Individual Registration     Couple Registration 

Just outside the Windy City, Schaumburg, IL is the place for the final session of 2025. N.I.C.E hosts Santa Nana’s visit, and we invite you to enjoy the culture and hospitality of the Midwest, while experiencing a different and unexpected point of view for holiday education. We are grateful to our hosts, Chuck Moore, Irwin Dammers, and Pamela Kemp for making it possible for our first visit to Illinois. Please join us with your colleagues, old and new.

Tuition Rates

First Time AttendeesAlumni
$280 Per Person (Schaumburg, IL)
Welcome Reception, Two Lunches, One Dinner, and Graduation Reception Included		$255 Per Person (Schaumburg, IL)
Welcome Reception, Two Lunches, One Dinner, and Graduation Reception Included

Airport Information

  • Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
  • Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)

Hotel Information

Hilton Garden Inn – Hoffman Estates
2425 Barrington Rd
Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
(847) 277-7889

Rate: $119++ (includes breakfast for up to two)

Make your reservations by calling the number above, mention Santa Nana’s Holiday University to get our group rate.

Session Location

All sessions will take place in the conference room at the Hilton Garden Inn.

Charitable Project: Lutheran Social Services of Illinois

Serving Illinois since 1867, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) is one of the largest statewide social service providers. LSSI is a nonprofit social service organization. Responding to the Gospel, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) brings healing, justice, and wholeness to people and communities. We are obtaining a Needs List for LSSI for their critical needs and will share that as soon as we get it. We are privileged to have a representative of LSSI come and speak to us about the work they do and families they serve.

Swap or Sell

This is not intended for vendors, but for attendees to recycle their personal accessories/clothing. Here, you can bring your gently used Claus items and either swap with another Claus, or sell. The negotiations are strictly between the swapper and the swappee, and Santa Nana’s does not receive any of the proceeds. It’s our way of helping you to recycle your unused items and jazz up your own closet. Swap or Sell has become a hit at Santa Nana sessions. Be a part of the funnest rummage sale around!

The Food!

At SNHU, we love to include meals as part of the curriculum, so we can offer a taste of the local culture. Our hosts have outdone themselves to give everyone a true Chicago experience – all included in your Tuition!

  • Friday Welcome Reception: assorted cheeses, crackers, sausage, veggie tray, black forest brownies, beverages.
  • Saturday Lunch: Italian beef sandwiches with baked beans, potato salad, surprise dessert.
  • Saturday Dinner: A variety of deep dish Chicago-style pizza from Lou Malnati’s with Italian tossed salad, and famous Eli’s Cheesecake.
  • Sunday Lunch: Chicago-style all-beef hot dogs with traditional buns and condiments, cole slaw, macaroni salad, and dessert.
  • Graduation: Festive cupcakes to celebrate the festivities!

Sessions

We have a mix of Santa Nana’s original plus new information to share. We’ll cover these topics and more, with breakout sessions to practice and share your experience and insights. We have a very special guest with author Pam McColl joining us.

  • History of Women in Christmas (plus Santa and Elves)
  • Character on the Inside (developing your inner Claus)
  • Character on the Outside (defining your outer Claus)
  • Marketing and Branding
  • Taking Care of Yourself
  • Story telling
  • Props
  • The Complete Claus Experience
  • Exceeding Customer Expectations
  • 200 Years of Mrs. Claus Fashion – Pam McColl
  • Working in the Christmas Community
  • Event Design and Rehearsals
  • More!

Schedule

We have a mix of Santa Nana’s original plus new information to share. Below is our working schedule.

Friday, September 19, 2025

  • 4:00 pm ==> Jingle and Mingle and Swap or Sell in the Conference Room
    • Casual welcome reception with light refreshments. You may choose to bring along some goodies to share throughout the weekend, or small gifts to share with your classmates. Thank you in advance for that! We’ll have goodie bags for everyone’s collectibles.
    • Swap or Sell begins Friday evening.

Saturday, September 20, 2025

  • 8:30 – 5:00 – Class begins PROMPTLY at 8:30, so please arrive early to get comfortable and find a seat.
  • 6:00 – Group Dinner catered by the famous Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
  • 7:30 – Evening of Fun in the Conference Room and Swap or Sell continues.

Sunday, September 21, 2025

  • 8:30 – 4:30 – Class begins PROMPTLY at 8:30.
  • 4:30 – Claus Oaths, Graduation, Class Photo, and Reception, with alumni invited to attend.
  • Group Dinner Out (optional).
  • Evening of casual fun in the Conference Room and Swap or Sell ends at 6:00 pm.

Schedule is subject to change as we fine tune the details.

Santa Nana’s Holiday University – a different and unexpected point of view for holiday education

B*E*L*I*E*V*E