It’s the most wonderful time of the year—if you didn’t sing that line, give it another shot! Santa Claus officially arrived at the Santa House in downtown Midland on Dec. 3, to kick off the holiday season for believers young and old.
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Ali Sledz"Santa doesn’t enter through the chimney, he enters through the heart"A legacy of Santa training in Midland
Midland is home to the world’s oldest Santa School, where almost 300 Santas from around the globe gather each October. These aspiring Santas and Mrs. Clauses learn how to be the best and are carefully vetted to ensure only the applicants who intend to bring the spirit of Christmas alive are accepted.
Tom and Holly Valent, local business owners, philanthropists, and professional Santas, helped establish the current Santa House and partnered with the Midland Area Community Foundation to bring Tom’s magical vision to life.
“The Community Foundation cultivates the power of giving,” says Sharon Mortensen, President and CEO of the Midland Area Community Foundation. “One way we do this is by providing opportunities for donors to support areas they’re passionate about.”
Thanks to the support of donors and Foundation funding, the current Santa House was built in 1987. The Foundation oversees all aspects of its operations, from managing expenses to recruiting volunteers.
The Valents also assumed responsibility for the
Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School, founded in New York in 1937 and relocated to Midland in 1968. Tom Valent attended the school in 1975, and the rest is history.
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Carly LillardFred Honerkamp has been part of Midland's Santa House for 25 years.Meet a Special Santa: Fred Honerkamp
Over the years, several special Santas have brought cheer and joy to the Santa House. One of these is Fred Honerkamp who became a Santa twenty-five years ago when his good friend, Tom Valent, suggested he would make a great Santa.
“The best part of the Santa Season is touching the lives of so many children,” he says. “The spirit of love and giving is passed on to the next generation.”
Honerkamp supports the Santa School annually, sharing his expertise in logistics and marketing. Several years ago, he even organized 50 Santas from around the world to visit the only Santa in Israel “the Jerusalem Santa”.
“Each year I learn new ways to be a better Santa,” shares Honerkamp. “Being a Santa is an awesome responsibility. You are entrusted with parents' most precious hopes and dreams for their children. I want every visit to be the best visit ever. As Charles W. Howard said, ‘Santa doesn’t enter through the chimney, he enters through the heart.’”
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Carly LillardVisitors can ride the Northern Star Train at Midland's Santa HouseTake a trip on the Northern Star
When he is not bringing Christmas cheer to the Santa House, he is also the Santa for Gladwin’s Festival of Lights/ Santa Parade, Sugar Springs tree lighting and cookies with Santa, Toy for Tots, Midland/Gladwin Foster Care party, Midland Country Club, Kiwassee Kiwanis Christmas party for kids.
When families make the trip downtown, they will also have the opportunity to ride the trackless train. “The Northern Star Train” is a beloved part of the Santa House experience.
“We are currently seeking volunteers to serve as train attendants. It's a fantastic opportunity to spread holiday cheer and create unforgettable memories,” says Samm Jones, Director of Development for the Midland Area Community Foundation.
There are many opportunities to be an “elf” and volunteer at the House or on the train. Community members can find more information on the Midland Foundation
website or through
Signup Genius.
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Jennifer HummelleA world of wonder awaits all ages at the Midland Santa HouseA magical experience for all
If you have not visited the Santa House in Midland, go. No matter your age, it is a truly magical place that has become a part of countless memories for so many.
“I love that the Santa House is available to all in our community,” says Mortensen when asked what her favorite part is. “There is no cost to visit and we’ve worked to make it accessible to all.”
The Santa House aims to be inclusive by offering three sensory-friendly nights from Dec. 4-6 to accommodate visitors with specific needs.
“The Santa House is the great equalizer. All children are offered the same special experience,” Jones elaborates on the sensory-friendly nights. “To schedule a visit and discuss specific needs, please contact the Community Foundation in advance. We also offer appointments for families with special needs on other nights.”
Plan your visit
The Santa House is open to the public until Dec. 23. After Santa returns to the North Pole, visitors can still tour the house on Dec. 26.
Weekdays:
6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Starting Dec. 16, weekday hours expand to include afternoon sessions from 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saturdays:
9 a.m. - noon
1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Sundays:
1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
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Carly LillardOne of Santa's reindeer visits Midland Santa HouseLaura Dittenber, the Administrative and Development Assistant for the Midland Area Community Foundation and a part-time reindeer babysitter, is available to answer any questions regarding the Santa House and training.
You can reach out to her at (989) 839-9661 or through their
website.
Dittenber works closely with the volunteers and is responsible for scheduling Santa. “Santas that work in the house have all gone through the Santa school and are scheduled by Santa,” she says.