Is Santa Moving To Norfolk County?
Around this time each year, Port Dover sparkles with holiday magic. Our little town is alight with twinkling windows, festive storefronts, and snow covering our beloved beach. But this year, we noticed an unusual visitor scoping out properties along the lakeshore. Red suit. Rosy cheeks. Reindeer double-parked.
Confirmed… Santa Claus himself has been house hunting in Port Dover.
After a visit to our Harbour St. office which included a few mugs of hot cocoa and a very jolly conversation, here’s what we learned about what Santa really looks for in a holiday home and what he might pay for the perfect cottage on Lake Erie.
Santa’s Must-Have Features
1. A Workshop-Friendly Garage
While Santa appreciates a classic two-car setup, he’s really looking for:
Extra-high ceilings (for sleigh storage)
Reinforced floors (toy production gets intense)
Room for eight reindeer plus one who insists on special accommodations
2. A KITCHEN BUILT FOR COOKIES
When your primary energy source is sugar, kitchen layout matters. Santa requires:
Double ovens
Plenty of counter space
A cookie jar within arm’s reach at all times
Enough room for Mrs. Claus to whip up her famous snowflake shortbread
He loved the modern kitchens in several Port Dover listings, though he did ask whether the local milk supply “comes in family-size.”
3. Chimney Access
This seems obvious but you’d be surprised.
Not every home in 2025 has a chimney, and Santa refuses to use the “magic wall phase-shift trick” unless absolutely necessary.
4. Calm Winter Views (Preferred: Lakeside)
After 24 hours of nonstop gift delivery, Santa wants serenity He was smitten with:
Snowy sunrise over Lake Erie
Quiet winter mornings on the pier
The peaceful charm of Port Dover’s small-town Christmas glow
He specifically said, “It feels like a vacation without the tropical heat. The beard prefers this climate.”
North Pole Living vs. Port Dover Living
Living in Port Dover offers Santa (and everyone else!) a refreshing balance compared to the North Pole. While both places deliver beautiful winter scenery, Port Dover provides a more relaxed, seasonal version of the cold without the constant frostbite. The Urban Parisian and Trish’s Bakery easily rival Mrs. Claus’s famous cookie supply, and the friendly local community feels a bit less crowded than a workshop full of busy elves. Commuting wouldn’t be quite as convenient as stepping out his front door at the North Pole, but the peaceful lakeside views, charming neighbourhoods, and small-town Christmas feel more than make up for the extra sleigh time. Overall, Port Dover brings all the holiday magic with a lot more comfort and far fewer toy-production meetings.
What Would Santa Pay for a Port Dover Lakeside Cottage?
Based on his wish list, Santa seems to be eyeing:
3-bedroom
Lakeside or lake-adjacent
Space for a workshop
Cozy fireplace
Updated kitchen
A home like that in Port Dover typically lands in the $$$–$$$$ range depending on lot size, updates, and waterfront access. (Santa asked us to keep exact numbers quiet — “the elves don’t need to know about my down payment.”) But he did say:
“For the right chimney and a view of the lake, price is no object. I’ll just make more toys.”
Final Verdict: Does Santa Want to Move to Port Dover?
He’s left it open for now, but he did schedule a “follow-up viewing” for December 26th. He said he’ll be in the area anyway.
If you see a sleigh parked near the beach that day, don’t worry.
He’s not lost.
He’s just exploring his options.
Looking for Your Own Holiday Dream Home?
Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy winter retreat, a year-round lakeside haven, or a fresh start in our beautiful community, Mummery & Co. Real Estate Brokerage is always here to help. As local experts who also call Port Dover home, we understand every shoreline nook, neighbourhood charm, and seasonal nuance that makes this town so special. We’re committed to making your buying or selling experience warm and personal, holiday magic included.
You can reach us anytime at hello@mummeryandco.com or 519-583-3526, and learn more at www.mummeryandco.com. Let’s find a place you’ll love just as much as Santa loves a good chimney.