Holiday characters are part of our specific holiday celebrations. They originate from mythology, folk stories or contemporary pop culture. Santa Claus, a Christmas holiday character, first appeared in central European folklore as the character of Saint Nicholas. He is the patron saint of children, and was said to bring gifts to well behaved children on the night of Christmas Eve. Other holiday characters are not so friendly. They include the Krampus, a horned, half-demon half-goat creature, who also appears at Christmas time, but instead punishes the children who have not been well behaved.

Where do holiday characters come from?

The holiday characters that we know today were created decades ago from different stories and legends, but have transformed into their current versions through advertising and popular culture. For example, Santa Claus also known as Kris Kringle, Sinterklaas, or Father Christmas depending where you live has existed for centuries. The modern appearance and behavior of this holiday character have been shaped by advertising.

Which holidays are the most popular around the world?

One of the most popular holidays celebrated around the world is New Year’s Eve as it is one of the oldest holidays. Other popular holidays are Christmas which is celebrated by millions around the world, Eid al-Fitr which marks the end of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha celebrated by Muslims to honor the prophet Abraham. Valentine’s Day, Diwali, Chinese New Year, Easter, Basant, and Spring Bank are other very celebrated holidays around the world.

Why are children often afraid of Santa Claus?

Children are often afraid of Santa Claus for a number of reasons like his appearance, noisy environment, and the expectation of behaving well. The fear of Santa Claus can also be related to the fear of clowns as they both have a fixed expression that is seen as unreliable. Meeting Santa is overwhelming as he symbolizes hope and the Christmas celebrations. Once children are over the age of 4 they typically overcome their fear.

Holiday Characters Guides
Browse through our curated Holiday Characters Guides for additional categorizations, tips, details, variations, styles, and histories of Holiday Characters. Guides provide additional insights into the unique properties and shared relationships between elements.
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6’3” | 1.91 m
2003 (Elf)
Buddy the Elf
191.000
2003.00
14000
GUIDE
3D
Buddy the Elf
3’ | 91.5 cm (max)
1850 (Christmas Elves)
Christmas Elves
91.500
1850.00
910
GUIDE
3D
Christmas Elves
5’5” | 1.65 m
1849 (A Christmas Legend)
Mrs. Claus
165.000
1849.00
10100
GUIDE
3D
Mrs. Claus
2’9”-4’7” | 85-140 cm
3’11”-7’2” | 120-220 cm
132-705 lb | 60-320 kg
15-20 years
Reindeer | Caribou
140.000
220.000
320.000
20.00
204000
GUIDE
3D
Reindeer | Caribou
6’ | 1.83 m (varies)
1823 (A Visit from St Nicholas)
Santa Claus
183.000
1823.00
161000
GUIDE
3D
Santa Claus
6’ | 1.83 m
28’8” | 8.75 m
1823 (A Visit from St Nicholas)
Santa’s Sleigh
183.000
875.000
1823.00
4100
GUIDE
3D
Santa’s Sleigh
6’2” | 1.88 m
1957 (How the Grinch Stole Christmas!)
The Grinch
188.000
1957.00
293000
GUIDE
3D
The Grinch
Buddy the Elf

Buddy the Elf grew up in the North Pole. He knows he is different from the other elves – he is much taller and doesn’t have the same speedy working abilities. But Buddy loves Christmas more than anything. He loves Christmas lights, and Christmas songs, and Christmas food and Christmas presents. He loves the joy that everyone feels around Christmas time. Buddy is extremely talented at creating Christmas decorations, wrapping Christmas presents, and making toys. His favorite food is maple syrup.

Buddy the Elf, portrayed by Will Ferrell, is 6’3” (1.91 m) tall.

Set of illustrations of Buddy the Elf in various poses measured with overall height
Buddy the Elf grew up in the North Pole. He knows he is different from the other elves – he is much taller and doesn’t have the same speedy working abilities. But Buddy loves Christmas more than anything. He loves the joy that everyone feels around Christmas time. His favorite food is maple syrup.

Buddy the Elf, portrayed by Will Ferrell, is 6’3” (1.91 m) tall.

Set of illustrations of Buddy the Elf in various poses measured with overall height
Buddy the Elf
Height:
6’3” | 1.91 m
Width:
Length:
Depth:
Weight:
Area:
Actor
Will Ferrell
First Appearance
2003 (Elf)

Drawings include:
Buddy the Elf front, side, side (walking), side (waving)

Details & Downloads

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Reindeer | Caribou
Scaled drawing comparing the size of a Reindeer (Caribou) to a typical person

Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus), known in North America as Caribou, is a species of deer found in the Arctic tundra and neighboring boreal forests of Greenland, Scandinavia, Russia, Alaska, and Canada. Reindeer have been domesticated in Europe and range from two varieties or ecotypes: Tundra Reindeer and Woodland Reindeer.

Tundra Reindeer migrate between the tundra and the forest in large herds of up to half a million that travel as far as 5,000 km on their strong cloven hoofs. Both male and female Reindeer can grow antlers with up to 44 tines for males and half that for females. This is the only deer species that both genders can have antlers.

Reindeer (Caribou) have standing shoulder heights between 2’9”-4’7” (85-140 cm), head-to-body lengths in the range of 3’11”-7’2” (120-220 cm), and overall weights of 132-705 lb (60-320 kg). The lifespan of a wild Reindeer is roughly 15-20 years.

Collection of scaled drawings of the Reindeer (Caribou)
Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus), known in North America as Caribou, is a species of deer found in the Arctic tundra and neighboring boreal forests of Greenland, Scandinavia, Russia, Alaska, and Canada. Reindeer have been domesticated in Europe and range from two varieties: Tundra and Woodland.

Reindeer (Caribou) have standing shoulder heights between 2’9”-4’7” (85-140 cm), head-to-body lengths in the range of 3’11”-7’2” (120-220 cm), and overall weights of 132-705 lb (60-320 kg). The lifespan of a wild Reindeer is roughly 15-20 years.

Collection of scaled drawings of the Reindeer (Caribou)
Reindeer | Caribou
Height:
2’9”-4’7” | 85-140 cm
Width:
Length:
3’11”-7’2” | 120-220 cm
Depth:
Weight:
132-705 lb | 60-320 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Rangifer tarandus
Lifespan
15-20 years

Drawings include:

Reindeer (Caribou) side elevation (standing), side (walking), side (eating), side (lying down), front (standing)

Details & Downloads

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Santa’s Elves | Christmas Elves

The Christmas Elves live in the North Pole. They oversee and manage the Christmas factory, making toys and preparing for Christmas. Every Christmas Eve, the elves help Santa load the sleigh with presents for every girl and boy (the ones who celebrate Christmas), and make sure Santa knows his delivery route. They are extremely efficient and good at their job. Christmas Elves are known for the tiny stature, colourful green and red clothes, and their toy making abilities. They love the snow and eating sugary treats.

Santa’s Elves, or Christmas Elves, are a maximum of 3’ (91.5 cm) tall.

Set of illustrations of Santa’s Elves (Christmas Elves) in various poses measured with overall height
The Christmas Elves live in the North Pole. They oversee and manage the Christmas factory, making toys and preparing for Christmas. They are extremely efficient and good at their job. Christmas Elves are known for the tiny stature, colourful green and red clothes, and their toy making abilities.

Santa’s Elves, or Christmas Elves, are a maximum of 3’ (91.5 cm) tall.

Set of illustrations of Santa’s Elves (Christmas Elves) in various poses measured with overall height
Santa’s Elves | Christmas Elves
Height:
3’ | 91.5 cm (max)
Width:
Length:
Depth:
Weight:
Area:

Writer: Louisa May Alcott

Actor
First Appearance
1850 (Christmas Elves)

Drawings include:
Santa’s Elves (Christmas Elves) front (boy), front (girl), side (girl), side sitting (boy), side sitting (girl)

Details & Downloads

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2D Downloads

3D Downloads

The Grinch

The Grinch lives on the top of Mount Crumpit, which overlooks the town of Whoville. His only friend is his dog Max. The Grinch is a bitter, grumpy creature who hates Christmas. He doesn’t have much love to give because his heart is two sizes too small. One Christmas he decides to steal every Christmas present and Christmas decoration from Whoville, in the hope that it will destroy Christmas day. However, with the help of tiny Who Cindy Lou, The Grinch realises Christmas isn’t actually about presents, but about love, family and friendship.

The Grinch, portrayed by Jim Carrey, is 6’2” (1.88 m) tall.

Series of elevation drawings of The Grinch in multiple poses and measured with overall height
The Grinch lives on the top of Mount Crumpit, which overlooks the town of Whoville. His only friend is his dog Max. The Grinch is a bitter, grumpy creature who hates Christmas. He doesn’t have much love to give because his heart is two sizes too small. One Christmas he decides to steal Christmas.

The Grinch, portrayed by Jim Carrey, is 6’2” (1.88 m) tall.

Series of elevation drawings of The Grinch in multiple poses and measured with overall height
The Grinch
Height:
6’2” | 1.88 m
Width:
Length:
Depth:
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Writer: Dr. Seuss

Actor
Jim Carrey
First Appearance
1957 (How the Grinch Stole Christmas!)

Drawings include:
The Grinch front, side (sneaking), side (Max)

Details & Downloads

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Mrs. Claus

Mrs. Claus is married to Santa Claus and is crucial in the run up to Christmas. They live together in the North Pole. Mrs. Claus is head of operations at the North Pole and manages the Christmas Elves and the Christmas present making factory. She supports Santa on Christmas Eve, and makes sure everything is running smoothly. She generally wears red dresses with white faux fur, and is known for her excellent cooking, funny stories, and toy making talents.

Mrs. Claus varies in height, but is commonly depicted as 5’5” (1.65 m) tall.

Collection of drawings of Mrs. Claus measured with overall height
Mrs. Claus is married to Santa Claus and is crucial in the run up to Christmas. They live together in the North Pole. Mrs. Claus is head of operations at the North Pole and manages the Christmas Elves and the Christmas present making factory. She supports Santa on Christmas Eve.

Mrs. Claus varies in height, but is commonly depicted as 5’5” (1.65 m) tall.

Collection of drawings of Mrs. Claus measured with overall height
Mrs. Claus
Height:
5’5” | 1.65 m
Width:
Length:
Depth:
Weight:
Area:

Writer: James Rees

Actor
First Appearance
1849 (A Christmas Legend)

Drawings include:
Mrs. Claus front, front (casual), front (Santa Claus)

Details & Downloads

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