Every November, men and women dressed in red compete for the title of world’s best Santa Claus. The 11th annual event just wrapped in Samnuan, Switzerland, for the ClauWau. Since Switzerland is a mountainous nation with lots of snow and winter weather, it is ideal for having an Olympics-style event centered around the Jolly Old Elf.
ESPN reported in 2010 that participants in the Santa Claus World Championships have to proficient in events such as dancing, chimney climbing and sleigh racing. The sled races down the mountain and teams of four earn points based upon how quickly they finish going down the hillside.
Other events center around a faux “round the world” trip in which teams ride in a horse-drawn carriage around town to find pictures of various world landmarks such as the Taj Mahal or Statue of Liberty. Chimney climbers score points for being the fastest to the top and ring a bell.
In 2011, 17 teams traveled to the isolated resort town to compete. A Swiss team called “Auwer-Chlause” won the title for the second year in a row. Other events in which teams compete for the final prize include a karaoke contest and collecting gifts to put in a sleigh. There is also a spirit competition where teams are judged on their Santa Claus spirit.
Dressing up as the big man himself is required. Contestants don’t have to have Santa’s girth, however. That would make competitions run even slower. These Santa’s helpers don’t have trouble getting around. One team from the United States in 2010 was a team of U.S. Navy personnel. Although they didn’t win, they are one of the top teams from the United States that compete. All of the money from the event goes towards local charities.
You can see video of the event here from the Australian Broadcasting Company.
Winning the competition isn’t necessarily about physical prowess or an innate ability to do well at winter sports. MLive.com reported in 2009 that the Olympics-style events are designed to ensure any future Santa Claus look-a-likes can take over the job in a pinch.
Anyone can visit Samnaun at the end of November to see these Santas compete. Samnaun is a resort town with downhill skiing, cross country skiing and the town even hosts the synchro ski world cup every year. Hiking is also a tradition in the Eastern Alps.
Although Santa still lives up at the North Pole, attending the Santa Claus World Championships are about as close to the Santa magic as you can get. Forget the Santas at the mall. The “real” Santas converge on Switzerland as a warm up for the hectic December holiday season.