This Odessa Holiday Tradition Lets Kids Talk to Santa Live

Odessa’s beloved “Calls to Santa” tradition is back, offering local children a magical way to connect with Santa Claus by phone before Christmas.

The City of Odessa’s official calendar encourages children to dial 432-368-3548 on Thursday, December 18th, between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. They can share their Christmas lists and speak directly with Santa or one of his holiday helpers in a live, festive call.

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Different Ways to See and Contact Santa

The event is part of a broader holiday celebration in Odessa that mixes old favorites with new seasonal programming.

Alongside “Calls to Santa,” this year’s Christmas calendar includes Letters to Santa drop-off opportunities at City Hall, where kids can submit their wishes in writing earlier in the month, and free family experiences like “Santa Land” at McKinney Park with photo ops and community engagement.

"Calls to Santa" Turns into Unforgettable Annual Event

"Last year, 'Calls to Santa' was a beloved Odessa holiday event, designed to create memorable moments for West Texas families.

The Odessa American previously reported that in 2024, kids could call Santa or city hall reps, a fun tradition officials said strengthened community ties and brought holiday cheer.

This year, the city plans to continue this popular annual event.

Read More: Why Midland Park Mall's Santa Experience Feels Bigger This Year

I believe the city of Odessa is making great strides in adapting to changing times by offering a non-traditional holiday experience for children and their parents.