Fun Versions of Santa Claus From TV & Movies

Santa Claus has been reimagined countless times on screen. Whether he’s delivering presents, saving Christmas, or teaming up with unexpected heroes, each version brings something special to the holiday season!

Here’s a fun roundup of some of the most memorable Santas from TV & movies - perfect for families who love holiday films!

The Santa Clause

One of the most iconic modern Santas, Tim Allen plays an ordinary dad who becomes Santa by accident after a rooftop mishap. His transformation from skeptical toy salesman to full-on Santa is a classic family adventure!

Elf

In this Christmas favorite, Ed Asner plays a traditional, no-nonsense Santa with just the right amount of grumpiness. His scenes with Buddy the Elf make the North Pole feel full of personality.

Klaus

This Santa isn’t quite Santa - he’s Klaus, a reclusive woodsman whose kindness sparks the very origin of the Santa legend. J.K. Simmons brings surprising heart to this animated masterpiece, making it one of the most emotional Santa stories ever told.

Red One

J.K. Simmons returns as another Santa, but this time he’s larger-than-life, muscular, and totally over-the-top. Red One gives Santa the action-movie treatment, and Simmons leans in with a fun, heroic twist.

Noelle

In this Disney Christmas movie, Anna Kendrick plays Noelle Kringle (Santa’s daughter), who must take over the family business when her brother goes missing. She’s bubbly, energetic, and brings a fresh, modern take on the Santa legacy.

Rise of the Guardians

As “North,” Alec Baldwin plays a tattooed, sword-wielding, tough-guy Santa with a huge heart. This action-packed animated Santa defends the wonder of childhood alongside the Tooth Fairy, Easter Bunny, and Sandman.

Fred Claus

Paul Giamatti’s Santa is stressed, overworked, and constantly trying to keep up with holiday chaos, mostly caused by his mischievous brother Fred. His grounded, emotional performance gives this comedy a surprising amount of heart.

Futurama

Okay… this one's not exactly jolly. Santa Bot (voiced by John Goodman) is a malfunctioning robot that judges everyone as naughty, turning Christmas into a disaster. He’s chaotic, silly, and one of the most iconic holiday parodies on TV.

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Voicing the classic “Sandy Claws,” Ed Ivory gives this Santa a slightly spookier tone, perfect for a Christmas story told through the lens of Halloween Town. He’s stern, brave, and helps restore holiday balance after all the spooky mayhem.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

A nostalgic favorite, this stop-motion Santa (voiced by Stan Francis) is charming, traditional, and old-fashioned. Stan Francis’s Santa helped define Christmas for generations of families.

The Christmas Chronicles

Kurt Russell brings swagger, humor, and rock-star energy to his version of Santa Claus. He’s stylish, confident, and totally different from any version before him.

Celebrate the Season at Metropolis Resort

After watching your favorite Santa on screen, bring the holiday magic to life with a festive getaway! Stop by Action City on Saturday, December 13th or Saturday, December 20th for pictures with Santa! View our full holiday activity schedule here.

Make this holiday season one to remember—with a little help from Santa and a lot of fun at Metropolis Resort.