Santa School opens to new batch of Father Christmases

The performers are taught how to wish children a happy Christmas in a variety of languages as well as getting tips on how to inhabit the role.

Published Nov 27, 2019

Father Christmas performers during the 23rd annual Santa School at Southwark Cathedral in London

Future Father Christmases have been put through their paces at the 23rd annual Santa School.

Father Christmas performers in a classroom during the 23rd annual Santa School at Southwark Cathedral — Future Santas are given a broad education (Kirsty O’Connor/PA)

The annual event, hosted by the Ministry Of Fun at Southwark Cathedral, teaches performers how to be the perfect Father Christmas and covers a range of Santa subjects.

A Father Christmas performer talks to an Elf — Performers are given the chance to roleplay interactions with children (Kirsty O’Connor/PA)

Pupils at the school are taught how to wish children a happy Christmas in a variety of languages as well as getting a crash course on the most popular toys of the year.

Father Christmas performers in a classroom during the 23rd annual Santa School — (Kirsty O’Connor/PA)The annual event this year was held at Southwark Cathedral

There is also a lesson in the history of Santa and tips on how to embody the most festive of roles.

Santa school at Southwark Cathedral — The event is now in its 23rd year (Kirsty O’Connor/PA)

The actors on the course go through roleplay scenarios so they are ready to answer queries from children they meet while making public appearances.

Father Christmas performers during the 23rd annual Santa School at Southwark Cathedral — The Santas will go on to provide festive cheer at some well known high street stores (Kirsty O’Connor/PA)

In the past, Santas who have graduated from the school have gone on to make appearances at locations including Harrods, Selfridges and Legoland.