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The Santa Claus Experience
(11)
-
St Louis, MO -
Santa Claus
-
28 Verified Bookings
Ashleigh J. said “He did a fantastic job! We will definitely be booking again next year!”
Back to Santa Clauses
Santa Buddy
- Belleville, IL
- Santa Claus
- Travels up to 90 miles
- Contact for rates
Overview
Do You Believe? Helping create Christmas Memories Since 1990.
25 Reviews
Suzanne S. •
December 9, 2022
Just outstanding. I hired Santa for two separate events where he visited homes in our neighborhood and the home of a deployed service member. Santa was very professional and responsive leading up the event and shared all his tricks of the trade to make the experience truly flawless. He did an amazing job with my 3.5 year old and 8 month old kiddos. He has perfected his performance and was able to get them to take a variety of different pictures. Far exceeded my expectations. I can’t wait to hire him again next year!
Hired as:
Santa Claus
Santa Claus
Response from Santa Buddy:
Suzanne, thank you so very much for your very kind words. I truly enjoyed visiting with you and the other families in your neighborhood. I hope you all have a wonderful and Merry Christmas.
Megan M. •
December 4, 2022
Santa Buddy was amazing. He was so wonderful with the children and the photographer. His years of experience was so helpful to my new photographer. He was so accommodating. Can’t wait to work with him next year.
Hired as:
Santa Claus
Santa Claus
Response from Santa Buddy:
Megan, thank you so very much for your kind words. As promised I have reached out to a couple of "brothers in red" that we discussed. I haven't heard back from them yet, but I am sure they are quite busy as I am. We have quite a while to have us discuss dates and times for your Santa mini-sessions for next season. Take Care and Merry Christmas!! - Santa Buddy -
Alana K. •
November 27, 2022
All the kiddo’s were so excited & happy! Santa read a book to them and they actually sat & listened! All the families enjoyed Santa’s visit!
Hired as:
Santa Claus
Santa Claus
Response from Santa Buddy:
Alana, thank you so very much for your kind words. They mean a lot to me. I can't thank you enough for allowing me to be a small part of your family's Christmas Holiday. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!! - Santa Buddy -
Kristy S. •
November 6, 2022
Best decision I made to invite Santa Buddy to a kiddos birthday. He is a beautiful Santa. And super professional. We hope to have him visit our family next year too!
Hired as:
Santa Claus
Santa Claus
Response from Santa Buddy:
Kristy, thank you so very much for your kind words. I thought your idea of having Santa "surprise" the children after watching The Polar Express was genius. Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your family's holiday. -Santa Buddy-
Chris V. •
December 27, 2021
We had to cancel do to grandkids illness but I would give 5 stars just because of his kindness up to event.
Hired as:
Santa Claus
Santa Claus
Response from Santa Buddy:
Chris, how thoughtful of you. I make every effort to maintain contact with my customers to ensure the visit goes without a hitch. I cannot thank you enough for the kindness you have shown here and I hope Gig Salad refunds your money. I hope and pray that 2022 finds your grandchild in much better health. - Santa Buddy -
Sharon T. •
December 25, 2021
We had a wonderful visit with Santa Buddy for our family Christmas party. He was so patient with the kiddos and all of our photo requests. Looking forward to another visit next year!
Hired as:
Santa Claus
Santa Claus
Response from Santa Buddy:
Sharon, thank you for your kind words. I enjoyed visiting you and your family. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year!!! - Santa Buddy -
Dawn C. •
December 25, 2021
Santa was fantastic, easy to work with, stayed in touch after booking and on the day of the event. Was so good with the kids, even the ones that cried. He interacts with the parents too. As an adult, I thought I was doing it for the kids, but he lights up the christmas spirit in us all. We cant wait to have him back again next year.
Hired as:
Santa Claus
Santa Claus
Response from Santa Buddy:
Dawn, thank you so very much for your kind words. I truly enjoyed visiting with you and your family. Thank you for allowing me into you home at Christmas and for being a small part of your family's Christmas memories. - Santa Buddy -
Maureen N. •
December 19, 2021
Santa Buddy was the best Santa we could ask for! All the kids (even the crying ones :) ) loved him. He was very interactive with not only the kids but the moms and dads too! To say we are all happy would be a conservative view! Love you Santa!
Hired as:
Santa Claus
Santa Claus
Response from Santa Buddy:
Maureen, thank you so very much for your kind words. They mean a lot. I hope you and your family as well as your residents have a Merry Christmas and a Safe and Healthy New Year!!! - Santa Buddy -
Heather J. •
December 14, 2021
Santa spent his time interacting with everyone.
Hired as:
Santa Claus
Santa Claus
Response from Santa Buddy:
Sarah, thank you for the kind words. It was so fun meeting your family and friends and your children. I hope you have a Merry Christmas and hopefully a more normal New Year. - Santa Buddy -
Sarah K. •
December 14, 2021
Santa Buddy was truly a blessing. He has so much love for Christmas and being Santa. He does the best photos and spends so much time talking with your kiddo(s). Let’s talk about his suit. It is perfection. His beard and everything was fabulous. I seriously could talk all day about how great our experience was.
Hired as:
Santa Claus
Santa Claus
Response from Santa Buddy:
Sarah, thank you so much for your kind words. They truly mean a lot. Having had the privilege and joy of portraying Santa for 31 years this season and then receiving kind words from folks I have visited mean so much. Thank you again and I hope you and your faculty and families have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy & Safe New Year!! - Santa Buddy -
Rachel K. •
December 6, 2021
Santa was absolutely amazing! He was so good with a ornery almost 3 year old and a 9 month old baby who’s going through separation anxiety. Highly recommend him to any and everyone. You can really tell he loves doing this.
Hired as:
Santa Claus
Santa Claus
Response from Santa Buddy:
Rachel, thank you so very much for your kind words and for allowing me to be a small part of your holiday season. I am so glad timing worked out yesterday as well. I truly hope you get some AMAZING pictures from our visit.
- Santa Buddy -
Paul M. •
January 30, 2021
Everything was perfect. Santa was great. Contacted us before the event and we got everything we hoped for.
Hired as:
Santa Claus
Santa Claus
Response from Santa Buddy:
Paul,
Santa and you know the "secret" and I cannot thank you enough for EVERYTHING!!!! I hope all is going well with you and your family. - Santa Buddy-
Brad •
December 24, 2020
He was the most Authentic Santa we have ever seen. He was great with the kids!!
Hired as:
Santa Claus
Santa Claus
Response from Santa Buddy:
Brad, thank you so very much for your kind words. Thank you so much for allowing me to be a small part of your family's Christmas Season and the start of a new tradition. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!! -Santa Buddy-
Carolyn D. •
December 23, 2020
This experience was perfection from start to finish!! Can’t wait to do it again next year! Thank you providing joy and normalcy this holiday season ❤️💚
Hired as:
Holiday Entertainment, Santa Claus
Holiday Entertainment, Santa Claus
Response from Santa Buddy:
Carolyn, thank you so much for your kind words and for allowing me to be a small part of your Christmas Season this year. It was my pleasure to visit with you and your family. I look forward to seeing you all next year. Let's hope and pray that 2021 sees us all back to some normalcy. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. -Santa Buddy-
Angie P. •
December 16, 2020
Santa Buddy is professional, personable, authentic, and amazing with kids. He spent time with each child and made them all feel special. We had a great evening and made lots of memories! Thanks for spreading joy this Christmas season, Santa Buddy!
Hired as:
Santa Claus
Santa Claus
Response from Santa Buddy:
I Angie, thank you so very much for the kind words. They mean more than you can know. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your family's and friend's Christmas Season. I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a happier and healthier 2021 New Year.
Photos from this event
Cheryl E. •
November 29, 2020
Santa came in our home with the magical presence you would expect! Our 2 year old was afraid at first, but Santa knew how to encourage him to feel comfortable and soon he was sitting on Santa’s lap! The photos turned out exceptional. Look forward to next year❤️
Hired as:
Santa Claus
Santa Claus
Response from Santa Buddy:
Cheryl, thank you so very much for your kind words. They encourage me to be the best Santa I can be. I am so glad you enjoyed my visit with your family and I would be delighted to be a small part of your family's Christmas season next year. - Santa Buddy -
Robert H. •
December 29, 2019
Santa Buddy was absolutely the best!
He went above and beyond our expectations.
He was well rehearsed and prepared for our grandkids questions.
He had excellent ideas and suggestions to enhance the experience.
And, was patient and understanding with all the different parents requests.
Hired as:
Santa Claus
Santa Claus
Response from Santa Buddy:
Bob, thank you so much for your kind words. They both encourage and inspire me to strive to be even better. I truly enjoyed being a small part of your family's Christmas. I am glad everyone enjoyed my visit. I wish you and yours a truly Happy New Year!!! - Santa Buddy -
Sarah A. •
December 23, 2019
We have 8 kids ranging from 3 months to 19 years old, he was so good to everyone and even with the chaotic mess of them waking up he plays santa so well and great guy all around!
Hired as:
Santa Claus
Santa Claus
Response from Santa Buddy:
Sarah, thank you for the kind words. I am so very happy I was able to accommodate your schedule and, hopefully, make Christmas 2019 more memorable for you and your family. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.
Jen E. •
December 9, 2019
Was right on time. Looked amazing. Authentic and genuine. Kids loves him. He worked great with kids, adults and special needs people. Provided lots of fun and great photo ideas. He was the hit of the party.
Hired as:
Santa Claus
Santa Claus
Response from Santa Buddy:
Jen, thank you so very much for your nice comments. They mean a lot. I am glad I was able to work my visits so that I was able to be part of your Christmas. I hope you and yours have a wonderful and Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!!! - Santa Buddy -
Photos from this event
Denise P. •
December 8, 2019
Santa Buddy was the perfect Santa. It was my granddaughters 1st birthday party and the theme was
Winter Wonderland. He was communicated prior to the event to check on exactly what I wanted to happen.
He was prompt and professional. The kids and adults had so much fun and he even suggested different
poses. We highly recommend Santa Buddy and would hire him again.
Hired as:
Santa Claus
Santa Claus
Response from Santa Buddy:
Denise,
Thank you so very much for the kind words. I was honored that you allowed me to be part of your granddaughter's 1st birthday. It seemed that everyone had fun.......even the big kids. I hope you and your family have a wonderful and Merry Christmas!! - Santa Buddy -
Lynn B. •
December 2, 2019
Santa Buddy was excellent! He was on time and prepared, his Santa costume was very authentic all the way down to the beard, belt, boots, and bag of presents. He was animated and interactive, a real treat, the kids LOVED him. He called me several times leading up to my event to make sure he had all the details which I appreciated. I will definitely be booking him again for next years party!!!!!
Hired as:
Holiday Entertainment, Santa Claus
Holiday Entertainment, Santa Claus
Response from Santa Buddy:
Lynn, thank you so very much for the kind words. They mean a lot and help motivate me to be even better. I look forward to visiting with you and your family & friends next year. I hope you all have a wonderful and Merry Christmas and a fantastic 2020. - Santa Buddy -
Photos from this event
Maureen N. •
December 18, 2018
Buddy was amazing. It was a very personal visit and memorable for all!! Thank you!!!
Hired as:
Santa Claus
Santa Claus
Response from Santa Buddy:
Maureen, thank you for the kind words...they are truly appreciated. I am glad that everyone enjoyed my visit. I look forward to visiting more families next year. I hope you and yours have a very Merry Christmas!!
Photos from this event
Joe S. •
December 18, 2018
Kids loved Santa
Hired as:
Santa Claus
Santa Claus
Response from Santa Buddy:
Joe, thank you so much for the 5-star rating. It truly means a lot. It was so much fun getting to enjoy your family during the holiday season. Thank you for letting me be part of your wonderful holiday.
Madeleine S. •
December 18, 2018
Santa Buddy is very professional, he arrived on time to all 3 events we hosted with him last week. His costume was top notch and he was wonderful with the kids. Many compliments from the parents. He does a great job with photos - making them a lot of fun (even for the kiddos who are shy). We will have him again next year!
Hired as:
Holiday Entertainment, Santa Claus
Holiday Entertainment, Santa Claus
Response from Santa Buddy:
Madeleine, thank you so much for the very nice comments - it truly means alot. I am so glad you enjoyed my visits and would love to visit again next year.
Photos from this event
Sherry B. •
December 3, 2017
This guy was amazing. My grandchildren are scared of Santa and they had no problem getting on his lap and grinned in their pictures. The other kids loved him too. What a personality this Santa has and you won’t be disappointed. Merry Christmas everyone.
Hired as:
Santa Claus
Santa Claus
Response from Santa Buddy:
Sherry, thank you so very much for your kind words. It was so much fun and the children were good too. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Santa Buddy
Booking Info
Price Range: Contact for rates
What to Expect
Having had the privilege of portraying Santa since 1990, and trained at the International University of Santa Claus by the Jolly Old Elf himself, I have performed at a variety of events, such as corporate Christmas parties, private family parties and office Christmas parties as well as at a local mall for several years. While all of my visits have similarities, each visit does have its own unique qualities. If you are planning an event and this is your first time, I can provide you with suggestions that have worked for similar visits in the past so that your visit is not only special and unique but magical for the children and their parents.
About
I have had the joyous privilege of portraying Santa and helping families create Christmas memories in the St. Louis/Metro East, Illinois area since 1990. I am a graduate of the International University of Santa Claus (Masters Degree), having been trained by the Jolly Old Elf himself. I am a member of the Illinois Association of Professional Santas; The Red Suit Society; and a signatory of the Santa Claus Oath. I am available for private home visits, corporate Christmas parties, photography studios (usually in November for pictures with Santa), and numerous other types of visits. Lastly, I do "Sneak-A-Peeks". These are very special visits where I come to your home after the kids go to bed on Christmas Eve. When I arrive you wake your child(ren) up and they "catch" Santa putting presents under the tree. Sneak-A-Peeks" have been a Christmas favorite for numerous families over the years.
Additional Booking Notes
For your peace of mind for Christmas of 2023: I have had my seasonal flu shot.
Services Offered
Past Booked Events
| December 17, 2023 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm | Personal Occasion |
| December 03, 2022 • 10:00am - 2:00pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
| November 27, 2022 • 1:00pm - 2:00pm | Dinner Party |
| November 05, 2022 • 12:30pm - 1:00pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
| December 25, 2021 • 3:30pm - 4:15pm | Holiday Party |
| December 24, 2021 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm | Christmas Party |
| December 23, 2021 • 7:30pm - 7:45pm | Christmas Party |
| December 18, 2021 • 2:00pm - 4:00pm | Nonprofit Event |
| December 15, 2021 • 10:00am - 11:00am | Christmas Party |
| December 13, 2021 • 6:30pm - 7:00pm | Personal Occasion |
| December 05, 2021 • 10:00am - 10:30am | Personal Occasion |
| January 23, 2021 • 3:00pm - 4:00pm | Christmas Party |
| December 20, 2020 • 6:00pm - 6:15pm | Virtual Event |
| December 19, 2020 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm | Christmas Party |
| December 18, 2020 • 6:00pm - 6:45pm | Personal Occasion |
| December 15, 2020 • 6:30pm - 8:00pm | Christmas Party |
| November 29, 2020 • 3:00pm - 3:30pm | Surprise |
| November 28, 2020 • 5:30pm - 6:00pm | Personal Occasion |
| December 28, 2019 • 5:00pm - 5:45pm | Christmas Party |
| December 25, 2019 • 7:00pm - 7:30pm | Surprise |
| December 24, 2019 • 7:30pm - 8:00pm | Christmas Party |
| December 22, 2019 • 7:00am - 8:00am | Surprise |
| December 21, 2019 • 3:30pm - 5:00pm | Nonprofit Event |
| December 08, 2019 • 1:00pm - 1:30pm | Birthday Party |
| December 07, 2019 • 2:30pm - 3:30pm | Children's Birthday Party |
| November 30, 2019 • 4:00pm - 4:30pm | Personal Occasion |
| December 24, 2018 • 7:30pm - 8:00pm | Christmas Party |
| December 22, 2018 • 7:30pm - 8:00pm | Dinner Party |
| December 17, 2018 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Personal Occasion |
| December 15, 2018 • 8:30pm - 11:00pm | Christmas Party |
| December 15, 2018 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm | Christmas Party |
| December 15, 2018 • 4:00pm - 4:45pm | House Party |
| December 02, 2017 • 6:00pm - 6:45pm | Dinner Party |
| November 24, 2017 • 9:00am - 1:00pm | Corporate Event |
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