What should I write in a letter to Santa?

Start with a friendly greeting, say something about your year, mention a few kind things you did, share your wish list and say why, then thank Santa and sign off with your name.

How long should a letter to Santa be?

There is no rule. A few short paragraphs are plenty. Santa has a lot of mail, so a clear, warm letter beats a long one.

Can I get a reply from Santa?

In the Chat with Santa app you can write Santa a letter and get a reply, and kind letters earn a Nice List stamp. The reply is written by AI and is for entertainment. Some national postal services also run seasonal Santa letter programmes; check your local post office for this year's details.

Is the Chat with Santa app suitable for children?

The store listing says the app is intended for users 13 and older. For younger children, a paper letter is the classic choice.

How to write a letter to Santa: template and ideas

Updated 2026-10-26 · IncrediApp

Writing a letter to Santa in the Chat with Santa app with a Nice List stamp

Writing a letter to Santa is one of the oldest Christmas traditions there is. It is a moment to look back at the year, think about the people around you and, yes, share a wish list. Here is a simple template, plenty of ideas for what to write, and a few ways to send it, including how to get a reply.

We make Chat with Santa, which has a letter-writing feature, so we mention it below and say so clearly. Updated for Christmas 2026.

A simple letter to Santa template

Dear Santa,

My name is [name] and I live in [town]. I hope you, Mrs Claus, the elves and the reindeer are all well and not too busy at the workshop.

This year I [something you are proud of]. I also tried to be kind by [a good deed or two].

For Christmas I would love [wish 1], [wish 2] and [wish 3], because [why it matters to you].

I hope you have a safe trip on Christmas Eve. I will [leave out cookies / say hello to Rudolph / something fun].

Thank you, Santa!

Love, [name]

What to write: ideas for each part

A warm opening

Say hello, introduce yourself and ask after the North Pole. Asking how the elves or reindeer are doing is a nice touch.

Your year

Share one or two highlights: something you learned, a challenge you got through, a new friend, a trip. Santa likes hearing about real moments more than a list of achievements.

Good deeds

Mention a few kind things you did: helping at home, being a good friend, volunteering, looking after a pet. If you need inspiration, our Nice List good-deed ideas has plenty.

The wish list

Keep it short and say why each wish matters. Many people add one wish for someone else, like a family member or a friend, which is a lovely tradition.

A thank-you and sign-off

Thank Santa, wish him a safe journey on Christmas Eve and sign your name.

Letter to Santa ideas for grown-ups and teens

Letters to Santa aren't only for little ones. Teens and adults write them too, sometimes as a joke, sometimes as a gentle way to reflect on the year. A few ideas:

Write the letter you would have written as a kid, then a second one for now.
Make a "wish list" that is mostly things money can't buy: more sleep, a call with an old friend, a calmer January.
Write a group letter with friends or housemates and read it out over dinner.

How to send your letter

By post

The classic way. Several national postal services run seasonal Santa letter programmes and sometimes reply. Programmes, addresses and deadlines change each year, so check your local postal service's website in November.

In the Chat with Santa app

In Chat with Santa 2.0 you can write a letter to Santa right in the app and get a reply. Kind letters earn a Nice List stamp, and you can keep filling your Nice List with good deeds through the season. Santa's reply is written by AI and is part of an entertainment experience; it isn't from the real Santa and doesn't promise gifts. The app is intended for users 13 and older. When writing in any app, skip your home address and other private details; your first name and your wishes are all Santa needs.

Prefer a conversation to a letter? You can also text or call Santa in the same app.

When to write

Late November to early December is the traditional window, which gives Santa (and any postal programme) time to reply before Christmas Day, Friday 25 December 2026. Keep an eye on the countdown.

App Store Google Play

FAQ

What should I write in a letter to Santa?: Start with a friendly greeting, say something about your year, mention a few kind things you did, share your wish list and say why, then thank Santa and sign off with your name.
How long should a letter to Santa be?: There is no rule. A few short paragraphs are plenty. Santa has a lot of mail, so a clear, warm letter beats a long one.
Can I get a reply from Santa?: In the Chat with Santa app you can write Santa a letter and get a reply, and kind letters earn a Nice List stamp. The reply is written by AI and is for entertainment. Some national postal services also run seasonal Santa letter programmes; check your local post office for this year's details.
Is the Chat with Santa app suitable for children?: The store listing says the app is intended for users 13 and older. For younger children, a paper letter is the classic choice.