Quick answer: Print the template, then help your child write their name, say how they have tried to be good, and list two or three presents they would love. Add a thank you, a drawing, and a note for the reindeer. Fold it, pop it in an envelope, and post it up the chimney or to the North Pole.
Best for Ages 3 to 8, EYFS and KS1
Time 20 to 30 minutes
Group size One child or a whole class
You need Printed template, pens, crayons
Cost Low, just printing and pens

Download the free printable cards

What to write in a letter to Santa

A good letter to Santa is short, kind and personal. Use these prompts to help your child fill the page without staring at a blank sheet.

Warm openers

  1. Dear Father Christmas, I hope you and the reindeer are well.
  2. Dear Santa, I have been waiting all year to write to you.
  3. Hello Father Christmas, my name is ___ and I am ___ years old.
  4. Dear Santa, how is it at the North Pole this year?
  5. Dear Father Christmas, thank you for my presents last year.
  6. Hello Santa, I live at ___ and I have been very excited.
  7. Dear Father Christmas, I hope Mrs Claus is well too.
  8. Dear Santa, the elves must be very busy right now.

Naughty or nice

  1. This year I tried hard to be kind to my little brother.
  2. I helped tidy my room without being asked.
  3. I shared my toys at nursery most days.
  4. I said sorry when I got things wrong.
  5. I looked after our pet and gave it food.
  6. I was gentle and used my kind words.
  7. I helped with jobs at home, like setting the table.
  8. I tried my best at school even when it was hard.
  9. I was a good friend when someone felt sad.

Present wishes and thank yous

  1. Please may I have a ___, I would take great care of it.
  2. My top wish is ___ but anything would make me happy.
  3. I would love a game we can play as a family.
  4. I would like something to make or build.
  5. Please could you also bring something for my brother or sister.
  6. Thank you for reading my letter, Father Christmas.
  7. I will leave you a mince pie and a carrot for Rudolph.
  8. Safe travels on your sleigh, see you on Christmas Eve.
  9. From ___, with lots of love and a big thank you.

How to write a letter to Santa, step by step

  1. Print the template and set out pens and crayons.
  2. Help your child write their name, age and a warm hello.
  3. Add one or two kind things they did this year.
  4. List two or three presents and a thank you.
  5. Draw a picture, fold it and post it together.

Ways to use the letter to Santa template

  • Make it a December tradition Set aside one cosy evening to write the letter together with a hot drink. It becomes a lovely marker of the season every year.
  • Turn it into a quiet classroom activity Hand out a template each and read the prompts aloud. It gives early writers a gentle, purposeful reason to put pen to paper.
  • Pair it with a family game night Write letters first, then settle in for something everyone can join, like Snakes and Ladders with Ludo. The evening feels full and warm.
  • Decorate the envelope Let your child draw stars, reindeer and snow on the front. A craft set like the mini whiteboard craft set keeps little hands busy while others finish.
  • Keep the letters as keepsakes Pop each year's letter in a box. Reading old wishes and spellings back is a joy as children grow.

Games and gifts for Christmas

Once the letter is posted, these make warm Christmas presents and fill the long holiday days. We have chosen games, craft and learning toys that suit a family Christmas.

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Letters to Santa by age and key stage

Under 3 (EYFS)

Little ones dictate their wishes while you write. Let them scribble, stamp or add stickers so they feel part of it.

Ages 3 to 5 (EYFS)

Children can copy their name and draw their presents. Say the words slowly so they can have a go at the first sounds.

Ages 5 to 7 (KS1)

Writers manage a few sentences on their own. The prompts support sentence building, spelling and neat letter forms.

Ages 7 to 11 (KS2)

Older children write a full, chatty letter with proper layout. Encourage a greeting, a thank you and a polite sign off.

What children learn from writing to Santa

  • Writing. Forming letters, spacing words and finishing a sentence all get practice on a page children care about.
  • Spelling. Sounding out words like present and reindeer supports early phonics and confidence.
  • Gratitude. Adding a thank you and a note for the reindeer builds kindness and thinking of others.
  • Fine motor control. Writing, folding and decorating the envelope strengthen the small hand muscles.
  • Planning. Choosing a few wishes and putting them in order helps children organise their thoughts.

More free Christmas printables

Every one is free to print, and each has its own guide.

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Make it a Christmas tradition

Writing to Santa is one of the easiest family habits to keep. Pick the same evening each year, make it cosy, and let everyone have a go, even grown ups. Keep each finished letter in a box so you can look back and smile at the wobbly writing and the wishes that changed over time. In a classroom it works beautifully as a shared December task that quietly builds writing confidence.

Frequently asked questions

What should my child write in a letter to Santa?

A warm hello, their name and age, one or two kind things they did this year, a short wish list, and a thank you. Keep it short so it stays enjoyable.

How do I post the letter to Santa?

Royal Mail runs a Santa address each year, so check their website for the current details and posting date. Many families also pop it up the chimney as a bit of magic.

What age is this template good for?

It suits children from about 3 to 8. Younger ones dictate and draw, while older children write it themselves.

Can we do this as a class?

Yes. Print one per child, read the prompts aloud, and let children work at their own pace. It supports early writing in a fun way.

My child cannot write yet, what can they do?

Let them tell you their wishes while you write, then they can draw pictures, add stickers or copy their name. It still counts.

Do we need to buy anything?

Just a printer, some pens and crayons. If you want gift ideas afterwards, see the gift ideas above.

How long does it take?

Around 20 to 30 minutes, longer if your child loves decorating the envelope. There is no rush.

How many presents should they ask for?

Two or three is a kind number. It keeps the letter grateful and manageable, and leaves room for a happy surprise.

Browse by age and type

Jaques of London is Britain's oldest toy and games company, founded in 1795. We have spent over 230 years making games families play together, from chess and croquet to wooden toys for the very young.

Kids' Activities by Age | All free printable activities

Written by the Jaques of London team. Last updated 1 November 2026.