Santas Are Coming to Town to Rent and Buy Costumes

For those who want to dress up as Santa this season, there are several spots to rent or buy St. Nick suits.

Fantasy Costume in Brea rents suits from $35 to $85 a day, depending on the material from which the costume is made.

“The less expensive suits are made of red flannel,” owner Kathy Herer said.

Velvet varieties are the more expensive of the 60 or so costumes she stocks.

Velvet or velour, all of the Santa suits go quickly, she said. Those waiting until the night before Christmas may find themselves having to dress as Mrs. Santa instead of the jolly old elf himself.

“People start reserving them in October, and by December we’ve rented those suits several times over,” Herer said.

Style Leader, a costume shop in Orange, also rents out all of its Santa suits during December. Owner Sheri Williams said the holiday season is as important to her shop as Halloween. Williams’ prices range from $45 for corduroy models to $55 for velvet.

Theatrical Showcase in Newport Beach also has Santa wear. A suit made of plush fur rents for $50 there.

If you are a dedicated Santa’s helper who prefers to own rather than rent, all three shops and others sell Santa suits. Costs range from $45 to $400.