SANTA CLAUS: RELOCATE YOUR WORKSHOP TO CHICAGO

This holiday season, World Business Chicago (WBC) is continuing its tradition of thinking big—even when the “big” in question wears a red suit and delivers toys to children around the world.

Our annual “Dear Santa” campaign makes a spirited pitch to Santa Claus, inviting him to consider relocating his legendary workshop to Chicago. Press Release.

While playful, the campaign reflects World Business Chicago’s mission: showcasing Chicago as the ultimate destination for businesses looking toward the future. Santa’s massive operation—from toy-making and packaging facilities to reindeer stables and expansive storage—needs a home that offers unparalleled resources, and Chicago has just the right mix of talent, climate resiliency, and global connectivity to help him succeed.

Chicago: The Ultimate Business Hub

Chicago’s appeal isn’t just about its world-class location and logistics—it’s about momentum, innovation, and investment. In 2024, Chicago was once again recognized as the Top Metro for Corporate Relocation by Site Selection Magazine for the 11th consecutive year and named the Best Big City in the U.S. for the 8th year in a row by Condé Nast Traveler readers.

Major developments this year have underscored Chicago’s leadership in driving forward-looking initiatives:

• The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park is making Chicago the global quantum capital, thanks to partnerships between state, region, and city with IBM, PsiQuantum, and leading academic and research institutions.
• A historic $1.25 billion bond deal—the largest in city history—reflects investments in neighborhoods, housing, and small businesses.
• Transformative projects, including the $7 billion Project 1901 on the West Side and Google’s reimagining of the Thompson Center, highlight how Chicago blends its rich legacy with a bold, innovative vision for the future.

And for a city like Chicago, the work never stops. These are just a few examples of the projects and partnerships shaping the city’s economy for years to come.

“Chicago’s tech ecosystem is the ideal place for Santa to elevate his operations,” said Kent Mages, President of MassPersona. “Our full-color 3D printing company in Humboldt Park is revolutionizing the future of toy manufacturing, enabling customized, innovative products at scale. From concept to creation, Chicago has the talent, tools, and technology to deliver the next generation of toys—many of which can be made by 3D printers and computers right here in the city.”

10 Reasons Santa Should Choose Chicago

Every business decision is strategic—even for Santa. That’s why we’ve rounded up 10 reasons why the North Pole’s most famous CEO should consider Chicagoland for the future home of Santa’s Workshop:

1. Unmatched Connectivity: Two international airports, the largest inland port, and an extensive rail and road network make Chicago perfect for delivering toys worldwide—fast.
2. Central Location: At the heart of the U.S., Chicago gives Santa a strategic advantage to reach every corner of the globe.
3. Cutting-Edge Innovation: The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park and thriving tech ecosystem offer Santa the tools to modernize toy-making and logistics.
4. Manufacturing Excellence: Chicago’s legacy of manufacturing combines tradition with cutting-edge technology, making it ideal for sleigh upgrades.
5. Candy Capital of the World: With Mars, Ferrero, Mondelēz International, and other candy, snacks, and food manufacturers calling Chicago home, Santa will never run out of energy for his deliveries.(See “Chicagoland is Candyland.“)
6. Thriving Economy: More than 120 companies expanded, relocated, or invested in Chicago this year—including Grindr, which chose Chicago for its engineering hub, drawn by the city’s inclusive culture and tech talent.
7. World-Class Hospitality: From hosting the DNC to NASCAR, Chicago knows how to welcome the world—and Santa would be no exception.
8. Climate Resiliency & Sustainability: Access to freshwater and a focus on green innovation make Chicago a stable, sustainable choice.
9. Global Recognition: Chicago’s accolades as a top city for business and living underscore its appeal for businesses of all kinds.
10. The Spirit of Chicago: Bold ideas, community, and resilience make Chicago the perfect home for Santa’s workshop—and any visionary enterprise.

“Chicago has the space, spirit, and innovation to help your business thrive,” said Kyle T. Schulz, Chief Growth Officer at World Business Chicago. “Whether it’s a decision as monumental as relocating Santa’s workshop or a global corporation expanding operations, Chicago delivers on its promise as a world-class destination for investment, collaboration, and growth. We invite Santa—or any visionary employer—to give us a call after Christmas so we can discuss your wish list and ensure your business is perfectly positioned for the future.”

From all of us at World Business Chicago, happy holidays and cheers to a bright, thriving 2025!