Where to Find Santa This Holiday Season

By Kathleen Davis

If you have children, then the holiday interrogation may have already begun. Playing twenty questions with your little one every time you remind them that “Santa is watching,” is exhausting. Here is a little history of Santa that may help!

The chubby, jolly, white-bearded figure we all know and love as Santa Claus, is derived in history in a multitude of ways. One being with a man named St. Nicholas. The name Santa Claus evolved from Nick’s Dutch nickname, Sinter Klaas (Dutch for Saint Nicholas). Saint Nicholas was in fact dubbed a saint. In order to become a saint, one must have accomplished up to three miracles, and St. Nicholas did just that. On three separate occasions he helped to save the lives of multiple people. Nicholas wanted to spread the message of Christ peace and goodwill towards all — the hope filled Christmas. He devoted himself to caring for the poor and defending children. He is the patron saint of sailors, merchants, archers, children, brewers (gotta love that), students and more.

Although he is no longer living, based on his history as a saint, it is believed that he had a deep connection with God, and one of his legendary habits was gift-giving done in secret. Whatever version of the Santa Claus legend, your family relies on, the overlying message remains clear: Be good, do good, help other people. If we can use the legend of Santa into being a better person, then I say we won!

Make sure you and all the children and children at heart, get a chance to see the Big Man in person this holiday season. Here are just a few “sightings” you may want to check out:

Places To Visit Santa in and Around Town

COOLSPRINGS GALLERIA

Daily through December 24^th
Monday - Thursday 11am - 7pm (break from 3pm - 4pm)

Friday - Saturday 11am - 8pm (break from 3pm - 4pm)

Sunday 12pm - 6pm (break from 3pm - 3:30pm)

coolspringsgalleria.com

38^th ANNUAL DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS

Downtown Franklin

December 9^th from 10am - 6pm
December 10^th from 11am - 5pm

williamsonheritage.org

SANTA BRUNCH AT HARPETH HOTEL

December 9^th - 10^th
December 16^th - 17^th