Is Santa Claus real yes or no?

Yes he is! He spreads joy and magic, bringing Christmas presents to good girls and boys. They say he only comes to town on Christmas Eve night. He tries really hard to not be seen. But every once in a while, someone gets a peek at him! And not just at Christmas! Did you know that Santa has been spotted on vacation too? We traveled the world and found people, just like you, who have seen Santa! Check out our list of the top 25 Santa Claus sightings from around the world!

1. Name: Johnny Bluefinn, age 10

Location: Key West, Florida

Details: Johnny Bluefinn, aged 10, claimed he was on a boat with his daddy, fishing off Key West, when another boat came up on their side. He claims the man behind the wheel was jolly, with rosy cheeks (not to be confused with a sunburn), a white beard, and a red tank top and shorts. "He even had on a truckers cap, with a pom pom like Santa!" Johnny said. "And when he took off his glasses, his eye had a twinkle that shined, even in the bright sun!"

2. Name: Bettina Schneider, age 7

Location: Berlin, Germany

Details: Bettina was supposed to be in bed. She admits that, but she woke when she heard a clatter on the roof. Excitement coursed through her, and Bettina knew it had to be Santa's reindeer! In Germany, Santa is known as der Weihnachtsmann. When she ran down the stairs, there he was! In his full red snow suit and hat. A little snow from his shoulders sprinkled over the presents as he placed them under the tree. Bettina ran to wake her parents, to prove to them Santa was real, but by the time they returned to the Christmas Tree, Santa was gone.

3. Name: Garrett Cole, age 9

Location: Bronx, New York

Details: Garret sent Santa a letter everyday that year. He only wanted one thing for Christmas. A family. It'd been a long time since he had a real place to call home, but the family that had taken him in? Well, he thought they could be the real thing. So he hoped and he prayed that Santa would make his Christmas wish come true, and that this family, would be his forever family. On Christmas night, he couldn't sleep, he said. How could Santa put his Christmas wish under the tree? But he must have drifted off, because the next thing he knew, Garret woke up to the smell of candy canes and peppermint. He rubbed his blurry eyes, and saw the slightest bit of red, exiting his room. Next to his pillow, was an envelope. When he opened it, it said, "Your Wish Will Come True. Sincerely, Santa." The next morning, the family asked to adopt him--and Garret knew that bit of red was Santa for sure.

4. Name: Mary Sanchez, age 5

Location: Mexico City, Mexico

Details: Mary knows Santa doesn't like her to tell this story. Not because it's embarrassing, but because she caught him! Poor Santa got stuck in her chimney on Christmas Eve. It wasn't a particularly big chimney, and they never used it. It was clogged with dirt and leaves. That's probably why he got stuck. Mary wanted to wake her parents, because it was such a sight, seeing Santa's boots hanging out of the chimney! But Santa just asked her to pull him down. Mary wasn't sure she could, because she was so tiny! But she grabbed his ankle and tugged with all her might! Santa grunted and tumbled down. Mary fell and soot flew everywhere. It made her sneeze. Santa was so grateful, not only did he give her the bicycle she asked for, but a puppy too!

5. Name: Oliver Jones, age 12

Location: Melbourne, Australia

Description: Oliver was too old to believe in Santa. No one his age did. Since it's hot in Australia for Christmas, his family took a vacation and went camping. His little brother Sam was sure Santa wouldn't find them. Oliver didn't want Sam to be disappointed, so he bought a football, wrapped it, and planned to put it next to Sam in their tent. He would sign it, "From Santa." Only when Oliver went to bring Sam his football, Santa was exiting the tent! They stared at each other for a moment, before Santa chuckled and hopped into sleigh, parked not far away. When Oliver looked inside the tent, Sam had a wrapped gift from Santa laying next to him.

6. Name: Kristen Morgan, age 6

Location: Los Angeles, California

Description: Mommy and daddy always told Kristen she needed to sleep for Santa to come. And Kristen tried, she really, really tried. But she was so excited, she just couldn't sleep! So, instead, she hid in the hallway, peeking around every time she thought she heard a noise. And then, a little after midnight, there he was! He didn't come down the chimney, because they didn't have one. Instead he came in like snow through a crack in the window! When she told her parents the next day, they didn't believe her, but Kristen knows the truth. Santa is real!

7. Name: Lonnie Grayson, age 6

Location: Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Description: Lonnie woke up to a crash in his backyard. He ran and pressed his nose to the bedroom window, looking out to see what it was. There, sitting right next to the tall, wooden fence, was Santa, his sleigh, and reindeer! Lonnie couldn't believe it. He ran outside, and realized that Santa's sleigh had broken down. They'd made an emergency landing, right in his backyard! It didn't take long to fix, and soon, Santa was back on his way, after leaving Lonnie a very special present for being so helpful. Lonnie tried to tell his parents the next morning, but they thought he'd only been dreaming. And even the reindeer hoof prints and disappeared from the newly falling snow.

8. Name: Annette Berger, age 9

Location: Strasbourg, France

Description: Annette walked through the Christmas market with her Mama and Papa. After enjoying her favorite pastry, Annette went to play with some friends. They enjoyed a snowball fight, built a snowman, and just out of the corner of her eye, she thought she saw Père Noël -- Father Christmas. Only it couldn't have been. It wasn't Christmas Eve. Slipping away from her friends, Annette said she went down the side street where she saw him go. And there! Père Noël stood, feeding his reindeer treats from the festival. When he caught Annette, he admitted that he loved the Christmas Festival in Strasbourg, and had to attend. She promised she wouldn't tell anyone, and they enjoyed a pastry together, before Père Noël took to the sky, calling out, "'Joyeux Noël!" That's Merry Christmas in French.

9. Name: Travis Cartwright, age 8

Location: Austin, Texas

Description: Travis Cartwright couldn't believe his eyes. It wasn't Christmas. It wasn't even Winter, but there, sitting in the stands of the rodeo, was Santa Claus! His dad said it wasn't the real Santa. Just someone who looked like him. But Travis knew it was Santa! So, when everyone went to get food and drinks during a break, he walked over and asked, "Are you Santa?" His mother caught up and said sorry to Santa, who never really answered Travis. Instead, as Travis's mom guided him away, Santa winked at him, and Travis saw the twinkle shine in his eye.

10. Name: Clara Williams, age 7

Location: Toronto, Canada

Description: Mommy told Clara all about the Santa Parade. How it had been going on for a hundred years. And that Santa loved visiting Toronto. Clara was excited! The parade was so much fun! She got candy and loved seeing the dancers. And then, Santa came down the street in his sleigh. Some of the older kids said it wasn't the real Santa, but one of his helpers. But then, Santa looked right at her as he passed by, and gave her a jolly wink. "Merry Christmas, Clara!" Her jaw dropped open. He had to be the real Santa. He knew her name!

11. Name: Finlay McLeod, age 13

Location: Edinburg, Scotland

Description: Finlay had stopped believing in Santa Claus years ago. He was too old for such fancy dreams. Of course, no one his age believed anymore. Even if part of him still wondered. Every year, he still got a gift from Santa under the tree, but he knew it was just his Ma. Except last Christmas, his Ma had been called into the hospital for an emergency on Christmas Eve. She was a nurse. So when he heard someone in the living room, he went to investigate. And there he was! Santa Claus, tall as the tree and larger than life. Finlay didn't know what to say, and just stared as Santa drank the milk and cookies his Ma had put out. At first, he thought Santa hadn't noticed. He'd been busy after all. But then, just as he went up the chimney, Santa said, "Merry Christmas, Finlay!"

12. Name: Abigail Scarlow, age 5

Location: Memphis, Tennessee.

Description: Abbie and her family went to Tennessee to visit her Meemaw and Pawpaw for Christmas. They had a huge farm, just outside of Memphis, and when she got there, they said if she was really quiet on Christmas Eve night, she'd hear Santa's sleigh in the barn. He always stopped there to feed his reindeer. Filled to the brim with excitement, Abbie put on her boots and coat, and slipped out across the yard. She peeked inside, and sure enough, there was Santa's sleigh, and the reindeer! Santa fed Blitzen a fresh carrot from the bucket that Meemaw had left for them. She wanted to go in, but before she could, Meemaw called her back to the house. Wanting to be a good girl, she ran back, and told them with excitement what she had seen.

13. Name: Dean Warrick, age 10

Location: Lincoln, Nebraska

Description: Dean likes looking at the stars. He uses a telescope. His dad gave it to him for Christmas last year. On Christmas Eve, he and his dad set it up on the balcony. It was a clear night. Dean looked through the telescope, and there, just by the moon, Santa flew by in his sleigh with reindeer! Excited, Dean tried to show his dad, but by then, Santa was no where to be seen.

14. Name: Sofia Barone, age 8

Location: Naples, Italy

Description: Sofia was very full from the Feast of the Seven Fishes--the traditional Christmas Eve dinner for her family. Her little brother had already gone to bed, but Sofia could not sleep. She had seen Babbo Natale or Santa Claus last Christmas, and no one believed here. This year, she planned to catch it on video. She waited. She listened. When she heard him, she tiptoed to the Christmas tree and let the video roll. Sofia watches him place presents, eat cookies, and drink the milk--and then like flash, he was up the chimney and gone. Thinking she had gotten her proof, Sofia played the video back--only it was so blurry, Santa couldn't be seen!

15. Name: Willy James, age 5

Location: Phoenix, Arizona

Description: Willy and his family were at a motel that Christmas. They had a small tree, and Willy didn't think Santa would find them. They had just bought a new house, but it wasn't ready to move in yet. How would Santa find him in a hotel? Willy's brother Jake, who was much older, took Willy outside. He said to be quiet. They looked up on the roof of the motel. There stood Santa, with a giant sack on his back! When he realized they were staring, he ducked down on the other side. Jake said they had better get to bed, to make sure they got their presents. And when Willy woke up, Santa had left him a present!

16. Name: Kyra Drake, age 11

Location: Kenosha, Wisconsin

Description: Kyra and her family stopped by the shore of Lake Michigan after visiting the Kenosha Museum during the spring. Kyra and her sister started playing in the sand, running around and having fun. A speed boat came close to the shore, and her sister called to Kyra. She looked over and couldn't believe her eyes! There was Santa and Mrs. Claus, wearing red bathing suits, and baseball caps. Mrs. Claus gave them a wave, and Santa cried out, "Ho, ho, ho!" Then, they sped off farther onto the water of the lake.

17. Name: Jason Morgenstern, age 15

Location: Ohiopyle State Park, Pennsylvania

Description: Jason had been out with several friends. They wanted to see if they could spot Big Foot! Except, as they camped out, it wasn't Big Foot they saw! It was Santa, camping out in the park. Jason and his friends thought it was just a look alike. But then, Santa called them by name, and pulled gifts for them out of their sacks! But like Big Foot, the picture they took with Santa came out blurry.

18. Name: Isabella Cadiz, age 8

Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico

Description: Isabella was at the beach with her family the day after Christmas. It was their tradition and she loved it. While collecting seashells up and down the shore, Isabella heard a "ho, ho, ho!" come from the water. She had to shield her eyes from the bright sun, but there he was. Santa! He was surfing on the waves in red shorts and a tank top. Isabella ran back to her mother and pointed, but just as quickly as she'd seen him, Santa disappeared!

19. Name: Milly Bloom, age 7

Location: South Bend, Indiana

Description: Every year, Milly helps her Pop Pop set up the Christmas lights. They work for a long time to make sure it's the most beautiful light display in town! People line up their cars to see it. In her letter to Santa, she told him about the lights on their house, and hoped he'd come to see it. A few nights before Christmas, a large group stood in front of the house, staring at the lights, and Milly could have sworn she saw Santa! She tried to rush over, but she couldn't find him. On Christmas morning, she had a note with her gift. "I loved the lights, Milly. Thank you for inviting me to see them. Santa."

20. Name: Stephen J. Parker, age 12

Location: Burlington, Kentucky

Description: Stephen saw the sleigh before he saw Santa. It sat, hidden, just off the side of a house up the block. He ran over to take a closer look. The reindeer shuffled on their feet. In awe, Stephen ran a hand over the sleigh. Then, someone cleared their throat. Stephen turned around. There stood Santa with an amused look in his eye. Stephen didn't know what to say. Santa just chuckled. "Let's keep this between you and me." He patted Stephen on the shoulder, got in his sleigh, and flew into the night.

21. Name: Kimmy Baldwin, age 7

Location: London, England

Description: Kimmy was ice skating at a local rink with her mum and dad sitting at a table nearby. The outside pond was relatively empty, thanks to the late hour. But she loved to skate, and soon the ice would melt. So her mum and dad let her skate. But she wasn't the only one on the ice. On the far side, she made out a man with a white beard and red winter clothes, skating hand in hand with a woman wearing a dress of the same color. Widening her eyes she skated that way, and saw that it was Santa. When they saw her, they waved, but Kimmy's dad called that it was time to go. She turned to tell them it was Santa, and when she looked back, Santa and Mrs. Claus were gone!

22. Name: Miguel Ortiz, age 9

Location: Miami, Florida

Description: Miguel saw Santa at the Christmas shop. He couldn't believe it, but Santa was buying ornaments and decorations! Miguel couldn't understand why. Didn't they make that stuff at the North Pole? So Miguel asked Santa. And Santa told Miguel, "We do, but I know a family that lost all of their decorations. So, for Christmas, I'm replacing them all." Miguel thought that was funny. Because that's why they were there. Their decorations had been lost in a small garage fire. But they couldn't afford to replace everything. But when Miguel woke up on Christmas morning, all the decorations Santa had gotten, now decorated his house!

23. Name: Annabelle Franklin, age 12

Location: Raleigh, North Carolina

Description: Annabelle was riding a bus with her dad to her Grandma's house for Christmas. It was late, and most everyone was asleep. Just before she dozed off, Santa flew low enough that Annabelle saw the sleigh from the window! Santa smiled, winked, and then flew off into the night--and no one else saw it but her!

24. Name: Harley James, age 9

Location: British Columbia, Canada

Description: While on vacation at his family's cabin, Harley went for a walk in the woods. That's when he saw Santa, camping out with some elves! It was the middle of summer, and he guessed even Santa needed a break. Harley tried not to be seen, but Santa looked at him and waved. Then he laughed. Harley went to get his parents, but when they returned, Santa was gone!

25. Name: Natasha Corbett, age 7

Location: Savannah, Georgia

Description: No one ever believes her. But Santa woke up Natasha right out of her sleep on Christmas Eve! He told her that he needed help. He'd run behind and someone had to help him deliver the rest of the toys so that the children wouldn't be disappointed. So Natasha did! She got in the sleigh and flew around the world delivery presents with Santa. She got home just before her parents woke up. Under the Christmas Tree was an extra special present, for Santa's helper.