Santas Around the World

Twenty-three life-size Santas handcrafted by a noted local artist are displayed each year in a beautifully decorated Santa World in Downtown Great Bend.

Each Santa has his(or her) own unique story and elaborate costume. Specially decorated trees, flowers, and accessories complement each Santa. Banks of red poinsettias make Viejo Pascero feel at home and Italy's ethereal female Santa, La Befana, carries her handbell in her sparking blue robes. They are joined by twenty-one other Santas with new Santas added to the collection each year. These are just a few of the favorites:

Scotland. The Abbot of Unreason was elected during the end of the year festival to lead frolicking festivities in this tartan robes and jaunty hat.

Russia. Grandfather Frost travels from house to house in his bishop's robes bringing gifts on New Year's Day.

Ireland. St. Stephen is honored on December 26 by boys who go door to door singing for pennies and carrying symbolic wrens made of straw.

2007 Information

Dates & hours: November 17 - December 30 (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve & Christmas Day), Wednesday - Saturday 12-7 pm & Sunday 1-5 pm (Also open by appointment for groups with a minimum of 10 paid admissions - contact RSVP at 620-792-1614 in advance to schedule appointment)

Cost: $1 per person (children under age 6 free with each paid adult admission)

Location: 2332 Kansas xDirections: From the junction of Hwy 281 (Main Street) & Hwy K-96/US 56 (10th Street), go north on Main 14 blocks to the stop light at the intersection of 24th Street & Main. Turn right (east) one block to Kansas. Santa World is on the east side of the street.

Santa World is a project of Holiday Spirit, RSVP and the Great Bend Convention & Visitors Bureau. For more information about Santa World, contact the Great Bend Convention & Visitors Bureau.