Welcome to Bakken! Bakken in Denmark organizes the World Santa Claus Congress in co-operation with Santa Claus of Greenland, the only official organization to authorize real Santa Clauses.

For the 52nd consecutive year, this grand event took place at Bakken – the world’s oldest amusement park – from July 20-22. More than 150 jolly Santas showed up for the congress with supportive spouses and helpful elves. These Santas come from all over the world including El Salvador, Greenland, Germany, Ireland, Norway, Italy, Japan, Holland and Venezuela.

Donning red garbs trimmed with white fur and sporting unmistakably jolly attitudes, the Santas participated in parades and went to the beach for their annual “beach paddle.” With their white beards, rosy cheeks, and twinkly eyes, the Santas talked about the congress and their preparations for Christmas 2009.

Santa Douglas Gowin, US

"December is of course the busiest month of the year as you’re preparing doing the last minutes preparations for Christmas and checking the list that the children want. But there are other times of the year where things are a little bit more quiet and Santas have a chance to get together and talk, and find out what children want from other places in the world, and to be able to compare notes to find out, really, who is nice and who is naughty.”

Santa Ron & Betty – Horniblew, England

"We have been to Denmark here four times now. Of course it is different to the other places we been which is Norway, Kirgizstan, which is near the China border, and Kalavari, which is in Sweden. But of course being here in Denmark in July – completely different to the other places, always deep snow and very cold.”

“Well of course we have, we love children, otherwise we wouldn't be doing this. And we’ve taken after Saint Nicolas, who was a saint who loved children, and the story goes that if you say ‘St. Nicolas St. Nicolas St. Nicolas’ it sounds very much like Santa Claus".

The World Santa Claus Congress is the professional forum and a social venue for Santa Clauses from around the world, and their chance to meet other Santas, exchange experience and network. The Congress also provides a showcase for Santas as a profession and for spreading Christmas cheer throughout the world.

Video by courtesy of TheNewsMarket