Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus!

Legendary Santa

There is little that Richmond takes more seriously in December than Santa Claus. So much so that growing up in the Richmond area I always thought this famous line, "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus," was about our Santa Claus, the "Real" Santa...Legendary Santa. My sisters and I were sooooo sure that this was the real Santa (and we're right) because the Santa that we saw every year at Christmas was the same man in the pictures of my mother and uncles from their childhood...only the real Santa could have lasted that long! I am, admittedly, older than most of the girls that go sit on Santa's knee but this is a tradition that my family takes very seriously...

Legendary Santa was originally housed in the famed, Richmond-based department store of Miller and Rhoads...whose boxes are still passed around in the family at Christmas despite their having closed their doors in 1990. For a short while Santa could be found in Thalhimer's (gasp...the "Other" Department Store), followed by 6th Street Marketplace, the Richmond Convention Center and now...finally...to the Children's Museum of Richmond. Parts of Legendary Santa and Santaland have changed over the years but the essentials remain the same. If you are lucky enough to arrive early and get a good spot in line you might just hear the prance of reindeer hoofs on the roof, hear the jingle of sleigh bells and see the magic of Santa's boots coming down the chimney piece. And nothing strikes the hearts of children quite like when Santa asks," Have you been good this year?"

We miss the Tea Room with Rudolph Cake and Santa magically drinking his glass of milk, we miss the Fawn Shop, Bruce the Spruce and the Snow Bears...but the Snow Queen and the Elf remain! Newcomers to Richmond and Old Timers alike can appreciate the magic of Santa cherished by Richmond, VA.

Sgt. Santa

Another famous, local Santa is Sgt. Santa. He is a wonderful man that I have been lucky enough to meet on numerous occasions. This frosty-bearded gentleman is a retired police sargeant who took it upon himself to start collecting donations for less fortunate families during the holiday season. His humble beginnings have grown to epic proportions in Richmond and it is reported that tens of thousands of gifts are given by Sgt. Santa on each Christmas Eve. This Santa is such an important part of our community that every other year he graces the final float in the Ukrop's Christmas Parade, another local tradition which takes place on the first Saturday morning in December. (He and Legendary Santa take turns!)

All of Sgt. Santa's "elves" are volunteers, like you and I, who want to make a difference for families and children. If you are interested in volunteering you can contact Sgt Santa of Richmond, Inc at (804) 358-7281.

Hanover Fire Dept. Santa

Hanover County is a fantastic place to grow up. Not only are the schools great but the Volunteer Fire Department is great too! Each year, the Fire Department coordinates its volunteers and Santa gets to ride a Hanover County Fire Engine around the county. Imagine this...you've checked the Mechanicsville Local and know when to expect Santa in your neck of the woods. The family is gathered around the TV watching Rudolph or the Grinch (the old school cartoon, of course) and you hear sirens in the background. All the kids jump up and scramble to get our coats and shoes on and run out of the house in time to see a fire truck with escort cars turn the corner. Santa is on top and he tosses candy and treats down to the kids. Now, if you are prepared you will have brought a flashlight to try to find the candy in the grass. But if you are lucky, you will miss a few...nothing beats going out in the morning to catch the school bus and finding a few last pieces to take to school!

This is a great tradition! Like Sgt. Santa the only reimbursement that this Santa receives is shining in the faces of the children he meets!

The Richmond Area has many Christmas Traditions; ie: Lewis Ginter Parade of Lights, Mechanicsville and Chesterfield Christmas Parades, the nativity at the Metro Richmond Zoo (with live animals) and much more, but dear to everyone's hearts is the man in the red suit who spreads joy and cheer to local children and adults alike.

Welcome to Richmond, VA!