AALBORG – As Europe sizzles under the summer sun, the Danish city of Aalborg is channeling its festive spirit, offering onlookers a surprising sight that is more reminiscent of the holiday season.
In a charming blend of magic and mirth, scores of Santas, Mrs. Clauses, and elves from across the globe have gathered for the World Santa Claus Congress. This annual event is a well-loved midsummer tradition in Denmark’s fourth-largest city.
Originally held at an amusement park near Copenhagen in 1957, the congress shifted to Aalborg on the Jutland peninsula just two years ago. However, this time, the Santa suits proved a tad warm amid the Danish summer heat.
Next year, the congress will celebrate its 70th year, a testament to its enduring popularity. What began as entertainment for children has blossomed into a cherished convention for those who don Santa suits in malls and shops come December.
The event serves as the perfect platform for professional Santas — besides the legendary figure himself — to exchange amusing anecdotes, size up their beards, hone their skills, and partake in friendly competitions well ahead of the hustle and bustle of Christmas checklist-making.
The packed agenda features events like gingerbread eating, gift wrapping, balloon modeling, and several noisy parades.
“The grandmas say: ‘Oh, it’s too early to come here’,” said organizer Peter Gislund, himself a Santa Claus in Aalborg during the Christmas season. “The kids say: ‘Hooray! Santa’s here already’.”
Christmas as a state of mind, not just a season
Over the years, the annual four-day gathering has attracted Santas and Mrs. Clauses from as far away as Australia, Hong Kong, Canada and the United States.
Most of the three dozen or so Santas and Mrs. Clauses at the congress this week hail from Scandinavia, but some flew in — like Paradise Yamamoto from Tokyo.
“This is very fun, so many children … Ho, ho, ho!” said Yamamoto with a laugh after parading through Aalborg waving a Japanese flag and dancing to the song “Feliz Navidad” — one of many Christmas classics played during the event.
Robert Hercz, a 64-year-old Norwegian Santa from Oslo, said that despite their different nationalities, all Santas on hand share “a gene” — for generosity and spreading joy.
“You have it or you don’t,” said Hercz, who was attending the congress for the first time. “We have the true Santa spirit. And it’s all about giving, sharing, and putting a little bit of joy in people’s hearts.”
It’s not all ho-ho-ing and belly rubs.
“When Santas are together, they always mingle and talk a little bit,” said Gislund. “Maybe I put a little bit of sparkle in the beard and so on. That’s the good part of meeting some Santas from all over the world.”
For Simon Brøns, a 33-year-old Danish Santa, the event is proof that the festive spirit isn’t just for Christmas.
“Christmas is not a season. It’s a feeling you have in your stomach,” he said with a smile. “So if you want, you can have Christmas the whole year.”
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