It’s the perfect time of year for enjoying your favorite Christmas movies with your family.
When he’s not flying around the world and eating your cookies, Santa can be found on the big screen.
You’ve likely seen him in classic Christmas movies like “Miracle on 34th Street” and “The Santa Clause,” but let’s not forget about his other appearances in “The Christmas Chronicles” and “A Christmas Story.”
Or his appearance in “Elf” — both the real Santa and the “liar” who is confronted by Buddy the Elf.
But what truly makes the best holiday films — and their iconic scenes — shine are the actors who play Santa Claus in these films, some of whom are household names and others who don’t get enough credit.
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They each put their own twist on who Santa Claus is and what he represents.
So, before you begin your annual Christmas movie marathon this year, let’s take a look back at some of the greatest actors who have played Santa Claus and what we remember most from their performances.
Tim Allen
Movie: “The Santa Clause” (1994)
After accidentally causing Santa to fall from his roof, a divorced dad unexpectedly becomes the new St. Nick. As he transforms, he must learn how to balance fatherhood, responsibility and the magic of Christmas.
Edmund Gwenn
Movie: “Miracle on 34th Street” (1947)
In the original classic, a kindly man hired to play Santa claims to be the real thing. His sincerity leads to a courtroom showdown that questions faith, identity and the true meaning of Christmas — all through the eyes of a skeptical little girl.
Richard Attenborough
Movie: “Miracle on 34th Street” (1994)
This remake revisits the beloved story of Kris Kringle, who is put on trial after declaring he’s the actual Santa Claus. As the case unfolds, a young girl and her mother grapple with belief, hope and the magic the holiday season promises.
John Goodman
Movie: “The Year Without a Santa Claus” (2006)
In this live-action remake, Santa decides to take a holiday from Christmas after feeling unappreciated, prompting Mrs. Claus and two elves travel to the United States to prove the world still believes.
Kurt Russell
Movie: “The Christmas Chronicles” (2018)
When two siblings accidentally crash Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve, they team up with him to save the holiday before time runs out. The adventure takes them through a night of chaos and unexpected lessons about family and belief.
Jack Black
Movie: “Dear Santa” (2024)
When a young boy mails his Christmas wish list to Santa with one crucial spelling error, a devilish Jack Black arrives to wreak havoc on the holidays and offers the boy three wishes in exchange for his soul.
Ed Asner
Movie: “Elf” (2003)
Asner plays the real Santa Claus, who reveals the truth about Buddy’s origins and later needs Buddy’s help when his sleigh crashes in Central Park. Together, they must restore Christmas spirit to save the night.
Artie Lange
Movie: “Elf” (2003)
Artie Lange appears as the mall Santa who’s exposed by Buddy for being an imposter. His chaotic showdown with Buddy delivers one of the movie’s funniest and most memorable scenes.
Jeff Gillen
Movie: “A Christmas Story” (1983)
Gillen plays the impatient department-store Santa who bluntly sends Ralphie down the slide with a dismissive “Ho, ho, ho.” He was also one of the three people to tell Ralphie, “You’ll shoot your eye out, kid.”
Danny Glover
Movie: “The Naughty Nine” (2023)
A group of kids lands on the naughty list and sets out on a mission to steal back their Christmas presents from the North Pole. Glover appears as Santa, who ultimately helps the kids learn the real meaning of being “nice.”
J. K. Simmons
Movie: “Red One” (2024)
When Santa — known as “Red One” — is kidnapped, the head of the E.L.F. Task Force teams up with an unlikely civilian to rescue him. Their globe-trotting mission turns into an action-packed holiday adventure.
Paul Giamatti
Movie: “Fred Claus” (2007)
Santa’s troublemaking brother, Fred, is forced to move to the North Pole to help prepare for Christmas. Giamatti plays Santa as he tries to keep the holiday on track while juggling family drama and a looming efficiency audit that threatens Christmas itself.
Billy Bob Thornton
Movie: “Bad Santa” (2003)
A conman who poses as a mall Santa to rob department stores on Christmas Eve. As his life spirals and an unexpected friendship forms, the holiday season forces him to confront who he is — and who he could be.
Tom Hanks
Movie: “The Polar Express” (2004)
A young boy boards a magical train bound for the North Pole. Hanks voices multiple characters, including Santa Claus, who greets the children upon arrival and reminds them that belief is at the heart of the Christmas spirit.
Mickey Rooney
Movie: “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” (1970)
This stop-motion classic tells the origin story of Kris Kringle, from his childhood with the Kringles to his mission of delivering toys despite the Burgermeister’s ban. Rooney voices the young Santa as he grows into Santa Claus.
William Shatner
Movie: “Gotta Catch Santa Claus” (2008)
A determined kid sets out to prove Santa is real by catching him on Christmas Eve. Shatner voices Santa, who must evade capture while teaching the children that Christmas is about much more than simply finding proof.
Lloyd Bridges
Movie: “In the Nick of Time” (1991)
An aging Santa must choose his successor before Christmas Eve — or risk the holiday’s magic fading forever. Bridges plays the weary but wise Santa searching for someone with the true spirit of giving to take over the role.
Alec Baldwin
Movie: “Rise of the Guardians” (2012)
A team of mythical figures — including Santa — unite to protect children from a dark force threatening to steal their belief. Baldwin voices North, a bold, sword-wielding Santa who leads the Guardians in their fight to save childhood wonder.
Bryan Cranston
Movie: “The Santa Claus Brothers” (2001)
Santa’s three bumbling sons compete to prove who’s worthy of taking over the family business. Cranston voices one of the brothers as they navigate a series of mishaps as they learn what being Santa truly means.
Which of these actors who played Santa Claus did it best?
Whether he’s crashing his sleigh, taking a Christmas off, facing a courtroom showdown or saving the world, Santa has had quite the on-screen journey.
And thanks to the Santa Claus actors listed above, each version feels a little different.
Some Santas are warm and grandfatherly, others are sharp-witted or mischievous, and a few bring a surprising edge or action-hero energy to the red suit.
That variety is what makes these performances so memorable — every actor interprets Santa through a unique lens, showing us new sides of a character we thought we already knew.
Of course, that also means everyone has their own favorite.
Maybe you swear by Edmund Gwenn’s classic Kris Kringle, or Tim Allen’s reluctant transformation. Perhaps you prefer Kurt Russell’s cool, modern take or Tom Hanks’ magical, animated charm.
There’s no wrong answer.
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Each actor brought something special to the role — and together, they’ve helped shape the way generations imagine the man behind the beard.
