Meet Santa Chris
Not simply a seasonal job
Santa Chris is a lifelong North Shore resident who believes every child deserves to experience the wonder, kindness and joy of Christmas.
A Norwich University graduate and longtime community volunteer, Chris brings warmth, patience, professionalism and a genuine love of working with people of every generation.
Whether visiting a family at home, greeting guests at a corporate celebration, reading to children or spending time with residents of a senior community, Santa Chris creates personal moments that families and guests will remember long after Christmas.
Chris has supported organizations including Special Olympics, My Brother’s Table and the Travis Roy Foundation. His years of community involvement reflect his commitment to treating every person with kindness, dignity and respect.
Santa Chris welcomes children and families of all backgrounds and is committed to creating a patient, inclusive and comfortable experience for children of all abilities.
In his own words
Why do you do this?
I believe every child—and every adult—deserves a personal moment with Santa. I listen carefully, never rush an interaction and prepare for each visit so guests feel welcomed, comfortable and valued. For me, being Santa is not simply a seasonal job. It is a responsibility, a devotion and an opportunity to create the kind of Christmas memories that can last a lifetime.
Christmas continually redefines itself as we move through life. When I was a child, my parents created the wonder, excitement and love of Christmas for me. As Santa Chris, I now have the privilege—and responsibility—of passing that same feeling to others.
Every season, there is a moment when a child’s eyes light up, an adult becomes a child again or someone who may have been having a difficult year suddenly smiles. That is the moment that reminds me why I keep going.
Being Santa Chris allows me to celebrate Christmas with purpose and passion. If I stopped, I would miss those connections and the opportunity to give others what my parents once gave me. In those moments, I do not feel like someone simply dressed as Santa—I truly feel the spirit of Santa Claus within me.
A moment I’ll always remember
“He’s standing right next to you.”
After a Special Olympics event, the event sponsor told the lead representative how pleased she was with the event that day. She explained that some Santa performers are not always approachable for every guest—young or old—but Santa Chris had been warmly welcomed by everyone.
She then said that she wished she had been able to meet Santa Chris personally.
The Special Olympics representative smiled and asked, “Would you like to meet him?” When she said yes, the representative replied, “He’s standing right next to you.”
I was beside her in my civilian clothes, and she had not recognized me.
That moment has always stayed with me. A successful Santa visit is not simply about putting on a beautiful suit. It is about becoming someone people of every age and ability feel safe approaching, speaking with and welcoming into their celebration.
What do you do that most Santas don’t?
I cannot speak for every other Santa, but I know what I uniquely bring to Santa Chris: my heart, my life experiences and my own treasured memories of Christmas.
Every time I become Santa Chris, I try to give each person my complete attention. I understand that even a brief conversation may become an important memory for someone, regardless of age or ability. I want everyone I meet to feel seen, welcomed and valued.
I also never assume that I have mastered being Santa. I observe, listen and learn from every person and every event. My goal is not to be better than another Santa — it is to become a better Santa Chris each time I put on the suit and represent Santa Claus as faithfully as I can.
And once…
“Santa Claus isn’t on my list!”
I arrived at an event in full Santa attire after being told to park near the entrance. A security guard stopped me and asked who I was. When I replied, “Santa Claus,” he checked his clipboard and said, “Santa Claus isn’t on my list!”
I gave him a warm smile and a hearty “Ho, ho, ho!” Apparently, even Santa needs to be on the guest list.
