The Christmas spirit arrived early in Victoria as Jingle & Mingle Melbourne 2026 brought together Scene to Believe’s Melbourne Santa community for an evening of connection, conversation and celebration.
Held as part of our Christmas in July events, Jingle & Mingle provides an opportunity for Santa Characters to step away from the busy festive season and enjoy time with the people who help make the magic happen each year.
From familiar faces to first-time attendees, the event highlighted the strong sense of friendship and belonging that continues to grow within Melbourne’s Santa community.
One of the most rewarding parts of this role is seeing the connections people build with one another. The friendships formed through our Santa community often last far beyond Christmas.
Viviana Diaz
Santa Manager | Scene to Believe
Celebrating the People Behind the Beard
While children see the magic of Santa during the Christmas season, Jingle & Mingle Melbourne offered a glimpse into the community behind the role.
Scene to Believe’s Santa Characters come from a wide range of backgrounds, bringing with them unique life experiences, personalities and stories. Some have been portraying Santa for many years, while others are just beginning their journey.
What unites them is a shared passion for creating memorable experiences for children and families and the opportunity to be part of something bigger than themselves.
Throughout the evening, attendees shared stories from past seasons, welcomed new members and strengthened the friendships that make the Santa community so special.
A Community Built on Connection
For many Santa Characters, the role becomes more than a seasonal opportunity.
The Melbourne Santa community provides a welcoming environment where people can meet like-minded individuals, learn from experienced Santa Characters and enjoy a genuine sense of camaraderie.
Whether someone is approaching retirement, looking for a meaningful new challenge or simply wanting to spread joy during the festive season, the community offers a place where people feel supported and valued.
Events like Jingle & Mingle help strengthen those connections and celebrate the people who contribute to creating magical Christmas memories across Victoria each year.
The Santa Community Featured in the Media
The growing Scene to Believe Santa community was recently recognised in the media, with features in the Herald Sun and 7NEWS highlighting how being a Santa Character has become much more than a seasonal role.
The Herald Sun article, “Ho Ho, How many Santas you want?”, explored the growing demand for Santa Characters across Australia and the importance of finding people who bring warmth, kindness and authenticity to the role.
The Scene to Believe Santa community was also featured on 7NEWS in a feel-good television segment, showcasing the people behind the red suit and the meaningful connections created through the role.
Together, these stories highlight how Santa Characters from diverse backgrounds come together to create magical experiences for children and families, while also finding friendship, connection and purpose within the wider Santa community.
People often think being a Santa is about Christmas, but for many of our Santas it’s also about community.
Viviana Diaz
Santa Manager | Scene to Believe
Proudly Supporting Movember
Giving back remains an important part of the Scene to Believe Santa community.
All proceeds from Jingle & Mingle Melbourne 2026 were donated to Movember, supporting programs focused on men’s health, mental wellbeing and suicide prevention.
The event’s focus on connection and community closely aligns with Movember’s mission of encouraging people to support one another and foster meaningful conversations.
By attending Jingle & Mingle Melbourne, participants not only celebrated their Santa community but also contributed to a cause dedicated to improving lives beyond the festive season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jingle & Mingle Melbourne?
Jingle & Mingle Melbourne is Scene to Believe’s annual Santa community event, bringing together Santa Characters from across Victoria to celebrate friendship, connection and Christmas spirit.
How do I become a Santa Character in Melbourne?
Scene to Believe welcomes people from all backgrounds who are passionate about creating magical moments for children and families. Previous Santa experience is not required.
Do Santa Characters stay connected throughout the year?
Yes. The Scene to Believe Santa community stays connected through training, social events, Santa Sip & Chats and monthly zoom meetings throughout the year.
Thank You Melbourne Santas
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Jingle & Mingle Melbourne 2026 and helped make the evening such a memorable celebration of friendship and community.
The event showcased the incredible people behind the beard and the connections that continue to make Melbourne’s Santa community so special.
Interested in Becoming a Santa Character?
Scene to Believe is always looking for people who want to create magical moments for children and families.
Whether you’re exploring a new opportunity, looking to give back to your community or simply love the spirit of Christmas, becoming a Santa Character could be the perfect fit.
Join our growing Santa community and discover the friendships, connection and purpose that make the role so rewarding.





