8 of the jolliest Santas in pop culture

By Ruth Kinane
December 15, 2018 at 10:00 AM EST

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Making a list, checking it twice

Michael Gibson/Netflix; Everett Collection; Attila Dory/Walt Disney/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock

He’s one of the most popular guys on the planet (what with all that excessive gift giving), so it’s no wonder he’s been brought to the big and small screens many times over the years. Yes, we’re talking about Santa Claus! And since it’s the season to be jolly, here are some of his most memorable appearances in pop culture. 

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Tim Allen, The Santa Clause

Everett Collection

Okay, so technically Allen kills Santa Claus (accidentally!) — but hey, at least he steps up and takes on the demanding job. Okay, fine, he doesn’t have any choice in the matter, but in the end he even delivers gifts to his obnoxious ex-wife! And he got two sequels as a reward!

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Richard Attenborough, Miracle on 34th Street

Everett Collection

Yes, the original movie is considered the classic, but the dulcet tones and kindly demeanor of Mr. Attenborough make his take on Kris Kringle the stuff of miracles.

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Ed Asner, Elf

Everett Collection

Maybe he’s a little overshadowed by an elf, but still: Santa?! We all know (and love) him!

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Paul Giamatti, Fred Claus

Jaap Buitendijk/Warner Bros.

I mean, he’s literally a saint. Need we say more? Shame his saintliness couldn’t save the movie overall, though. 

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James McAvoy, Arthur Christmas

Aardman Animations/Sony

Granted, the O.G. Santa isn’t so great in this telling, but when his younger son, Arthur, steps up and delivers a present to the kid his dad missed, he more than earns the coveted red suit.

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Kurt Russell, The Christmas Chronicles

Netflix

If you didn’t think Santa could be sexy, watch Russell as the man in the red suit and reconsider.

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The Snowman (1978 book and 1982 TV special)

Tvc/Channel 4

A Santa who knows how to throw a party is so important at this time of year. Just look at those dance moves!

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David Huddleston, Santa Claus: The Movie

Everett Collection

Befriending an orphan and then adopting him even after he takes the reins and flies his sleigh under the Brooklyn Bridge? Yes, this version of Mr. Claus definitely lands on the nice list.

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