The holiday season often brings back nostalgic feelings of wonder, joy, and festivity. But it’s not just the decorations and the treats that make it special – there’s something about seeing people dressed up as Santa that brings a smile to our faces. From classic department store Santa’s to charming family portraits, vintage photos give us a unique glimpse into a simpler time when dressing up as the jolly old man was something to look forward to.

In this post, we’ll explore some fun vintage photos of people (or things) dressed as Santa Claus, from the 1930s-1960s. Get ready to get into the festive spirit!

Side fun fact..my husband and I for the last few years (minus those “years we missed”) have played Mr & Mrs Claus for a friends Christmas party and my husband has played Santa for the Toronto Vintage Society Kitschmas parties. So much fun! Scroll to the end to see our 2023 version vrs 2008 (when we first started to play around with dressing up).

Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy , eBay are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. 

NOTE: If you click on any of the items featured below and they are not available, don’t fret! Hit the search button and see what else is on the websites. There are 1000’s and 1000’s of items being listed daily.

Vintage Photos of Santa Claus 1930s-1960s

A little girl receives a special gift from her dad dressed up as Santa Claus. The smile on her face says she is very happy with her book. -1950s photo.

Source: Etsy-maclancy

Dec 19th, 1950 Santa pays a visit to a Black community centre. How adorable are the two kids with their presents?

Source: Library & Archives Canada

1952 “Secrets to Santa” department store Santa, meet and greet setup.

Source: Library & Archives Canada

Stuffed Santa just hanging out with kids in the yard in this 1930s/1940s photo.

Source: Etsy-iloveyoumorephotos

Dec 21st, 1949. Kiwanis Christmas party at St. Brigid’s Home, [Quebec, P.Q.]

Source: Library & Archives Canada

1940s (possibly 50s) of a young boy in a matching leather jacket and hat getting his time with Santa.

Source: Etsy-thewurdenmanstudio

If your face does not look like Santa’s just wear a mask with the outfit. 1950s/1960s kids Christmas party.

Source: eBay

1960s photo of a pretty woman with the perfect 60s hairstyle and dress posing with the Christmas party Santa.

Source: eBay

Now there is nobody dressed as the jolly man himself, but it was too cute of a photo to pass by.

“Everyone say cheese with Santa!” 1950s vintage photo of a group of ladies posing with a Santa image on a door.

Source: Etsy-thewurdenmanstudio

1950s vintage photo of the work Christmas Party featuring Papa Noel (aka Santa Claus), stylish women and 2 men in uniform. Great 1950s fashions on our ladies in the middle (love the striped sweater).

This image comes from a past post entitled, “Festive Vintage Christmas Photos 1940s-1960s“.

Bushy hair Santa – 1950s photo.

Source: Etsy-Niepce Gallery

Dec 1964-4 kids pose for a Christmas photo with a paper mache Santa.

Source: Etsy-maclancy

1955 department store Santa with a lineup of kids and parents eager to get those lists discussed with the big man in red himself.

Source: Library & Archives Canada

My last photo in this post is a funny one from the 1950s. Santa is surrounded by loads of kids and one creepy clown, while clearly over the whole experience. Ha!

Source: eBay

Thank you for spending some time at the Vintage Inn blog with my latest post. I really appreciate my readers and during this festive time, I would like to say Thank You. Thank You for commenting, emailing, reading and sharing. I truly appreciate it.

Now please share in the comments section, what your favourite image was, or anything else you wish to talk about on this topic.

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays! Oh and here is the photos I promised of my husband and I in 2008 (top) vrs 2023 as Mr & Mrs. Claus. 2008 is the year we started dating as well.

Liz

Further Reading: Vintage Christmas 1920s-1960s blog posts (Archived)