You better not pout, you better not cry – because Santa Claus is comin’ to Airbnb Online Experiences! With many in-person opportunities to meet Santa Claus cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Airbnb is joining forces with the big man in the red suit himself to ensure believers around the world will still have their chance to share their Christmas wishes – and help the Christmas community continue to earn income during what would normally be their busiest time of year. 

According to a new report by the Fraternal Order of Real-Bearded Santas, nearly a third of their members surveyed will not be taking part in in-person visits this year. As many of Santa Claus entertainers worldwide live on a fixed income and are reliant on their income from appearances during the holiday season, this new reality has created serious economic hardship for countless Santa performers. 

With 56 percent of Airbnb hosts already using Online Experiences to supplement their income from parttime or fulltime jobs, Airbnb is well suited to help meet this need. Airbnb will be providing additional support to Santa Claus entertainers who are interested in becoming Online Experience hosts, helping them to make a seamless transition to virtual visits.

More than 80 percent of Online Experience guests are already based outside the host’s home country – and now, guests can also enjoy Santa Claus around the world, from Lapland, Finland to Sykesville, USA, with special Experiences designed for families of all backgrounds, including people with disabilities.

Any interested Santa Claus can visit airbnb.com/happyholidays to learn more.