I need the name of a movie that a have a poor recollection of.?

What I can recall of the movie is a teacher and her students are writing letters to Santa who is incidentally kidnapped and being held hostage. A hunt ensues for Santa. As some point in this movie I think the teacher runs through the woods in a red cloak singing for the children to come to her. She is being chased by an ogre or a recluse who lives in the woods of some sort. Also, Santa ends up in Africa or in a place with Africa-like conditions where a rescue mission is launched. This is all I have to work with really, for I haven't seen this movie in ages. I know it exists because a few people have helped me come up with at least these details. Please help!!!! :)