Santa Claus is coming to town… in July

Santas from all over the world are once again gathered in Copenhagen for the World Santa Claus Congress.

Published: 21 July 2015 11:47 CEST

Santa Claus is coming to town... in July

Santa Claus came to Copenhagen once again. Photo: Sara Gangsted/Scanpix

Jolly Santas and happy elves from all over the globe are having their annual meeting in Copenhagen for a three-day schedule that mixes official Santa business and pleasure.

More than 100 people dressed up as Santa Claus or ‘Julemanden’, arrived in Copenhagen on Monday to take part in the annual activities of the World Santa Claus Congress. This meeting dates back to 1957 and the Santas use the occasion to spread summertime Christmas cheer and trade tips on how Christmas is celebrated in their part of the world.

The Local briefly caught up with the bearded bunch during their packed programme in the Danish capital, which includes a boat trip, the parade through the city, the traditional bath at Bellevue Beach and the Santa Pentathlon at Bakken amusement park.

Photo: Agustin Millan

While Monday's weather may have been a letdown to the rest of us, it provided perfect conditions for the fur-wearing Santas and must have felt like quite the relief compared to their congress last year, which came as Denmark was experiencing a heatwave that saw temperatures top 27C in Copenhagen.

See also: PHOTO GALLERY: Santas descend on Copenhagen

Photo: Agustin Millan

With white beards everywhere, the tourists visiting the Little Mermaid were happy – if somewhat confused – to meet Santa and join in on the Christmas joy. Even though it's still July, people promised the Santa crew that they would behave well for the rest of the year so that the Santas could return and fill their stockings.

Photo: Agustin Millan

Make no mistake, the Santa Claus Congress is a big deal and Santas come from near and far.

“There are Santas from everywhere – Sweden, Germany, France… even Japan,” 'Santa Jordan' told us.

“I've been coming for eight years, I won't miss a congress”, added 'Santa Douglas', who came all the way from Washington DC.

Photo: Agustin Millan

If you are into adding a Christmas touch to your summer in Copenhagen, check the Santa Claus World Congress schedule.

Photo: Agustin Millan

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