Like a white wintry flurry, the Christmas season has once again blown into our lives and onto our screens. All media is aglow with TV specials, thousands of carol covers, and legions of sweet and sentimental movies and series to give us all that holiday feeling - all in preparation for the big day and the arrival of Santa Claus.
It's actually quite the challenge to find a holiday flick that doesn't feature some reference to the big man in red, and there have been quite a host of actors and performers to don the beard and famous suit. But which ones are truly the merriest and most memorable?
Jeff Gillen - A Christmas Story
He's definitely not the most pleasant Santa on the list, but to say he's not memorable would be an outright lie. Jeff Gillen plays an overworked and exhausted mall Santa in Jean Shepard's A Christmas Story.
While he lacks the typical jolly attitude associated with the character, most adult audience members are sympathetic to his plight. The holiday rush is stressful enough without having to constantly entertain a gaggle of kids. The forced ho-ho-ho says it all.
Jack Skellington - The Nightmare Before Christmas
Consider this an honorable mention, but if there's one guy who gets the attitude right, it's the Pumpkin King himself. Jack Skellington's idea of Christmas might be more macabre than merry, but his absolute joy in putting on the Santa suit and dropping down chimneys is the outlook all Santas should have.
While his holiday hijinx might only fly in the world of Tim Burton, there's no denying the infectious quality of his mirth and laughter.
David Huddleston - Santa Claus: The Movie
While this movie might fly under the radar of most viewers, David Huddleston really nails the joyful and jolly nature of Santa Claus in Santa Claus: The Movie.
The man is the classic embodiment of the holiday figure, from the tip of his hat to the heels of his big, black, boots. Huddleston's interpretation of Santa is generous, jovial, and warm as a mug of hot cocoa. Definitely worthy of a spot on the list.
Tom Hanks - The Polar Express
Though he appears very briefly in The Polar Express, this version of Santa Claus has a rare supernatural quality not really seen in most other films. He comes off as less of a character and more of a magical force.
The build-up to his reveal is absolutely magical and he even appears with an almost angelic glow radiating off of him. It's also easy to forget that Tom Hanks provides the voice and motion capture for the character, making it one of the actor's most underappreciated roles.
Tim Allen - The Santa Clause
Tim Allen's Santa might be a product of the 90s, but there's no denying how iconic his adaptation is.
Watching Scott Calvin go from workaholic businessman to the most beloved being on the planet is always a holly jolly delight, and Scott's new lease on life is as warm and comforting as the spirit of Santa himself. Not only that, but Disney's design for Santa Claus is like the perfect amalgamation of all interpretations.
Alec Baldwin - Rise Of The Guardians
Nicholas St. North is probably the most awesome and eccentric Santa on this list. A sword-swinging, swashbuckling, Russian Santa with an epic beard and set of tattoos? Who wouldn't want this guy sliding down the chimney on Christmas Eve?
Not only does this St. Nick deliver presents to the children of the world every holiday season, but he serves as one of their magical protectors alongside the Toothfairy, the Sandman, and the Easter Bunny. Not exactly the Avengers, but still a powerful pack of characters.
Mickey Rooney - Various
If there's one actor essentially everyone knows as Santa Claus, it's Mickey Rooney. Rooney was Rankin/Bass's near-permanent performer for almost all their stop-motion versions of the character.
This guy has to hold some sort of record for portraying the character because Rooney essentially held the role until his death. In fact, his last time playing Santa was as recent as 2008. From Santa Claus is Coming to Town to A Miser Brothers Christmas, few can compete. Except maybe the next entry.
Kurt Russell - The Christmas Chronicles
Santa Claus as a rockstar? The most recent interpretation of the character is performed by the legendary Kurt Russell, and his version brings a lot of new and impressive elements to jolly old St. Nicholas.
He checks all the normal Santa boxes (beard, red suit, love for children, etc.), but adds a bit of his own action hero charm. Here's hoping for another installment of The Christmas Chronicles.
Edmund Gwen - Miracle On 34th Street
Yes, Susan, there is a Santa Claus. When it comes to the absolutely classic and traditional Santa, Edmund Gwen set the bar in the original Miracle of 34th Street.
Kris Kringle might come off as just the standard-issue eccentric old man to some, but true believers will recognize him instantly as the one and only Santa Claus. He's charming, elegant, and absolutely everything one expects from the character.
Richard Attenborough - Miracle On 34th Street
There are few remakes better than the original, but if there's one thing the 1994 version of Miracle on 34th Street did right, it was casting Richard Attenborough as Kris.
Attenborough's interpretation of Santa is practically perfect in every way. He's warm, he's compassionate, he's friendly, and downright giggly about his work. Where some versions on this list come off as actors playing a part, Attenborough is much more genuine. Just looking at the guy has viewers unquestionably knowing that, yes, this is Santa Claus.