How to Write a Letter to Santa: Examples and Santa's Address
Writing a letter to Santa is one of the happiest Christmas traditions for children, and a lovely activity for the whole family. Here is how to write one, three example letters to borrow from, and Santa's official address in Finland.
Many children finish their letter with a drawing of their favourite Christmas symbols, so keep your pencils close.
While the letter is on its way, get the tree ready with our handmade cotton Christmas ornaments.
How to write a letter to Santa, step by step
The story goes that Santa Claus is very busy at Christmas, so children start their letters early. A good letter is polite, tells Santa about your year and shares the Christmas gifts you are hoping for.
1. Start your wish list early
Write your list well before Christmas, because Santa receives letters from children all over the world. Put down only the things you truly love, since Santa cannot always find everything for everyone.
2. Make a list of your good deeds
Before you write, think back over the year. Did you help at home, look after a pet, learn something new or share with a friend? Write these good deeds down, because they will go straight into your letter.
3. Put your heart into it
Kind, polite words matter, and so does effort. Add a short poem, a little song or a drawing, like your family, a much loved pet, or Ngon Ngon, the Christmas dwarf who helps Santa keep everything in order.
If your child is unsure what to write, sit down together and share ideas. It turns the letter into a warm family moment.
4. Choose your paper and materials
Picking the paper is half the fun. White or coloured paper both work, and it helps to have more than one sheet in case of mistakes.
You can also make a small handmade surprise for the envelope with a simple family workshop.
Let's start writing
Once everything is ready, it is time to write. In the top right corner, write your name and address clearly. Then open with "Dear Santa Claus".
In the next paragraph, introduce yourself with your first name and surname. Tell Santa about the good deeds on your list and what you achieved this year, then write what you would love for Christmas.
If you can, add a wish for someone else too. It is the kind of letter that belongs on Santa's Nice List, because Christmas is a season of love and kindness.
Finish with your drawing or a little handmade piece in the envelope, and top it with a Santa's Star, the star Santa never flies without. Then ask a parent to help post it.
Letter to Santa examples
Need a little help getting started? These three short Santa letter templates can be copied as they are or changed to fit your family.
For a young child
Dear Santa Claus,
My name is Emma and I am 5 years old.
This year I learned to brush my teeth all by myself and I helped feed our cat.
Could I please have a teddy bear and some colouring pencils?
Please give your reindeer a big hug from me.
Love, Emma
For an older child
Dear Santa Claus,
I hope you and the elves are well and not too busy.
This year I read 20 books, helped my little brother with his homework and joined the school football team.
I would really love a bike so I can ride to my friend's house.
If there is room on your sleigh, please bring something warm for children who need it.
Thank you for reading my letter.
Best wishes, Leo
For the whole family
Dear Santa Claus,
We are the Taylor family, writing to you from Thailand.
This year we planted a small garden together and visited Grandma every Sunday.
Our biggest wish is good health for everyone we love, and more time together.
The children would also be very happy with a board game we can all play.
We will leave a snack out for you and the reindeer.
With love, the Taylor family
Santa's official address in Finland
Letters go to the Santa Claus Main Post Office, the only official Santa Claus post office. It is part of Posti, Finland's national post, and sits in Santa Claus Village, 8 km north of Rovaniemi.
Write the address on the envelope like this:
Santa Claus
Santa Claus' Main Post Office
Tähtikuja 1
96930 Arctic Circle
FINLAND
You may also see the address written with Napapiiri, which is the Finnish name for Arctic Circle.
Your child will be in good company. The post office receives more than half a million letters, cards and parcels each year (Visit Rovaniemi), from 198 countries (finland.fi).
About replies: Santa's post office offers a paid "letter from Santa" service, ordered in advance and sent before Christmas. There is no official promise of a free reply to every letter.
Christmas ornaments to go with your letter
While the letter travels north, the tree can get ready too. Ngon Ngon the Christmas dwarf and Santa's Star from your child's drawing are both part of our handmade cotton Christmas ornaments, and they make the story feel real on the branches.
FAQ
Does Santa write back?
Santa's post office offers a paid "letter from Santa" service; there is no official promise of a free reply to every letter.
How long does a letter to Santa take?
There is no single delivery time to count on, so ask at the post office counter how long mail takes to reach Finland.
Can children write in their own language?
Santa's elves are described as impressively multilingual (finland.fi).
A letter to Santa is a small thing that children remember for years. Sit down together, enjoy it, and help them post it with a smile.
If you would like a few ornaments to make the season even brighter, say hello. We are happy to help you choose.