How to Choose the Perfect Christmas Costume
Every December someone in the family gets asked to "be Santa this year," and the first question is always the same: which one? We carry more Santa suits than anything else, plus Mrs. Claus, elves, reindeer, snowmen, and a Christmas tree with a face hole, so the choice can feel bigger than it is. Here is the short process we walk customers through.
Start with the event
The costume follows the occasion. A surprise visit for your own kids on Christmas Eve, an office party, a school event, a church pageant, a paid mall appearance, and an ugly-sweater party all call for different levels of costume. Be honest about how many hours you will wear it, whether you will be photographed up close, and whether kids will be climbing on you. A one-hour living-room Santa and a six-hour event Santa are different purchases.
Pick your character
- Santa is the anchor of every Christmas gathering and the most photographed. Browse Santa Suits.
- Mrs. Claus pairs with Santa or stands alone as a host costume; see Mrs. Claus Costumes for dresses from playful to velvet.
- Elves are the easiest for helpers, kids, and anyone who has to move around a lot. The Adult Short Sleeve Elf includes the green shirt, pom-pom hat, red pants, and a vinyl belt.
- Reindeer, snowmen, and trees are the fun supporting cast for parties and photos.
Set your tier
Santa suits in particular come in tiers, and knowing yours saves a lot of scrolling. For a one-night family Santa, the Men's Complete Velour Santa Suit is the value pick: jacket, pants, belt, boot tops, white gloves, beard, and hat all included, one size fits most adults 40-48, $48.99 at time of writing. For repeated events and close-up photos, step up to plush and velvet suits with better beards, and for professional appearances look at the premium suits with satin lining and long-hair plush. Our Santa Suits and Accessories collection groups suits with matching upgrades.
Check what is in the box
This is where surprises happen. Every product page has a "Features" or "Includes" list. Some suits include the beard, gloves, and boot tops; others are jacket and pants only. Mrs. Claus dresses often exclude stockings and shoes. Elf costumes may or may not include the shoes. Read the list, then fill gaps from Santa and Mrs. Claus Costume Accessories, where beards, wigs, gloves, hats, and boot tops are sold separately.
Comfort and the weather
Christmas costumes are warm by design, and indoor parties are warmer. Choose short-sleeve or lighter versions for long indoor events, wear a moisture-wicking layer underneath, and pick a beard you can breathe and talk through. If the event is outdoors (a parade, a tree lighting), a heavier plush suit is a feature rather than a bug. Kids in elf or reindeer costumes should have a comfortable base layer so the costume can come off without a full change.
Sizing
Adult Santa suits are usually sized by jacket size (for example, 40-48 for one-size suits, or 42-50 for larger). Women's costumes are listed by dress size (small 6-8, medium 8-10, and so on). Kids' Christmas costumes use clothing sizes like 4-8. Check the range on the product page and size up if you are near the top, since a Santa suit is meant to look full anyway.
Budget honestly, including accessories
A complete value Santa is under $50 at time of writing, mid-tier suits run higher, and premium suits are an investment that lasts many Christmases. Add the accessories you actually need (upgraded beard, eyebrows, bells) rather than everything at once. Beards, wigs, and facial hair are not returnable under our refund policy, so choose those carefully.
Order before the rush
December is our busiest month. Processing takes 24 to 72 hours during peak season, and ground shipping typically arrives 3 to 5 business days after your order ships, so aim to order by the first week of December for a mid-month event. Orders over $99 ship free with standard shipping, and 2-day and overnight options are available if you are cutting it close. Browse everything in Christmas Themed Costumes. Prices are accurate at time of writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Santa suit should I buy for a one-night family visit?
A complete value suit that includes the beard, gloves, hat, belt, and boot tops, such as our Men's Complete Velour Santa Suit, which fits sizes 40-48 and costs under $50 at time of writing.
Do Christmas costumes include the beard and accessories?
Some do and some do not. Check the Features list on each product page. Beards, wigs, gloves, and boot tops are also sold separately in our Santa and Mrs. Claus accessories collection.
How are Christmas costumes sized?
Adult Santa suits are sized by jacket size, women's costumes by dress size, and kids' costumes by clothing size. Size up if you are at the top of a range.
When should I order a Christmas costume?
By the first week of December for a mid-month event. Peak-season processing takes 24 to 72 hours, ground shipping takes 3 to 5 business days after shipping, and expedited options are available at checkout.