In the weeks before Christmas, Santa is doing a quiet test run over Wisconsin when a sudden sleigh malfunction sends him landing, ever so softly, somewhere near Watertown. With Santa mysteriously off-grid, North Pole security goes into full alert. Enter Nick Frost, Santa’s loyal and headstrong lead security elf (in human disguise, of course), tasked with retrieving the Big Man without alarming the world.
Nick arrives in Watertown and runs into Holly Jensen, a charming, spirited local who runs a small downtown shop known for its holiday goods and endless Christmas cheer. When Nick claims Santa is missing and he needs help tracking him, she laughs – until she sees the North Pole emblem on his official sleigh locator.
Together, they embark on the most festive manhunt ever.
Their first stop is the annual tree lighting at the Bentzin Family Town Square, where families sip steaming cocoa, the Watertown High School carolers harmonize softly under twinkling lights, and children stand tip-toe to spot the first spark of Christmas magic. No Santa sighting.
Next, they bundle up and stroll the storybook downtown, admiring the Watertown Window Wonderland displays. Over 40 windows displaying glittering snow villages, hand-painted winter scenes, shimmering lights, and more creativity than any Hallmark script could ever dream of. No Santa there either.
They dash to the arrival of the CPKC Holiday Train, convinced Santa couldn’t resist a festive locomotive decked head-to-toe in Christmas lights and holiday music. Still no sign.
Then the Christmas Parade of Lights, where floats glow, bands play, and the whole town shines. They wait excitedly for the finale – Santa’s grand arrival. But… imposter! Holly gasps, Nick groans.
They search the charming boutiques, cozy cafés, and delicious restaurants. 40+ stops on Main Street where Santa must be picking up a treat for Mrs. Claus. Nothing but great coffee and sweets, on-trend boutiques, antiques galore, and growing sparks between Nick and Holly.
Finally, they share an epiphany at the same moment.
Santa House.
They return to Bentzin Family Town Square, now a glowing wonderland of one towering tree surrounded by ten smaller ones, garlands and wreaths, and twinkling lights dazzling the night sky. And there he is. Jolly, bright-eyed, perfectly at home. Santa, listening to Christmas wishes and bringing joy to little hearts, exactly where he’d want to be.
Nick breathes a sigh of relief. Holly smiles, realizing she never needed magic to believe, just the wonder of her own hometown.
With his mission complete, Nick prepares to leave…but his heart stays behind. Santa gives him a knowing wink. Christmas magic works in mysterious ways.
Nick decides to remain in Watertown, because he didn’t just find Santa…He found love, community, and a little extra Christmas magic of his own.
And every year after, you can spot him strolling hand-in-hand with Holly under the lights of Main Street, protecting Santa in the most festive small town around.
About the Author: Robin Kaufmann
