Amazon
The life size Santa is practically a staple of Christmas decorations in neighborhoods throughout the United States. Perhaps you’ve decided to stop letting the neighbor get all the glory and you’re going to bring it this year with your own LSS (life size Santa). And just to soothe any possible feelings of jealousy from those who see your new life size guy, grab something from this list of the Top 10 Traditional Christmas Candies: The Ultimate List and throw something their way. As for this list, there are many different life size Santa versions at many different price points. We’re not going to include the Kurt Adler Elegant Decorative Santa because it’s $1,425. It is, we must say, stunningly realistic. But the ethos behind LSS isn’t so much to freak people out with something that looks like a stuffed human as it is to say, Hey: I am someone who decorates with a life size Santa and I love my LSS, no matter how corny you think he is. Stand up for Santa with your life size Santa that stands or, as you will see, sits, rocks, sings or is bilingual.
1. 6-foot Life Size Animated Dancing Santa
Gemmy
This guy really swings. He moves his hips and arms while he belts out “Deck The Halls,” “Up On The Housetop”, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” and “Jingle Bells.” And he sings the tunes in Spanish, too. Not only that, if you have a microphone, you can hook it up to the Santa and he’ll move his mouth to your words. The manufacturer, Gemmy, has made a few versions of the life size dancing Santa. Check out the YouTube video below that someone posted of their five-foot dancing Santa.
Our Santa is six feet tall, and according to the manufacturer, he’s a breeze to transport because you can take it apart and easily put it back together (it weighs 20 pounds). One reviewer said it was quite the hit on their block. “In good weather we placed this on our driveway and all of the cars going by would stop, listen, and laugh. Was a lot of fun this season.” I contacted the company and, despite what the photo looks like here, he comes with a molded beard. And for those of you who want to know more, there’s even a bit of trivia about the Gemmy life size Santa. According to this fan website, there are three different kinds of belt buckles on the different versions of Santa that Gemmy has produced. There is even a rare version that speaks French. Who knew?
Price: $209.98
Buy the 6-foot Life Size Animated Dancing Santa here.
Pros:
- Sings and swings
- Bilingual (English & Spanish)
- Easy to transport
Cons:
- Molded “hair”
Find more 6-foot Life Size Animated Dancing Santa information and reviews here.
2. 6-foot Life Size Animated Dancing African American Santa
Gemmy
With two exceptions — skin tone and the beard — this is the same version as the first in this list. This Santa does have synthetic hair. As one reviewer says, “The awesomeness of this cannot be described.”
Price: $237.79
Buy the 6-foot Life Size Animated Dancing African American Santa here.
Pros:
- Sings and swings
- Bilingual
- Easy to transport
- Synthetic hair
Cons:
- Cons – One reviewer cited a “squeaking noise” with movement
Find more 6-foot Life Size Animated Dancing African American Santa information and reviews here.
3. Vickerman Sitting or Standing Santa
Amazon
This life size Santa is six feet tall when he’s standing. He can also be configured in a sitting position — the assembly is PVC tubing that you attach the “plush parts” to, according to the manufacturer. Santa’s feet are connected to a 16×16 inch display platform. The Vickerman Santa has a beard of synthetic hair. He weighs in at 40 pounds. One reviewer says “His outfit is gorgeous and with a little love and ingenuity he can look like a $1000 version.” For something that looks a bit more crafted, the Vickerman Deluxe Burgundy Velvet Santa might be your gig.
Price: $192.24 (23 percent off MSRP)
Buy the Vickerman Sitting or Standing Santa here.
Pros:
- Can stand or sit
- Synthetic hair
Cons:
- A bit on the heavy side at 40 lbs.
Find more Vickerman Sitting or Standing Santa information and reviews here.
4. Rocking Chair Santa
Amazon
Let’s get one thing out of the way right off the top: this life size Santa does not come with a rocking chair, despite the name of the product. The rocking is what this Santa does. That said, you don’t have to use a rocking chair, you can sit him wherever it works best for you. To get an idea of his rocking, take a look at the YouTube video below. But, he doesn’t have to rock. Besides that capability, he also can be programmed to simply talk with Christmas music playing. One reviewer says that if you do want him to rock, it’s best to have the chair on a hard surface so the rocking is achieved. This Santa sits about four and a half feet tall.
Price: $119.71
Buy the Rocking Chair Santa here.
Pros:
- Unique rocking action
- Light weight – 12 lbs.
Cons:
- Chair not included
Find more Rocking Chair Santa information and reviews here.
5. Cardboard Cutout Santa From the Movie “Elf”
Amazon
This life size Santa will accomplish two things: he’ll save you a bit of cash, since he’s a cardboard cutout (life size, mind you) and he’ll bring a smile to anyone’s face who has seen the Will Ferrell movie Elf. As you can see, this is Santa as depicted by the actor Ed Asner. He stands almost six feet tall. The manufacturer, Advanced Graphics, has been producing high quality “cardboard standups” since 1984. For another version of a cardboard standup Santa, this red-suited guy might suit you.
Price: $39.99
Buy the Cardboard Cutout Santa From the Movie “Elf” here.
Pros:
- Recognizable from a popular movie
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Cardboard
Find more Cardboard Cutout Santa From the Movie “Elf” information and reviews here.
6. Santa & Mrs. Claus “Stand-In” Cardboard Cutout
Amazon
Keeping in the cardboard standup theme from Advanced Graphics, this 72-inch high version is Santa and his wife, minus the faces. That’s where you and another person come in. As one reviewer says, “I put this in my bar and grill and I can’t even count the people that have taken pics. Very fun!” Great for parties, the office or any get together.
Price: $39.99
Buy the Santa & Mrs. Claus “Stand-In” Cardboard Cutout here.
Pros:
- Interactive
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Not fully “operational” without real people
Find more Santa & Mrs. Claus “Stand-In” Cardboard Cutout information and reviews here.
7. Design Toscano Santa Statue
Amazon
This piece is 55 pounds so it’s formidable. It stands just a bit over five feet tall and is hand painted by Design Toscano’s artisans. It’s also hand cast using crushed stone bonded with designer resin. The “gift” he’s holding is a 7×4-inch open container that you could fill with candy canes or anything your Christmas heart desires. Glitter has been applied to the statue, so it will have a bit of a “twinkle” to it. Definitely higher on the artistic end.
Price: $511.86
Buy the Design Toscano Santa Statue here.
Pros:
- Quality manufacture
- Solid and heavy
Cons:
- Heavy! Get help with this guy!
Find more Design Toscano Santa Statue information and reviews here.
8. Northlight Decorative Plush Santa
Amazon
This Santa comes bearing gifts. That is, the piece includes faux gift boxes under one arm and a shopping bag filled with gifts in the other hand. He stands at six feet tall, but this guy can be configured to sit, too. Very plush with synthetic lush and curly hair. It’s recommended for indoor use and if you do plan to use it outside, make sure it’s in a covered area.
Price: $259.81
Buy the Northlight Decorative Plush Santa here.
Pros:
- Includes “gifts”
- Can stand or sit
Cons:
- On the heavy side, so you may need assistance setting up
Find more Northlight Decorative Plush Santa information and reviews here.
9. Ditz Designs Vintage Santa With Tree
Amazon
This is the priciest item in the list, but it’s very high quality and unique: Santa is schlepping a Christmas tree and a stocking filled with cuttings from the tree. The tree, by the way, is lighted. This Santa stands just a tad under five feet tall, while the tree reaches a height of six feet. It’s hand assembled and is on a solid stand. It’s one of the more life-like looking Santas on the list.
Price: $879
Buy the Ditz Designs Vintage Santa With Tree here.
Pros:
- Quality materials
- Tree lights up
Cons:
- High price
Find more Ditz Designs Vintage Santa With Tree information and reviews here.
10. Vickerman Mrs. Santa
Amazon
This Mrs. Claus is 5’ 8” and can be configured to either stand or sit. Like the other Vickerman product in the list (item number three), it’s assembled using PVC pipe and the plush parts attach. While we are unclear on Mrs. Claus’s maiden name or background, we do know that she’s been a part of Christmas tradition for a long time and she’s as deserving of the life size Santa treatment as any bearded dude.
Price: $236.39 (37 percent off MSRP)
Buy the Vickerman Mrs. Santa here.
Pros:
- Can stand or sit
Cons:
- Assembly required
Find more Vickerman Mrs. Santa information and reviews here.