Christmas is coming! 100s of Santa Claus at World Congress invade Danish city in mid July

Christmas is almost here, and to prove it, Spain is already selling tickets for its Christmas El Gordo lottery! Also, in Denmark, dozens of professional Santas, Mrs Clauses and elves from across the globe have descended on Aalborg for their annual World Congress, transforming the Danish city into a hub of christmassy cheer during the intense peak summer heat.

Global Santas gather for joyful pre-festive reunion

Participants numbered between 45 and 50, hailing from Denmark, Norway, Japan, Canada and Sweden. These festive figures paraded through Aalborg city centre on July 6, delighting locals with their red suits and flowing beards under bright sunshine. Organisers shifted the event to Aalborg after previous years at Bakken, creating fresh partnerships with Aalborg Zoo for family-orientated experiences.

City centre buzzes with Christmas fun

Monday, July 6, featured a packed schedule across Aalborg. Visitors watched the Christmas films; children joined Nisseskole, completing six playful tasks scattered around the city to earn diplomas. Tasks included reindeer riding, butterscotch throwing (it’s a thing in Denmark), feeling the wrapped gifts and guessing what they are, peppernut eating, gift wrapping and memory games for Santas.

Christmas concerts rang out through pedestrian zones at multiple spots from midday onwards. Crowds sang carols and danced around a tree during the afternoon party, and a grand parade at 4pm capped the day, with Santas marching through the streets to get everyone in the Christmas spirit as early as possible.

Aalborg zoo hosts festive takeover

Events continued on July 10 at Aalborg Zoo. Animal feedings and Safari Simon shows entertained families, while Santas mingled with visitors. Children wrote wish lists (they hope they won’t forget by December), got balloon animals and joined Santa Academy activities. The Zoofari stage hosted elf competitions, carol singing, fashion shows and even a crowning ceremony for new Santas. Attendees voted for Christmas 2025 highlights and watched Santa inspect reindeer readiness for the big night.

Rich tradition continues strong

The congress traces its roots to 1957 at Dyrehavsbakken, founded by Professor Tribini. International delegates have met annually every year since then to share experiences, set Christmas Eve dates and discuss ways to promote festive joy globally. Aalborg now provides a welcoming new home, mixing parades, zoo fun and cultural exchange into memorable days. This wholesome event increases community spirit and reminds everyone that Christmas magic knows no season.

Happy Christmas, everyone!