Starry-eyed children writing letters to the jolly man at the North Pole this holiday season likely won’t get a response from Santa Claus or his helpers.

Beginning in late November, Busch Gardens will transform into a holiday wonderland, featuring more than 1 million twinkling lights and a 45-foot, light-animated Christmas tree.

Santas gather for classes, camaraderie Elves and Mr. and Mrs. Clauses learn lore, share experiences that enrich annual holiday portrayals Hundreds of Santas, Mrs. Clauses and elves from around the country and beyond are gathering this week to share their stories and secrets. “We have a Mrs. Claus who came all the way from Melbourne, Australia, along with Santas from Canada,“ said Joe More, host of the event. He said about 650 people registered for Celebrate Santa 2009, a three-day program of workshops, classes, entertainment and camaraderie for a host of helpers.

In a Grinch moment, the Tysons Corner Center mall gave Michael Graham the boot as Santa just a month before he was to begin considering holiday requests. But after demands from his faithful, he’s back.