Giorgio Onorato Aquilani is an author, visionary storyteller, and cultural entrepreneur best known as the founder of The Kingdom of Santa Claus – a one-of-a-kind magical world that inspires wonder all year round. In 2012, with a spark of imagination Giorgio, together with his family, transformed a small 150 m² Christmas decoration shop in Vetralla, Italy into a beloved 8,000 m² holiday destination.
What began as a humble gazebo has since grown into a nationally celebrated attraction, drawing over 600,000 visitors each year. But Giorgio’s true creation goes far beyond a festive store – it’s a living transmedia universe built to keep the spirit of Christmas alive every day. Sincere yet ambitious, he has earned credibility not by self-promotion, but through years of dedication to storytelling, creativity, and universal values. Giorgio pours his heart into a creative legacy that invites the world to believe in a bit of everyday magic.
At his core, Giorgio is a storyteller on a mission. With the soul of an author and the drive of an entrepreneur, he has spent the last decade building The Kingdom of Santa Claus not merely as a business, but as a cultural phenomenon. He views the Kingdom much like Walt Disney saw his creations – as immersive worlds that blend tradition with innovation to touch people’s hearts.
Under Giorgio’s direction, what started as an Italian Christmas shop has evolved into an international identity celebrating the timeless spirit of Christmas in modern ways. His vision is to help visitors reconnect with their past, cherish the present, and dream of the future – all while instilling values of kindness, resilience, joy, and childlike wonder. This literary yet accessible approach has defined Giorgio’s work: every book he writes, every song he composes, and every event he curates is aimed at rekindling the simple magic of believing. As the author of “Every Day is Christmas,” an insightful book that illuminates the virtues we often forget as we grow up, Giorgio champions the idea that the Christmas spirit is not just a season but a mindset – one of generosity, hope and shared humanity, 365 days a year.
The Kingdom of Santa Claus is the centerpiece of Giorgio’s creative universe. A rich transmedia IP that spans children’s publishing, music, entertainment and more. He has lovingly crafted a cast of original characters and stories that invite audiences of all ages into an enchanted narrative world.
From children’s books brimming with adventure and heart, to original music and songs that capture the holiday magic, to immersive live experiences at the Kingdom’s physical location, every facet of the project is part of a larger storytelling tapestry. For example, Giorgio’s storybook “Lucy and the Secret of Santalloween” (published by Gribaudo/Feltrinelli) introduces readers to a Halloween-meets-Christmas adventure teeming with empathy and dreams – a tale so resonant that it’s perfect for an animated adaptation. In partnership with Warner Music Italy, he has produced and distributed original soundtracks that give the Kingdom its own musical heartbeat.
Through Elfidea, the Kingdom’s merchandise brand, Giorgio even extends the magic into homes with whimsical décor and gifts. This holistic, multiplatform approach to storytelling – often called transmedia storytelling – sets Giorgio apart as a visionary. He isn’t just writing a children’s story or running a attraction; he’s building a fully developed Christmas franchise designed to delight on page, on screen, and in real life. By weaving together books, songs, characters, and experiences, Giorgio ensures that the Kingdom’s message of hope and wonder reaches people wherever they are, in whatever medium they love.
What truly defines Giorgio Onorato Aquilani is his deep sense of purpose. He often emphasizes that his goal was never fame or profit, but to ignite feelings of joy and hope in others. This conviction has meant years of hard work, personal sacrifice, and unwavering faith in a dream no matter the challenges. “I could easily dedicate my life to the simple (and highly dignified) buying and selling of decorations… but I believe I was born to do it in a more meaningful way,” Giorgio explains. In his own words, it is love and genuine spontaneity that guide him to see “beauty, playfulness, and magic in life” – and to share that magic with the world. From long nights of writing and composing, to transforming an off-season hobby into a year-round mission, Giorgio has devoted himself wholly to bringing a bit of enchantment into everyday lives. Those who know him describe a creator who leads with humility: he lets the characters and values of The Kingdom of Santa Claus shine brighter than his name. Every decision – whether it’s scripting a new story or expanding the Kingdom’s park – is fueled by the belief that stories can inspire real-world goodness. Giorgio’s dedication is evident in the countless visitors moved to tears of nostalgia at his Christmas village, in the children who carry his books under their pillow, and in the partners who return to collaborate again, impressed by his passion. He has proven that a project from the heart can grow into something profoundly impactful without losing its soul. This rare blend of creative depth and selfless commitment makes Giorgio not just a founder, but a true guardian of Christmas spirit.
Giorgio’s authenticity and relentless commitment have naturally drawn others to his cause. As The Kingdom of Santa Claus grows, it has begun to capture the attention of international publishers, producers, and brands looking for something truly unique. Industry leaders have taken note of the Kingdom’s remarkable success and potential – from media partners helping turn stories into films and series, to licensing teams bringing the Kingdom’s characters to new countries. Notably, Giorgio’s projects have partnered with well-known companies like Warner Music (for musical productions) and top Italian publishers like Gribaudo (Feltrinelli group for book releases). Such collaborations speak to the trust he’s earned and the quality of the world he’s built. In 2025, Giorgio even brought The Kingdom of Santa Claus to the global stage at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, showcasing his transmedia franchise to the international publishing community. The response was clear: Giorgio’s creation is not just another children’s story, but a vibrant IP with worldwide appeal. Partners and observers often remark on the emotional connection the Kingdom evokes – after all, Christmas touches something universal in all of us. This emotional resonance, combined with Giorgio’s professional approach, inspires confidence that investing in his vision is both meaningful and wise. Those considering publishing, audiovisual, or licensing opportunities quickly sense that Giorgio is a collaborator who values integrity, creativity, and long-term vision over quick gains. He is building an evergreen franchise with the longevity of a classic, yet the innovation of a modern startup. For anyone seeking a project with heart and substance, Giorgio Onorato Aquilani stands out as a passionate yet reliable partner – a founder who has already laid the groundwork and proven that his magical world can enchant audiences across generations and borders… able to speak to the child inside every adult and to the future inside every child.
Giorgio’s story reminds us that with vision and heart, impossible dreams can become living realities. Now, he is looking to the future – writing new chapters, opening new doors, and welcoming kindred spirits into the tale.
To discover the personalized gifts and decoration range
To get in touch with the man
That’s the title of the book written by Giorgio Onorato Aquilani to share the vision, values and secrets behind the most common Christmas Symbols… a read that can change anyone’s life! Enjoy the ride…EVERY DAY IS CHRISTMAS!
Embark on a wondrous path that winds through profound reflections on the significance of the most common Christmas symbols. Discover how they can become invaluable and transformative guides in adulthood, shaping a new and enhanced version of ourselves and our actions in life. And, of course, expect enchanting encounters with the esteemed residents of The Kingdom of Santa Claus, beloved characters who have become synonymous with the spirit of Christmas.