It’s Christmas in July as hundreds of Santas go on the march in the middle of a stifling summer heat wave
Aalborg, Denmark's fourth-largest city, hosted an unusual gathering of hundreds of Santa Clauses, Mrs. Clauses, and Christmas elves from across the globe for the World Santa Claus Congress. The event took place amid sweltering European summer temperatures, juxtaposing the typically winter holiday aesthetic with scorching July weather.
Professional participants engaged in traditional festive activities including processions through downtown streets, photograph sessions with visitors, and competitive games. This established international tradition, maintained over decades, transformed the urban landscape into a sea of red costumes and holiday decorations, offering crowds an early seasonal celebration.
- Hundreds of international Santa impersonators and Christmas characters gathered in Aalborg, Denmark this week for the annual World Santa Claus Congress
- The decades-old tradition proceeded despite Europe experiencing severe summer heat, creating a festive atmosphere months ahead of the actual Christmas season
New here? Start with this
The World Santa Claus Congress is an international gathering that brings together professional Santas, Mrs. Clauses, and Christmas elves from around the world. This long-established tradition has been maintained over many decades.
This year's congress took place in Aalborg, Denmark's fourth-largest city, in July. It coincided with intense European summer heat, creating an unusual contrast with the traditional festive appearance of red costumes and holiday decorations.
Participants engage in traditional festive activities including street processions, photograph sessions with visitors, and competitive games. These activities transform the city's landscape and give crowds an early seasonal celebration in the midst of summer.