Philipsburg Elks Lodge Rebuilds a Pennsylvania Icon: 37.5-Foot Tall Giant Santa

In Philipsburg, Pennsylvania, since 1962, the holiday season starts when a giant 37.5-foot Santa is placed at Cold Stream Dam. Standing as one of the tallest Santa’s in Pennsylvania, people from all over travel to see him and take photos.

Throughout the years many people have cared for and stored Santa when he was not standing tall for everyone to see. In 2005, the Philipsburg Elks volunteered to take on the responsibility for the community.

In early 2025, a strong winter storm destroyed the old wooden Santa. The pieces shattered, and he could not repaired. Because the Elks were responsible for the display, they acted fast. They set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for a full rebuild. Many people donated, and the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau gave a tourism grant to help pay for the project.

More than a dozen volunteers joined the effort. Some were Elks members. Others were local workers and community members. They included carpenters, painters, and people who knew how to work with tools and building materials. Local businesses also helped by giving lumber, paint, hardware, and even a large garage for the team to use.

The volunteers wanted the new Santa to look like the old one. They also wanted him to last longer. They built Santa in nine large pieces using thick ¾-inch marine-grade plywood and strong framing boards. They traced the old artwork onto the new wood and matched the original paint colors so the community would recognize him right away.

The rebuild took many months. Even with over a dozen volunteers, they spent almost 1,000 hours cutting wood, sealing the edges, painting, and putting the pieces together. The project used more than 20 sheets of plywood, over 100 treated 2×4 boards, 20 gallons of paint, and many screws and bolts.

When the new Santa was ready, the Elks worked with local crews to put him back up at Cold Stream Dam. Bucket trucks and a crane were used to lift the heavy pieces into place.

Thanks to the Philipsburg Elks, the volunteers, and local businesses, the 37.5-foot Santa now stands tall again. Families from across Pennsylvania can once again visit during the holidays to see this beloved tradition back to life.