So overall it is an odd trippy little film but I enjoyed watching it.

| Original Score: 8/10 | Apr 18, 2019

With terrific set designs and the best musical numbers of any of the old Rankin-Bass animated specials, it really holds up well even to this day. The story of how Santa Claus came to be, it's a must-see if you've got little kids in the household.

| Nov 29, 2018

Rather than a pure retelling, it became a unique modern version amongst other historical folklore. A modern fairytale of sorts.

| Nov 28, 2018

I know it's a classic but the too-bright colors and weird animation style just doesn't work for me.

| Nov 26, 2018

Everything Rankin/Bass did works perfectly here. The guest voice (Fred Astaire) is dead on. The filling in of mythology around a holiday figure is just great. And even the song the special builds toward is one of the better Santa Claus songs out there.

| Nov 26, 2018

Two of these, ''Santa Claus is Comin' to Town'' and ''The Year Without a Santa Claus,'' [are] both giddy and delightful.

| Nov 26, 2018

This origin story for Santa Claus has all the elements that have made their productions perennial favorites every holiday season, including Fred Astaire and Mickey Rooney as the kindly narrator and a young Kris Kringle.

| Nov 26, 2018

This special is more in line with the light-hearted cheeriness one would expect when talking about elves and an immortal toymaker.

| Nov 22, 2018

Santa Claus is Comin' to Town is your standard non-denominational origin story. A family of elves, fondness for children, deep and abiding love for wooden toys - this is pretty festive stuff.

| Nov 21, 2018

Rooney's performance is so very weird, but that just adds to the charm.

| Nov 21, 2018

With the help of a classic performance by Mickey Rooney and narration from Fred Astaire, Rankin/Bass... [delivers] a Santa who's kind, jolly, and even gets a wonderful love story.

| Nov 21, 2018

The special also has one of the most ridiculously named villains ever -- Burgermeister Meisterburger -- and several entertaining songs, including the catchy "Put One Foot in Front of the Other." The voice cast is excellent.

| Nov 21, 2018

Filled with fun ideas and intricate wood-figure animation, Santa Claus might be the Rankin-Bass high-water mark.

| Nov 21, 2018

Just say 'Burgermeister Meisterburger' to anyone over 30, and watch 'em giggle. We all know this story...

Full Review | Jan 4, 2005