Santa returns to Kell House for 43rd year

WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - Santa and his reindeer have flown back to Wichita Falls and are getting comfortable inside one of the community’s oldest homes, the historic Kell House.

The Kell House Heritage Center has hosted Santa for 43 years, making the annual visit a multigenerational tradition for families in the Falls.

While the event has changed some since its start in 1982, children can still expect to write letters to Santa, watch a festive puppet performance, meet the jolly giant himself and create their own Christmas ornament.

Executive Director of the Kell House Heritage Center Delores Culley said this is something children will never forget.

“A lot of these kids, that’s the only time they see Santa. And so it really, it impacts their lives. We have adults that live in Dallas now and they come back and want to bring their grandkids because they remember it when they were children,” Culley said.

And while the tradition has left a mark on generations of Wichita Falls children, Mrs. Claus said the experience has also left a lasting impression on her.

“Wichita Falls is my absolute favorite place to visit with Santa because it’s full of children who believe in the spirit of Christmas. And we love to read stories and see them get Christmas treats, and it’s just full of joy,” Mrs. Claus said.

Santa said he feels the same way about his Texas stop.

“It just warms your heart to be here. And it makes it exciting, and it makes it joyful. And where could you find such calmness, such peace, such loving community this size? It’s unique. It’s special,” Santa said.

Santa will be available for visits on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children to help support his workshop.

He will be meeting with children both naughty and nice through Friday at 12:30 p.m. Santa will then make his annual Christmas Eve journey on the night of Dec. 24.