As long as there's Christmas, children will be writing letters to Santa. Luckily, Santa has plenty of helpers all around the world who help him stay organized and make sure those letters receive a response. From major postal programs complete with mailing addresses to paid letter services, there's more than one way to put your child in touch with Santa.
Santa's USPS Address
The United States Postal Service's Letters to Santa program has been operating since the early 20th century. Postal employees, charitable organizations, corporations, and members of the public volunteer their time and respond to children across the country.
How It Works
According to the USPS website, parents help their children write letters to Santa and then put them in envelopes addressed to "Santa Claus, North Pole." Later on when the parents are alone, they should open and read these letters and reply as Santa on the back. Each letter is then put in a stamped envelope marked with the individual child's name and home address, and the return address is listed as "Santa Claus, North Pole." This envelope is then enclosed in a larger envelope and mailed to the address below.
North Pole Postmark Postmaster
4141 Postmark Dr.
Anchorage AK 99530-9998
Note: Letters must be received by December 15.
Once the Alaskan post office receives the envelope, the home-addressed letter is removed from inside, post marked from the North Pole, and mailed back home.
Santa's Canadian Mailing Address
For over 30 years, current and retired Canada Post employees have been volunteering their time to answer letters to Santa.
How It Works
The procedure is very simple. Children write letters to Santa and mail them to the address below. No postage is required, but you can help out Santa's postal elves by providing a return address.
Santa Claus
North Pole
Canada H0H 0H0
Note: Letters to Santa must be mailed before December 16 to receive a reply.
Santa's Australian Mailing Address
The Australia Post also encourages children to write to Santa, but they only send replies to children who live in that country. According to their website, they receive thousands of letters and Christmas lists every year.
How It Works
Australia Post offers an online letter-writing program and decorative letter templates that can be downloaded, but children can also write their own letters using supplies from home. Once the letters are ready, the address below goes on the front of the envelope, and the child's return address is written on the back. Adequate postage is required.
Santa
North Pole 9999
Note: There is no deadline listed, but it's generally best to mail letters no later than December 15 to help ensure your child receives a reply.
Santa's UK Mailing Address
Santa, also known as Father Christmas, has a special mailing address for children in the United Kingdom. The Royal Mail website features a page where it explains how children should prepare their letters for him.
How It Works
Father Christmas asks children to write out their Christmas lists and place them in an envelope with the address below clearly written on the front. A name and return address must be included, and the envelope must be stamped with the proper amount of postage.
Santa/Father Christmas
Santa's Grotto
Reindeerland
XM4 5HQ
Note: Letters should be sent by December 6 to allow enough time for a reply.
Purchase Letters From Santa
If you'd like make sure your child receives a letter from Santa, a number of online companies offer Santa letters and personalized gifts which typically include customized or theme letters that may also include religious messages if desired. These are paid services, and prices vary depending on what you order.
A sampling of these online companies includes:
- Santa Claus House - This website offers a variety of products ranging from a letter from Santa or a deed to 1-square inch of the North Pole for around $10 each to packages and combos starting around $15.
- Santa's Official North Pole Mail - Here you can create a beautiful custom letter for your child. Pricing starts around $12, and you have the option to add other items at additional prices to create an entire package from Santa.
- Sealed by Santa - This website offers a highly personalized letter from Santa created with the details which you supply about your child. Priced around $15, each letter also comes with a packet of reindeer food your child can sprinkle outside on Christmas Eve so Santa's team can have a little snack. For around $10, they also offer a printable package, which you can download and print yourself if you're in a hurry.
- Letters from Santa - You can pick your choice of stationery starting at around $8. They offer several customization options to tailor each letter to your child, including letters for kids who maybe aren't sure if they believe in Santa at all.
- Santa Letters - This site offers a variety of packages, all postmarked from the North Pole. They include a letter from Santa, a nice list (which will have your child's name and the name of one of your child's friends, which you provide), and a Nice certificate, depending upon which package you choose.
Check With Your Local Post Office
If you don't see the Santa address you need here, call your local post office and see if they currently offer an address for Santa mail. These addresses do change occasionally, but many remain active for years. Writing to Santa can be a fun and worthwhile activity for children, and with the right Santa Claus mailing address, you can be sure your child's holiday wishes and greetings will make it to the Jolly Old Elf's mailbox.
