1851

Santa Claus is coming to town, so get the christmas lights out, tuck the kids in, put out the cookies and milk, and make sure that chimney is swept.&nbsp;And while you’re at it, make sure your town has some of Santa’s favorite franchises. As a big traveler, Santa enjoys the controlled quality and consistent experience franchising provides, and there’s no shortage of brands out there making his difficult job just a little bit easier.2020 has been a rough year for all of us, but the <a href="https://1851franchise.com/covid-19-and-high-unemployment-set-up-2021-for-franchise-sales-feeding-frenzy-2714528">franchise industry has held up better than most</a>, thanks in no small part to the passion, creativity and dedication of franchise owners, employees and corporate team members across the industry.This Christmas, 1851 Franchise thanks all of those players, who kept our communities — and economy — running when times got tough.To celebrate, let’s take a look at the favorite franchises of old St. Nick. (That’s Nicholas Claus, not <a href="https://1851franchise.com/author/nick-powills">the other Nick</a>.)<h4>Santa’s Favorite Food Franchises</h4>Each family’s parents are kind of like Santa’s franchisees, aren’t they? They all manage a local shop — their home — and provide guests — their children — with products and services associated with the global brand of Santa.&nbsp;So, have you payed your royalty fees lately? Here are the cookies and milk (shakes/coffees) Santa loves to find at the fireplace.&nbsp;Cookies:<ul><li><a href="https://www.greatamericancookiesfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=25-franchise-opportunities-santa-would-love-2714578" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Great American Cookies</a><ul><li>Units: 377</li><li>Startup costs: $203,400–$379,150</li></ul></li><li><a href="https://www.nestlecafefranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=25-franchise-opportunities-santa-would-love-2714578" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Nestlé Toll House Cafe by Chip</a><ul><li>Units: 90</li><li>Startup costs: $149,450–$554,800</li></ul></li><li><a href="https://lemacaron-us.com/franchise?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=25-franchise-opportunities-santa-would-love-2714578" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Le Macaron French Pastries</a><ul><li>Units: 60</li><li>Startup costs: $90,350–$349,500</li></ul></li><li><a href="https://woopsfranchise.com/research/what-are-my-startup-costs/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=25-franchise-opportunities-santa-would-love-2714578" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Woops!</a><ul><li>Units: 40</li><li>Startup costs: $79,875–$365,675</li></ul></li><li><a href="https://auntieannesfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=25-franchise-opportunities-santa-would-love-2714578" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Auntie Annie’s</a><ul><li>Units: 1,903</li><li>Startup costs: $199,475–$385,100</li></ul></li><li><a href="https://cinnabonfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=25-franchise-opportunities-santa-would-love-2714578" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Cinnabon</a><ul><li>Units: 1,633</li><li>Startup costs: $214,050–$430,900</li></ul></li></ul>Milk (shakes/coffees):<ul><li><a href="https://franchise.mooyah.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=25-franchise-opportunities-santa-would-love-2714578" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">MOOYAH Burgers, Fries &amp; Shakes</a><ul><li>Units: 84</li><li>Startup costs: $403,750–$639,100</li></ul></li><li><a href="https://www.biggbyfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=25-franchise-opportunities-santa-would-love-2714578" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Biggby Coffee</a><ul><li>Units: 240</li><li>Startup costs: $189,550–$378,600</li></ul></li><li><a href="https://thehumanbean.com/franchise/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=25-franchise-opportunities-santa-would-love-2714578" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The Human Bean</a><ul><li>Units: 105</li><li>Startup costs: $340,425–$827,725</li></ul></li><li><a href="https://coldstonecreameryfranchise.com/?pmc=ADW&amp%3Bkeyword=%2Bice+%2Bcream+%2Bfranchise&amp%3Bgclid=CjwKCAiArIH_BRB2EiwALfbH1FW09EupUUkelHWvfDcTaaq305P8qD4j1owvBTylHCtWAQcOHClLsRoCI8IQAvD_BwE&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=25-franchise-opportunities-santa-would-love-2714578" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Cold Stone Creamery</a><ul><li>Units: 1,252</li><li>Startup costs: $310,375–$476,975</li></ul></li><li><a href="https://fostersfreeze.com/franchise/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=25-franchise-opportunities-santa-would-love-2714578" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Fosters Freeze</a><ul><li>Units: 65</li><li>Startup costs: $611,500–$1,009,000</li></ul></li></ul><h4>&nbsp;</h4><h4>Childcare Franchises</h4>He sees you when you’re sleeping. He knows if you’re awake. He knows how your kid is doing with online classes, so call <a href="https://sylvanfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=25-franchise-opportunities-santa-would-love-2714578" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Sylvan Learning*</a> for goodness sake.For those lucky enough to have them, children represent the ultimate investment. With 2020 disrupting school years around the country, these are the franchises you can rely on to teach your kids how to become a big-hearted provider like you one day.&nbsp;<ul><li><a href="https://lightbridgeacademyfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=25-franchise-opportunities-santa-would-love-2714578" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Lightbridge Academy*</a><ul><li>Units: 51</li><li>Startup costs: $549,228–$737,635</li></ul></li><li><a href="https://sylvanfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=25-franchise-opportunities-santa-would-love-2714578" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Sylvan Learning</a><ul><li>Units: 750</li><li>Startup costs: $70,270–$163,625</li></ul></li><li><a href="https://franchise.deamusicandart.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=25-franchise-opportunities-santa-would-love-2714578" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">DEA Music and Art</a><ul><li>Units: 4</li><li>Startup costs: $136,700–$215,400</li></ul></li><li><a href="https://www.franchise.idealabkids.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=25-franchise-opportunities-santa-would-love-2714578" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Idea Lab Kids</a><ul><li>Units: 25</li><li>Startup costs: $160,500–$373,000</li></ul></li><li><a href="https://www.bigblueswimschool.com/franchising/opportunity/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=25-franchise-opportunities-santa-would-love-2714578" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Big Blue Swim School</a><ul><li>Units: 118</li><li>Startup costs: $2,329,223–$3,636,998</li></ul></li></ul><h4>&nbsp;</h4><h4>Toy and Game Franchises</h4>With rumblings of unionization and COVID-19 workflow interruptions among elves at the North Pole, Santa’s supply chain found itself disrupted in 2020. With elf labor a legal grey zone, our jolly friend can use all the help he can get. Here are some toy and game franchises sure to bring a smile to your child’s face.<ul><li><a href="http://learningexpress.com/franchise/investment/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=25-franchise-opportunities-santa-would-love-2714578" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Learning Express Toys &amp; Gifts</a><ul><li>Units: 91</li><li>Startup costs: $181,794–$318,594</li></ul></li><li><a href="https://www.buildabear.com/brand-about-inquiries-franchisees.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=25-franchise-opportunities-santa-would-love-2714578" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Build A Bear Workshop</a><ul><li>Units: 400</li><li>Startup costs: $5 million–$12 million minimum capital requirement</li></ul></li><li><a href="https://onceuponachild.com/own-a-store?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=25-franchise-opportunities-santa-would-love-2714578" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Once Upon A Child</a><ul><li>Units: 392</li><li>Startup costs: $254,700–$396,600</li></ul></li><li><a href="https://www.franchiseopportunities.com/franchise/mind-games?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=25-franchise-opportunities-santa-would-love-2714578" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Mind Games</a><ul><li>Units: 8</li><li>Startup costs: $80,000–$100,000 minimum capital requirement</li></ul></li><li><a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/brilliantskytoysbooks/329351?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=25-franchise-opportunities-santa-would-love-2714578" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Brilliant Sky Toys &amp; Books</a><ul><li>Units: 14</li><li>Startup costs: $196,000–$424,000</li></ul></li></ul><h4>&nbsp;</h4><h4>Christmas Light and Decoration Franchises</h4>Santa’s logistics operation is the stuff of legend, but let’s take a moment to appreciate his dedication to a certain aesthetic. The man knows what he likes. The least we can do is get the house looking Christmasy before he squeezes down the chimney. Here are four franchises that will sort out your seasonal decor and outdoor lighting needs.&nbsp;<ul><li><a href="https://www.christmasdecor.net/franchise/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=25-franchise-opportunities-santa-would-love-2714578" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Christmas Décor</a><ul><li>Units: 256</li><li>Startup costs: $19,550–$62,250</li></ul></li><li><a href="https://www.everything-christmas.com/franchising/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=25-franchise-opportunities-santa-would-love-2714578" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Everything Christmas</a><ul><li>Units: 6</li><li>Startup costs: $35,000–$55,000</li></ul></li><li><a href="https://www.certifiedlights.com/franchise/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=25-franchise-opportunities-santa-would-love-2714578" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Certified Lights</a><ul><li>Units: 2</li><li>Startup costs: $44,050–$88,000</li></ul></li><li><a href="https://franchise.groundsguys.com/?utm_campaign=Consumer+Site+Referrals&amp%3Butm_source=groundsguys.com+referral&amp%3Butm_medium=cta&amp%3Butm_content=menu&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=25-franchise-opportunities-santa-would-love-2714578" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The Grounds Guys</a><ul><li>Units: 193</li><li>Startup costs: $81,220–$200,070</li></ul></li><li><a href="https://www.nitelites.com/become-a-franchise/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=25-franchise-opportunities-santa-would-love-2714578" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">NiteLites</a><ul><li>Units: 17</li><li>Startup costs: $65,585–$102,205</li></ul></li></ul>&nbsp;<h4>Merry Christmas</h4>From everyone at 1851 Franchise to all of our readers and everyone who worked with us this year: Thank you.&nbsp;Franchising is an enormous industry, represented in virtually every sector, but we all share a mission of providing strong business opportunities for passionate entrepreneurs. At 1851, our role in that mission starts and ends with serving you, the reader. Your clicks, shares and feedback on our articles enables us to celebrate the industry as though everyday was Christmas. &nbsp;

Santa's Favorite Franchises | 1851 Franchise

1851 Franchise

Before Santa arrives, let’s take a look at some of the franchise opportunities most likely to earn St. Nick’s seal of approval.

25 Franchise Opportunities Santa Would Love

25-franchise-opportunities-santa-would-love

Paris Baguette Canada

Photo of exterior of a Paris Baguette location

How Much Can I Make as a Paris Baguette Franchisee?

paris-baguette-franchise-disclosure-document-analysis

Busy Bee Jumpers

Busy Bee Jumpers: Where Proven Success Meets People-First Franchising

busy-bee-jumpers-franchise-culture-success

busy-bee-jumpers-consumer-positioning-image-kids-jumping-bounce-house

Delivering Fun With a Smile: How Busy Bee Jumpers Earns 5-Star Raves From Families Across New England

busy-bee-jumpers-party-rentals

busy-bee-jumpers-franchise-positioning-image

Bouncing Into Business: How Busy Bee Jumpers Is Building the First National Bounce House Franchise

franchise-opportunity-busy-bee-jumpers-franchise

Layne's Chicken Fingers

Photo of exterior of Layne's Chicken Fingers restaurant

Layne’s Franchisees Capitalize on First-To-Market Advantage in Chicken Finger Frenzy

laynes-franchise-first-mover-advantage

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Homebuyers Keep Buying — And That’s Good News for Home Service Franchises - 1851 Franchise

Homebuyers Keep Buying — And That’s Good News for Home Service Franchises

homebuyers-keep-buying-and-thats-good-news-for-home-service-franchises

AI Could Push Unemployment to 20% — Fueling a Surge in First-Time Franchise Buyers - 1851 Franchise

AI Could Push Unemployment to 20% — Fueling a Surge in First-Time Franchise Buyers

ai-unemployment-impact-white-collar-job-loss

How To Sell Just One Franchise: What You’ll Learn at FranCamp NJ 2025

how-to-sell-just-one-franchise-what-youll-learn-at-francamp-nj-2025

House Passes Tax Relief Package With Key Benefits for Small Businesses and Franchises

house-passes-small-business-tax-relief-bill-2025

McDonald’s To Hire 375,000 Workers as It Prepares for Major U.S. Expansion

mcdonalds-to-hire-375000-workers-as-it-prepares-for-major-us-expansion

How Car Sales Taught Buddy's Home Furnishings’ Mitchell Lee the Secrets of Franchise Development

how-car-sales-taught-buddys-home-furnishings-mitchell-lee-the-secrets-of-franchise-development

From Brows to Business: How Two Sisters Are Building M Browz, a Global PMU Franchise With Heart

from-brows-to-business-how-two-sisters-are-building-m-browz-a-global-pmu-franchise-with-heart

Bumble Roofing Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

bumble-roofing-franchise-deep-dive

Keke's Breakfast Cafe Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

kekes-breakfast-cafe-franchise-opportunity

The Top 20 Handyman Franchises To Invest in for 2025

top-handyman-franchises-to-invest-in

The Top 20 Cleaning Franchises to Invest in for 2025

top-cleaning-franchises-to-invest-in

Affordable Franchise Opportunities: Exploring Low-Cost Home Service Franchises Under $50K

affordable-franchise-opportunities-exploring-low-cost-home-service-franchises-under-50k

franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Brianna and Matt Fitchett, Seniors Helping Seniors logo

Nonprofit Leaders to Bring Seniors Helping Seniors® Franchise to East Bay, California

nonprofit-leaders-to-bring-seniors-helping-seniors-franchise-to-east-bay-california

franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Abid Khan and Paris Baguette logo

Longtime Tim Horton’s Franchisee Signs 4-Unit Agreement with Paris Baguette in Toronto

longtime-tim-hortons-franchisee-signs-4-unit-agreement-with-paris-baguette-in-toronto

25 Franchise Opportunities Santa Would Love

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS