Christmas in July... and All Year Long in Albion

Honoring the Life and Legacy of Charles W. Howard

In Albion, New York, a charming town nestled along the Erie Canal in Orleans County, Christmas isn’t just a time of year. It’s a feeling, a spirit that lives here every day. And if anyone captures that spirit, it’s the late Charles W. Howard, Albion’s most beloved hometown legend.

A Santa Since Childhood
The story begins way back in 1905, when a young Charlie Howard first donned a Santa suit in a fourth-grade school play. That moment sparked something magical, a calling that would shape his entire life. Years later, Charlie would go on to start the world’s very first Santa Claus School, right here in his Albion home. Starting in 1937, the school was a weeklong experience teaching aspiring Santas everything they needed: how to sound, act, dress, and, most importantly, feel like the real Santa.

A Farm Turned Christmas Wonderland
By 1953, Howard’s dream grew even bigger. He transformed his own farm into Christmas Park, a sprawling 25-acre holiday wonderland filled with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and enough Christmas cheer to draw tens of thousands of visitors every season. Families traveled from far and wide, some years totaling as many as 80,000 guests, all eager to soak in the magic of Albion’s one-of-a-kind Christmas celebration, long before “Christmas villages” were even a thing.

From Albion to 34th Street
Charlie’s genuine warmth and joyful spirit didn’t just make him a local treasure. In 1948, he stepped onto the national stage as the official Santa Claus for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the very first parade ever broadcast on national television. He held that role until 1965, becoming a beloved figure to millions across the country. And if that wasn’t enough, he also lent his expertise to the classic holiday film Miracle on 34th Street, helping to bring the magic to the big screen.

A Lasting Legacy
Though Charles Howard passed away in 1966, his influence is very much alive today. The Santa School he founded continues to operate, now based in Midland, Michigan, welcoming Santas from around the world to learn from his legacy.

In Albion, you’ll find his memory honored everywhere you turn:

• A beautiful mural at Waterman Park, painted by local artist Stacey Kirby Steward, shows Santa soaring high over the village, a joyful tribute to Howard’s lasting impact.

• Another mural, celebrating Albion as the birthplace of the original Santa School, adorns the north wall of the Lake Country Pennysaver building at 170 North Main Street. This piece came to life thanks to Natasha Wasuck, owner of Tinsel and the Lockstone, who rallied community support and teamed up with Rochester artist Justin Suarez, also known as Mr. Prvrt of Aerosol Kingdom.

• At Mount Albion Cemetery, where Howard is laid to rest, a marker tells the story of his remarkable life.

• Most recently, a life-size bronze statue of Charles W. Howard as Santa now stands proudly in Waterman Park, right in front of the mural. Crafted by acclaimed sculptor Brian Porter, the six-foot-tall statue perfectly captures Howard’s warm smile and signature Santa suit.

This statue is the result of eight years of dedicated work by the Albion Betterment Committee. They raised over $80,000, all from generous community donations, to bring this tribute to life. The statue was installed in early June 2023 and unveiled during the annual Albion Strawberry Festival parade on June 10, turning the day into a heartfelt celebration of a man who brought Christmas magic to so many.

The unveiling was filled with Christmas music, a joyful crowd and special appearances by Howard’s family and Santas who traveled from all over the country to pay their respects. Along with the statue, the committee added benches, interpretive panels, and special lighting around Waterman Park, creating a welcoming space where visitors can learn about Howard’s life and legacy.

Their ongoing efforts continue to make of Albion a place where the spirit of Santa, and the joy he brought, lives on year-round.

The next time someone mentions Christmas in July, consider making your way to Albion. In this town, the magic and warmth of the holidays linger all year long. Whether you’re exploring the murals downtown, paying respects at Mount Albion Cemetery, or simply soaking in the cozy charm of the Erie Canal village, you’ll sense that special spirit of generosity, joy, and lasting tradition that Charles W. Howard gifted to the world.

And coming soon, Albion will add another magical chapter to its Christmas story—a Santa House is in the works to welcome visitors and keep Howard’s spirit alive in a new, exciting way. Stay tuned for updates and get ready to experience even more holiday wonder in this town.