTMAS.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
A window cleaner costumed as Santa Claus cleans the windows of the DECKS Tokyo Beach commercial facility building at dusk in Tokyo, Japan, 21 December 2016. Yearend housecleaning is done all over Japan in preparation for the upcoming New Year festivities.
Kimimasa Mayama, EPA![An Indian man dressed as Santa Claus in all white costume appeals everyone to adopt 'White Money and Say No to Black Money' during an event as part of Christmas festival celebration at a mall in Mumbai, India, 20 December 2016. Christmas is celebrated in India and across the world on 25 December to commemorate the birth of Jesus, the central figure of Christianity.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/4f424bf828af808ae238c6af174cf1a099b58d75/c=0-316-4095-2629/local/-/media/2016/12/21/USATODAY/USATODAY/636179328162396387-EPA-INDIA-CHRISTMAS-FESTIVAL.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
An Indian man dressed as Santa Claus in all white costume appeals everyone to adopt 'White Money and Say No to Black Money' during an event as part of Christmas festival celebration at a mall in Mumbai, India, 20 December 2016. Christmas is celebrated in India and across the world on 25 December to commemorate the birth of Jesus, the central figure of Christianity.
Divyakant Solanki, EPA![A man dressed as Father Christmas rides a cycle taxi along Oxford Street on December 20, 2016 in London, England. With only a handful of shopping days left before Christmas, the buying public has been taking advantage of every moment to pick up their gifts.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/bd012eb4f3bdacbc9cdf76715e9aa2e344e0349d/c=0-408-5147-3316/local/-/media/2016/12/21/USATODAY/USATODAY/636179328598424772-GTY-630304854.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
A man dressed as Father Christmas rides a cycle taxi along Oxford Street on December 20, 2016 in London, England. With only a handful of shopping days left before Christmas, the buying public has been taking advantage of every moment to pick up their gifts.
Leon Neal, Getty Images![A fixture as Santa for well over three decades, Tom Harn donned his red suit once again to greet 50 families as the Lacey Fire Department hosted their annual Christmas Adopt-A-Family celebration at the Station No.31 headquarters in Lacey, Wash.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/58c9a734df1ee94c5078e6937daac1ce84fde4ec/c=0-38-3566-2053/local/-/media/2016/12/18/USATODAY/USATODAY/636176903881525183-AP-Lacey-Christmas.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
A fixture as Santa for well over three decades, Tom Harn donned his red suit once again to greet 50 families as the Lacey Fire Department hosted their annual Christmas Adopt-A-Family celebration at the Station No.31 headquarters in Lacey, Wash.
Steve Bloom, The Olympian, Via AP![Men dressed as Santa Claus parade in the Lebanese capital of Beirut ahead of Christmas celebrations.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/6d79645ac00b14ea2ff7fb2c71c5a7937ec3967d/c=0-603-5000-3428/local/-/media/2016/12/18/USATODAY/USATODAY/636176903638163623-630145682.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Men dressed as Santa Claus parade in the Lebanese capital of Beirut ahead of Christmas celebrations.
Anwar Amro, Getty Images![People dressed as Santa Claus take part in a run in Madrid. Thousands of people ran in the annual Santa race through the streets.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/0c94b69c4eff5daa9846c47d8e2d8a0f1c963919/c=0-133-2627-1617/local/-/media/2016/12/18/USATODAY/USATODAY/636176903691983968-AP-Spain-Christmas.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
People dressed as Santa Claus take part in a run in Madrid. Thousands of people ran in the annual Santa race through the streets.
Francisco Seco, AP![Participants dressed as Santa Claus attend the XXVII Car Festival before going downhill in a homemade cart in the Santa Elena Municipality, near Medellin, Colombia.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/98c794415df50355c6fe1487d27c8bfe4d4e20a8/c=0-142-2993-1833/local/-/media/2016/12/18/USATODAY/USATODAY/636176903626931551-AFP-AFP-J90R5.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Participants dressed as Santa Claus attend the XXVII Car Festival before going downhill in a homemade cart in the Santa Elena Municipality, near Medellin, Colombia.
Raul Arboleda, AFP/Getty Images![An Arizona Cardinals fan dressed as Santa Claus cheers after an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in Glendale, Ariz.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/58915a59add1cac42e24d0929c750c2ff33ae140/c=0-42-4061-2336/local/-/media/2016/12/18/USATODAY/USATODAY/636176903691359964-AP-Saints-Cardinals-Football.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
An Arizona Cardinals fan dressed as Santa Claus cheers after an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in Glendale, Ariz.
Ross D. Franklin, AP![People dressed in Santa Claus costumes take part in a charity race in Pristina, Kosovo, to raise funds for poor families.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/daad72ecdd39fc78052cfc7f1b2bd0584b40dd4b/c=0-47-4064-2343/local/-/media/2016/12/18/USATODAY/USATODAY/636176903632079584-AFP-AFP-J871M.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
People dressed in Santa Claus costumes take part in a charity race in Pristina, Kosovo, to raise funds for poor families.
Armend Nimani, AFP/Getty Images![Santa Claus waves to the crowd in Montreux, Switzerland, from a flying sleigh drawn by reindeer on a cable suspended over Lake Geneva in front of the Swiss and French alps.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/a8b5f6171e4c8821e564513c884db3e29384609c/c=0-201-3946-2430/local/-/media/2016/12/10/USATODAY/USATODAY/636169735304934624-EPA-epaselect-AUSTRIA-CHRISTMAS.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Santa Claus waves to the crowd in Montreux, Switzerland, from a flying sleigh drawn by reindeer on a cable suspended over Lake Geneva in front of the Swiss and French alps.
Laurent Gillieron, Keystone, Via European Pressphoto Agency![South Korean volunteer Santas use their smartphones before heading out to distribute Christmas gifts at homes for prematurely born babies in Seoul.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/0ca48ebb578ed128221ea7bfac69fbb0be42eabe/c=0-30-4655-2660/local/-/media/2016/12/10/USATODAY/USATODAY/636169735290894534-AFP-AFP-IW7YG.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
South Korean volunteer Santas use their smartphones before heading out to distribute Christmas gifts at homes for prematurely born babies in Seoul.
Jung Yeon-Je, AFP/Getty Images![A group of Santa Clauses pose beneath the landmark Tokyo Sky Tree. The Japan Toy Association held the event to promote toys as gifts for Christmas.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/66b026c22772ba917184dad7273479b2983841e9/c=0-0-4686-2647/local/-/media/2016/12/10/USATODAY/USATODAY/636169735286682507-AFP-AFP-IZ0SQ.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
A group of Santa Clauses pose beneath the landmark Tokyo Sky Tree. The Japan Toy Association held the event to promote toys as gifts for Christmas.
Toshifumi Kitamura, AFP/Getty Images![A participant in Santacon poses outside The Flatiron Building in New York.
During the annual event, people in Santa Claus suits visit their favorite bars.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/fd6734b2cbbe58a4a8d712449b027181f776a6a3/c=0-19-3504-1999/local/-/media/2016/12/10/USATODAY/USATODAY/636169735260630340-AFP-AFP-IZ5PL.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
A participant in Santacon poses outside The Flatiron Building in New York. During the annual event, people in Santa Claus suits visit their favorite bars.
Kena Betancur, AFP/Getty Images![A street artist dressed as Santa Claus rides a bicycle in the center of Muenster, Germany.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/ccecdf31ba863e16fdc813bf3164f82603f5893f/c=0-610-4255-3014/local/-/media/2016/12/10/USATODAY/USATODAY/636169735322094734-AP-Germany-Christmas.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
A street artist dressed as Santa Claus rides a bicycle in the center of Muenster, Germany.
Martin Meissner, AP![Members of a Lebanese band wearing Santa costumes perform during a Christmas event in Beirut.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/f070ae525a31ebf5e8325f4a4ca398352b0aa2ba/c=0-197-3888-2394/local/-/media/2016/12/10/USATODAY/USATODAY/636169735310706661-AP-Mideast-Lebanon-Christmas.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Members of a Lebanese band wearing Santa costumes perform during a Christmas event in Beirut.
Bilal Hussein, AP![A Santa surfer gets to his feet as he braves the cold seas and near flat waves during the annual Santa Run and Surf 2016 at Fistral Beach, Newquay, in Cornwall, England. The event, in its third year, raises funds for local charities.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/7f676ac7a9685d113bf3f6e28efaa8bcb07b6b65/c=0-174-3996-2432/local/-/media/2016/12/04/USATODAY/USATODAY/636164734494738067-627654084.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
A Santa surfer gets to his feet as he braves the cold seas and near flat waves during the annual Santa Run and Surf 2016 at Fistral Beach, Newquay, in Cornwall, England. The event, in its third year, raises funds for local charities.
Matt Cardy, Getty Images![A diver in a Santa suit feeds a ray at the Multimar Wattforum aquarium in Tönning, Germany.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/e712ac41b15ef3e84e54aed970ab2081793a1f6d/c=0-142-3124-4308/local/-/media/2016/12/04/USATODAY/USATODAY/636164734392401411-AFP-559023184.jpg?width=495&height=660&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
A diver in a Santa suit feeds a ray at the Multimar Wattforum aquarium in Tönning, Germany.
Carsten Rehder, AFP/Getty Images![Running Santas participate in the 8th Michendorfer Nikolauslauf in Michendorf, Germany.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/a8d05be2747ec9de110ccefd72f5f8718cf70a30/c=0-0-5042-2849/local/-/media/2016/12/04/USATODAY/USATODAY/636164734557606470-AFP-559099412.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Running Santas participate in the 8th Michendorfer Nikolauslauf in Michendorf, Germany.
Ralf Hirschberger, AFP/Getty Images![A young runner wearing a Santa Claus costume walks on the Freedom Bridge after the Santa Claus Run in Budapest. About 3,000 runners took part in this year's run.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/93e9c54ae6dcb5e7e34410a495771025839a08ca/c=0-430-3687-2513/local/-/media/2016/12/04/USATODAY/USATODAY/636164734372745285-AFP-AFP-IQ8LP.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
A young runner wearing a Santa Claus costume walks on the Freedom Bridge after the Santa Claus Run in Budapest. About 3,000 runners took part in this year's run.
Attila Kisbenedek, AFP/Getty Images![Runners dressed as Santa Claus take part in the 3rd Athens Santa Claus Run in central Athens, Greece.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/37ecbbd49856dc2e29cefc7e7cd465cca6bae8c7/c=0-216-4252-2618/local/-/media/2016/12/04/USATODAY/USATODAY/636164734403477482-AFP-AFP-IQ8LU.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Runners dressed as Santa Claus take part in the 3rd Athens Santa Claus Run in central Athens, Greece.
Angelos Tzortzinis, AFP/Getty Images![Participants go up the escalator at Clapham Common Underground Station to take part in a charity Santa Dash, 5k and 10k runs around Clapham Common in south London.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/6a4707894c6c4e53e37653596832c8266ea057ca/c=0-390-4767-3083/local/-/media/2016/12/04/USATODAY/USATODAY/636164734618602861-AFP-AFP-IQ89R.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Participants go up the escalator at Clapham Common Underground Station to take part in a charity Santa Dash, 5k and 10k runs around Clapham Common in south London.
Justin Tallis, AFP/Getty Images![Santa Claus sits with Grace Wetjen, 7, and her brother, Xavier, 4, as he makes his way through the cars of the North Pole Express at the Union Depot in St. Paul, Minn. The steam locomotive carries its young passengers on a mile-long roundtrip journey.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/c92a7afdda5ed955129b177dddbae48581453925/c=0-0-4100-2316/local/-/media/2016/12/04/USATODAY/USATODAY/636164734454489809-AP-Christmas-Train.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Santa Claus sits with Grace Wetjen, 7, and her brother, Xavier, 4, as he makes his way through the cars of the North Pole Express at the Union Depot in St. Paul, Minn. The steam locomotive carries its young passengers on a mile-long roundtrip journey.
Glen Stubbe, Star Tribune Via AP![John Gable, dressed as Santa Claus, poses for a portrait in his home in Lebanon, Pa. Gable, who works in customer service and took up his seasonal hobby of portraying Santa Claus in 2005, is such a stickler for detail that he bleaches his brown hair and beard and learned leatherwork to craft his belt.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/6448d8c108ff913c4b2c19713e3b787b09d0e0a0/c=0-0-1461-1948/local/-/media/2016/12/04/USATODAY/USATODAY/636164734493178057-AP-Exchange-Santa-Claus-Hobby.jpg?width=496&height=660&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
John Gable, dressed as Santa Claus, poses for a portrait in his home in Lebanon, Pa. Gable, who works in customer service and took up his seasonal hobby of portraying Santa Claus in 2005, is such a stickler for detail that he bleaches his brown hair and beard and learned leatherwork to craft his belt.
Michael K. Dakota, Lebanon Daily News Via AP![Joulupukki, the Santa Claus from Lappland of Finland, waves as he arrives in the Csermák Antal Music School in Veszprém, Hungary. Joulupukki spends a few days in Hungary on the occasion of Santa Claus Day on Dec. 6.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/8d2516b75abdca99be88a8d465d28ca35bec6394/c=0-0-3929-2220/local/-/media/2016/12/04/USATODAY/USATODAY/636164734444193743-AP-Hungary-Santa-Claus-From-Lappland.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Joulupukki, the Santa Claus from Lappland of Finland, waves as he arrives in the Csermák Antal Music School in Veszprém, Hungary. Joulupukki spends a few days in Hungary on the occasion of Santa Claus Day on Dec. 6.
Boglarka Bodnar, AP![Larry Jefferson, playing the role of Santa, smiles with Jack Kivel of Prior Lake for photos at the Santa Experience at Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn. The USA's largest mall is hosting its first-ever black Santa Claus.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/bd0b4b341f7ae1a3cd89a72d5ed0bdd2588eb7bf/c=0-0-3595-2031/local/-/media/2016/12/04/USATODAY/USATODAY/636164734650427065-AP-Mall-of-America-Black-Santa.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Larry Jefferson, playing the role of Santa, smiles with Jack Kivel of Prior Lake for photos at the Santa Experience at Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn. The USA's largest mall is hosting its first-ever black Santa Claus.
Leila Navidi, Star Tribune Via AP![A skier dressed as Santa Claus catches some air during the annual Santa Sunday charity run at the Sunday River ski resort in Newry, Maine. Santa Sunday raises money for the Sunday River Community Fund, a local charity.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/9de16f249af1de0f44cfb12590c836d5bae645e0/c=0-30-2620-1510/local/-/media/2016/12/04/USATODAY/USATODAY/636164734536858337-AP-Skiing-Santas.1.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
A skier dressed as Santa Claus catches some air during the annual Santa Sunday charity run at the Sunday River ski resort in Newry, Maine. Santa Sunday raises money for the Sunday River Community Fund, a local charity.
Robert F. Bukaty, AP![Santa Claus skiers ride the chairlift while participating in the Santa Sunday at the Sunday River ski resort in Newry, Maine](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/abf4bcb86c020e8994f51eb4bc7912bcbeec9e36/c=0-141-4957-2942/local/-/media/2016/12/04/USATODAY/USATODAY/636164734653703086-AP-Skiing-Santas.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Santa Claus skiers ride the chairlift while participating in the Santa Sunday at the Sunday River ski resort in Newry, Maine
Robert F. Bukaty, AP![People dressed as Santa Claus take a selfie during a promotional event on the opening weekend in the alpine ski resort in Verbier, Switzerland.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/2a6bb163b82e0b476f8fd1c59962706cdeed1c86/c=0-102-2694-1624/local/-/media/2016/12/04/USATODAY/USATODAY/636164734579758612-AP-Switzerland-Ski-Santa-Claus.1.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
People dressed as Santa Claus take a selfie during a promotional event on the opening weekend in the alpine ski resort in Verbier, Switzerland.
Jean-Christophe Bott, AP![Santa skis down the slope during a promotional event on the opening weekend in the alpine ski resort in Verbier, Switzerland. Around 1,200 skiers dressed as Santa Claus were granted free access to the resort to celebrates the opening of the ski season.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/1051b31f53159cf485c19f46c310fa9a0008326c/c=0-341-3329-2222/local/-/media/2016/12/04/USATODAY/USATODAY/636164734623750894-AP-Switzerland-Ski-Santa-Claus.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Santa skis down the slope during a promotional event on the opening weekend in the alpine ski resort in Verbier, Switzerland. Around 1,200 skiers dressed as Santa Claus were granted free access to the resort to celebrates the opening of the ski season.
Jean-Christophe Bott, AP![Lily Puzen gives Santa Claus a hug after getting a candy cane to hang on the Christmas tree while Sybil Hopp School staff and Brown County Commissioner Troy Streckenbach sing carols in the lobby of the Northern Building in Green Bay, Wis.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/c2318a7fc2c761891f6622cf0bb45a11b1b0d7f7/c=0-0-5465-3088/local/-/media/2016/12/04/USATODAY/USATODAY/636164734655575098-AP-Wisconsin-Daily-Life.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Lily Puzen gives Santa Claus a hug after getting a candy cane to hang on the Christmas tree while Sybil Hopp School staff and Brown County Commissioner Troy Streckenbach sing carols in the lobby of the Northern Building in Green Bay, Wis.
Jim Matthews, The Green Bay Press-Gazette Via AP![Runners wearing Santa costumes during the 8th Michendorf Saint Nicholas Run in Michendorf, Germany.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/5d11be2220dde45b925789a2512155a34b6fa165/c=0-411-4087-2720/local/-/media/2016/12/04/USATODAY/USATODAY/636164734745275673-EPA-GERMANY-SANTA-RUN.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Runners wearing Santa costumes during the 8th Michendorf Saint Nicholas Run in Michendorf, Germany.
Ralf Hirschberger, European Pressphoto Agency![People dressed as Santa Claus participate in the 3rd Santa Run in Athens, Greece. Hundreds of people took part in the race to raise funds for charity.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/919e0c07b96b3d9344f4f000e268d24a2b6a8ff7/c=0-332-3239-2162/local/-/media/2016/12/04/USATODAY/USATODAY/636164734660099127-EPA-GREECE-CHRISTMAS.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
People dressed as Santa Claus participate in the 3rd Santa Run in Athens, Greece. Hundreds of people took part in the race to raise funds for charity.
Alexandros Beltes, European Pressphoto Agency![Motorcyclists wearing Santa costumes ride during a Santa Claus parade of the Nyir1 Bikers Association in Nyiregyhaza, Budapest, Hungary.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/5b22c63a10bfeae18d66e8e2cf661d7dd4dc6cc2/c=0-253-3538-2252/local/-/media/2016/12/04/USATODAY/USATODAY/636164734712203461-EPA-HUNGARY-SANTA-CLAUS.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Motorcyclists wearing Santa costumes ride during a Santa Claus parade of the Nyir1 Bikers Association in Nyiregyhaza, Budapest, Hungary.
Attila Balazs, European Pressphoto Agency![People dressed as Santa take part in the Santa Run and Surf 2016 at Fistral Beach in Cornwall, England.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/7182a5a9530736a3ea2f55417cbc952168e8f8d9/c=0-502-3990-2756/local/-/media/2016/12/04/USATODAY/USATODAY/636164734761343776-GTY-627654056.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
People dressed as Santa take part in the Santa Run and Surf 2016 at Fistral Beach in Cornwall, England.
Matt Cardy, Getty Images![A surfer dressed as Santa gets ready to brave the cold seas during the Santa Run and Surf in Cornwall, England.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/b0cb5e68ab5733b93ad34d51bac395e8c4979d61/c=0-459-3994-2715/local/-/media/2016/12/04/USATODAY/USATODAY/636164734780843901-GTY-627654152.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
A surfer dressed as Santa gets ready to brave the cold seas during the Santa Run and Surf in Cornwall, England.
Matt Cardy, Getty Images![Santa attends Gotham Magazine's 30th Anniversary of Miracle on Madison Avenue in New York City.](/https/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/-mm-/6001186bc4160dd545ab6cb320cb2ad565d59294/c=0-467-1900-3000/local/-/media/2016/12/04/USATODAY/USATODAY/636164734802060037-GTY-627687118.jpg?width=496&height=660&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Santa attends Gotham Magazine's 30th Anniversary of Miracle on Madison Avenue in New York City.
Mark Sagliocco, Getty Images For Gotham MagazineFeatured Weekly Ad