A LEGENDARY CHRISTMAS MOMENT IS COMING TO CINCINNATI
Calling all Santas, Mrs. Clauses, and Holiday Performers!
We are thrilled to announce that Phillip L. Wenz—the longest-tenured Santa in theme park history, renowned author, and creator of the Santa Claus Oath, (International Santa Claus Hall of Fame Charter Member – December 2010)—is joining us as our Keynote Speaker at the Christmas Grande Spectacular (June 25-28, 2026)!
This isn’t just a presentation; it’s a pilgrimage for the professional Christmas community. Here is why your presence is mandatory:
- THE SACRED OATH SCROLL: For the first time in forever, Phil is bringing the actual physical Oath Scroll from the museum. This is your rare opportunity to take the Oath and sign the official scroll in person—a memory that will last a lifetime.
- COMMEMORATIVE HONORS: Every attendee who takes the Oath will receive a beautiful Commemorative Oath Certificate to display in their home or studio.
- EXCLUSIVE MASTERCLASS: Phil will be delivering a special, high-level talk specifically designed for the Santas in attendance, sharing insights from his 30+ year career as a premier holiday authority.
- A DOUBLE CELEBRATION: We are also honored to host Trish Parris (International Santa Claus Hall of Fame, Class of 2025!) for a prestigious presentation of the Mrs. Claus Commission. Witness excellence honoring excellence!
- THE ULTIMATE SURPRISE: Phil has informed us he is bringing an "epic, once-in-a-lifetime special surprise" that he is keeping strictly under wraps until the event. Trust us—you will want to say, "I was there when it happened."
This is the event the entire community will be talking about for years to come. Do not let the sleigh leave without you!
References:
https://santaclaushall.com/2010-inaugural.../phillip-l-wenz/
Christmas Grande Spectacular
Cincinnati/KY-June 25-28, 2026: WWOCS Hosted Conference Advancing Christmas Performers: Women & Men
"Preferred" Prerequisite Qualifications:
*If you're new to our community, you are warmly welcomed. Every part of this fully immersive experience is designed to guide you step-by-step, ensuring you understand not just what to do, but how to do it. Come exactly as you are—whether you have years of experience or are just beginning your journey. Our program is structured to support growth at your own pace, allowing each participant to explore the material at a depth that matches their professional experience and goals.
- ✅ Must attend all 4-days of event. Thursday-Sunday. Classes begin at 8 a.m. each day & conclude ~5 p.m.
- ✅ Minimum of One Full Season as a working professional Christmas performer (e.g., Santa, Mrs. Claus, Elf, or other holiday character). If you're new or less experienced, join us anyways, we'll empower you along the way!
- ✅ Active Engagement in the Christmas entertainment industry, including performances at events, private bookings, or public appearances.
- ✅ Foundational Training or Experience has some foundational training or experience in character development, costuming, and basic performance skills. The more training you have, the deeper we will dive into training for you.
- ✅ Has a Need for Portfolio or Resume showcasing performance experience (professional photos, branding, or booking history).
- ✅ Working Knowledge of character branding, audience interaction, and performance professionalism.
- ✅ Desire to Elevate and expand current career through enhanced training in:
- Advanced performance techniques
- Marketing and personal branding
- Business development and pricing strategy
- Establishing The Christmas Performance Experience for clients
- ✅ Commitment to Professionalism, growth, and excellence in the Christmas entertainment field to Elevate Elegance of performers in our art form.
- ✅ Leadership, Mentorship and Networking to elevate others in the Christmas Community.
- ✅ Advancing your Current Performance – this program is designed to refine and enhance the skills of somewhat experienced performers. Having knowledge of the basics will be beneficial for these advanced workshops. We encourage EVERYONE to participate, especially those of you with skill sets that are ready to be enhanced.
What You Need to Know Before You Register
Registration Information:
- Registration is $495 per person - with a $150 Non-Refundable Deposit (AKA Retainer) that is paid at the time of registration. The credit card you register with will AUTOMATICALLY BE CHARGED the remaining balance on Februray 1, 2026 for Greater Cincinnati event and May 1, 2026 for St. Charles event. You can change that card anytime by logging into your registration account. You can also make manual payments anytime to your registration by logging into your registration account. There will be information on how to create a registration account emailed to you after you register.
- There is an option to buy Purchase Protection Coverage policy from a 3rd party company that covers your registration fee only if you should need to cancel based on the policy criteria. SEE THE POLICY INFORMATION ON THE REGISTRATION FORM. You must purchase it during registration, it cannot be added later. Wondrous Women of Christmas LLC is not responsible for this coverage. There is also an option for you to TRANSFER your registration to another person. You would log in to your registration account to do this YOURSELF.
- This website will have hotel booking information. See Hotel Page on this website.
- Registration will be open as long as there are spots available. There is a waitlist available to continue registering attendees once the event is full.
Wondrous Women of Christmas Grande Spectacular
Wednesday - June 24, 2026
4:00 pm Add-On - Master the Art of Event Registration, Marketing & Communication Workshop with Liz Ruch (Additional cost to attend this workshop - See info)
Thursday - June 25, 2026
8:00 am Registration & Vendor Showcase Opens
- Mrs. Claus’ Tea Party Spectacular!
- WWOC Society & Ambassador Induction Ceremony
- Welcome and Lunch Provided
- Advance Performance & Skills Workshops
- Live Demonstrations
- 6:00 pm Dinner on your own
Friday - June 26, 2026
8:30 am Classes Begin
- Marketing 1: Professional Program Management & Development
- Lunch Provided
- Marketing 2: Claus Expo - Live Immersive Training
- 3:00 pm - Break for Wardrobe Change
- 5:00 pm Mistletoe Gala: Under the Veil Formal Dinner (Formal Wear Event - Christmas Inspired Attire, but no character suits/gowns) *Dinner is Included
Saturday - June 27, 2026
8:30 am Classes Start
- Business Management and Organization
- The Claus Experience
- Lunch Provided
- Advanced Breakout Sessions
- Performance Prep & Organization
- Live Demonstrations
- 6:00 pm Dinner on your Own
Sunday - June 28, 2026
8:00 am Classes Start
- Program Development for Your Christmas Season
- Open Forum - Hearing from You, Answers for You
- Lunch Provided
- Dressing Time/ Fully Suited for Photos
- Professional Portrait Sessions (Included)
- Media Professionalism/Live Event Training
- Transport to Town Event
- Grande March (Walking Parade)
- Towne Meet and Greet
- Transport back to Classroom
- 6:00 pm Dinner on your Own
*Breakfast is on your own each day - snacks and beverages will be provided daily.
*General schedule. Subject to change
June 25-28, 2025
Old Boone County Courthouse
2988 Washington Street, Burlington, KY 41005
(Greater Cincinnati Area)
Registration includes:
- Professional Photo Session: take home 3-4 posed photos for your marketing use ($250 value)
- 4 Lunches provided ($120 value)
- 1 Elegant Dinner provided ($80 value)
- Tote bag with souvenirs, and take home tools & props ($60 value)
- Tea Party & Christmas Tree Event
- 4-days of Advanced Education from high-level professionals
- Take home workbook and resume
- Direct Business Marketing and Media Experience
- In-person performance demonstrations
- Advanced costuming review with cut and style personalization
- Certificate for 'Mrs. Claus Commission' Oath and Scroll Signing
- Vendor Shopping with focused businesses
Event Registration, Marketing & Communication Workshop
Add-On Workshop for Event or Workshop Organizer - Wednesday at 4:00 pm
Are you looking to streamline event registration and improve your communication and marketing for your educational school, workshops or conference?
Do you want to elevate your event’s online presence and simplify registration for your attendees for both virtual and in-person events?
Join us for an exclusive hands-on Workshop with Elizabeth Ruch, the Director and Owner of Santa Family Reunion LLC, and learn how to set up and manage online event registration, marketing and communication that deliver results!
Elizabeth Ruch brings 30 years of expertise in event coordination, sales, and marketing. Her extensive background in organizing and promoting events, especially through Santa Family Reunion LLC, has helped numerous organizations in the Christmas Performers Community achieve smooth, successful events.
This workshop is your opportunity to learn from one of the best in the industry!
Limited Space Available. This workshop is open to approved applicants only. Attendees for this workshop should be event or group leaders/organizers that need registration software and implementation help. The cost is an additional $100 per person and is not included in the standard conference tuition. *See Registration form to add this workshop.
