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Santa PopPop
- Lakeland, FL
- Santa Claus
- Travels up to 30 miles
- $50 and up
Overview
I'm a 64-yr-old Grandfather of 3 kids and 14 Grandkids! So, I know kids! I love being a part of those oh-so-fleeting magical years when children believe in Santa and get to live out those experiences, with my help, of course! And Mrs. Claus is joining me now!
I have been through the Worldwide Santa Claus Network Santa School, a member of the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas, and Palm Tree Santas. These groups are dedicated to protecting the spirit of Santa Claus and the real meaning of Christmas...Jesus's birthday!
I am available for Home & Virtual Visits, Baby's 1st and Family Photos, School Photos, Faith-based Visits, and Christmas and Corporate Parties. I bring the Fun!!
59 Reviews
It’s an easy 5 stars for the most beloved man in the world. Santa was great for our Christmas in July Party. He really stole the room and was an amazing addition to a night of fun. It’s hard to not be in the Christmas spirit with him!
Costumed Character, Holiday Entertainment, Santa Claus
Response from Santa PopPop:
Thanks Andrew! It was certainly a lot of fun with all your friends. Everyone was so welcoming and really had a good time! Me included!
Santa PopPop is hands down the best Santa ever. Not only is he the most realistic Santa (Santa PopPop could make me believe in Santa again), but he is kind, patient, and loving with all kiddos.
We hired him for a sensory friendly event that attracted over 1,000 guests, and he was the highlight of the night. We will definitely be hiring him again in the future.
Costumed Character, Holiday Entertainment, Mrs. Claus, Santa Claus
Response from Santa PopPop:
Oh Moriah! I can't tell you how excited Mrs. Claus and I are to be at Bonnet Springs Park and sharing the magic of Christmas with all the guests! We have met so many wonderful children, and I mean children of all ages! Sensory friendly events just have kids that love Christmas. They just need a little time and the love of Christmas to make their experience the best it can be. Thank you for having such an event. We were blessed to be a part of it.
Santa and Mrs. Claus
Santa PopPop was amazing! I am a photographer and I hired him for a weekend of mini sessions. He was professional, early, dedicated and SO real! His great communication was also a breathe of fresh air.
So many of my clients messaged me after our sessions with praises of how great he was with their kids and how happy they were to not go with just a mall Santa experience. 10/10 recommend him for all of your Santa needs!
Santa Claus
Response from Santa PopPop:
Oh, thank you Joanna! It was a pleasure working with you and I see why you keep your clients coming back. You are so patient and upbeat with the kids and the famil;y with what they want and great suggestions about posing. I bet it's hard to pick out the one they like best! See you for Christmas in July and especially Christmas 2024!
Santa PopPop
Absolutely loved Santa for my event! Totally recommend him to all of my friends for events
Santa Claus, Holiday Entertainment
Response from Santa PopPop:
Oh Taylor! Thank you! I really enjoyed working with your clients during the photoshoots! I know your final pictures will be treasured for a long time....
Santa was wonderful. So great with everyone. Now I have to stay on the nice list so he'll come back next year :-)
Santa Claus
Response from Santa PopPop:
Thanks Joe! Unless you do some really "cotton-headed, ninny muggin" things, you should be good! I always enjoy coming by!
I couldn’t have asked for a better Santa visit for my grandchildren. From his presentation, reading an interactive story with the children to photos. Deserves more than 5 stars !
Santa PopPop made our family gathering so very special. He communicated about all of the plans, read through my little bio for the kids, referenced them by name, and was magical and authentic in every way. He shared stories about the north pole, the elves, the reindeer. He surprised my kids with a book to read, which they all loved. My son was having a little bit of a hard time warming up, but he handled that with patience, warmth, and ease. You can just tell Santa PopPop loves bringing the magic to families this time of year. I would hire him 1000x over for any holiday event. This is a tradition we have had for 30+ years in my family and now that its a bit too hard for the men to continue to bring the magic, Santa PopPop helped keep it alive for us... we can't thank him enough! Merry Christmas, Santa PopPop!!
Holiday Entertainment, Santa Claus
Response from Santa PopPop:
Thank you Lauren! I'm so glad I could help with continuing the tradition. It seemed everyone was very happy, including the previous Santas! I'm here for you to keep it alive for years to come! And, of course, the kids were really into it! They were so much fun!
Santa PopPop
We had a family children’s Christmas party with Santa PopPop. It was amazing! He read books to them, spoke on the North Pole, let the kids write their name on his nice list, and gave out a present to each child. A great experience for our kiddos and we will be hiring him again for next year!
Santa 🎅 Pop Pop was awesome. Our family really enjoyed his visit. Can't wait til next year to have him back making memories with our children and Grandchildren.
Santa Claus
Response from Santa PopPop:
Thank you Beth! I look forward to visiting that "pile of people" you have at your house each year! It's an amazingly full house and everyone is so nice and polite! And they sure seem to be having fun! I especially liked the selfie with the little guiy! See you next year!
Santa PopPop
Santa PopPop made my kids Christmas the best Christmas ever! My 7 year old was so surprised with his visit. He loved Santa reading a story with him, conversing and having a cupcake together. Santa PopPop is the real deal. So patient and kind. Sweet to my 20 year old special needs child. Would definitely book him again. 10/10! Thank you Santa for making my kids day magical.
Santa Claus
Response from Santa PopPop:
Thank you Christina! It was a delight to spend time with your boys! I think Noah is going to be asking to get his ears pointed so he can get in at the North Pole! Please send pics of him hanging by the clothespins on the ears! I appreciated the cupcake and the time spent with you all! Hope to do it again next year!
Sant PopPop
It was an awesome experience. Santa truly brought a magical experience to a little boy that lost everything and needed some sunshine in his life. Words cannot begin to tell you what that meant to the child. The child was so excited he tried to give santa a gift. The child will remember this for a lifetime. I am beyond grateful.
Santa Claus
Response from Santa PopPop:
Thank you Carole! With the love and support of so many family, friends, and the community, you all made my job easy! He was a very excited boy! It's nice to be a part of that kind of effort to bring some joy to a child who's been through so much...thank you for including me!
Santa PopPop
Santa Claus was amazing with our family, he told stories to my children, gave gifts and even had breakfast with our family! it was an unforgettable experience!
Santa Claus
Response from Santa PopPop:
Thank you Aline! I'm so glad we had a great experince with the family! It was certainly nice to sit down for a little breakfast on Christmas morning...thank you for allowing me to share that time with you and your family!
Santa PopPop
Santa was perfect to our Christmas party. He came to home, gave the presents to our kiddos and a special coin as souvenir to them. Also we took a lot of picture with him. Our event with Santa poppop was fantastic. Thanks for being our Santa. 1000% recommended.
Santa Claus
Response from Santa PopPop:
Gracias Sara!
I can always count on a fun and exciting visit on Christmas Eve each year! From the chants of "Santa! Santa! Santa!", to the celebratory way we hand out each childs' present, I always enjoy spending time with your family!!! Can't wait till next year!
Santa PopPop
Second time booking Santa for our community event and the children love him. He is very pleasant and professional. We would love to have him again next year!
Santa Claus
Response from Santa PopPop:
Thank you for having me back this year! You always go all out for the community! Beautifully decorated and so many treats, including some breakfast goodies! Too bad more folks didn't brave the light rain and join us! We had a great time with all that did!
Santa PopPop
Thank you for helping for make memories for my family. Especially as long distance memory. With my husband and I living in NJ and my daughter and her family living in Florida you made this transaction seamless and come together without a hitch. Looking forward to using your service again in the future.
Santa Claus
Response from Santa PopPop:
Memories are memories no matter the distance, but the best are the ones created from love! And the love during Christmas makes them the best!!!
Thanks for allowing me to help create some of those memories with your family...
Santa PopPop
Because of the heavy rain we did not have many kids at all. Santa Pop Pop was very patient and entertained the kids. They all liked him.
Santa Claus
Response from Santa PopPop:
Thank you Mary Frances! It was a dreary day, but we were able to create some great memories for those kiddos that did make it out. Thank you for fighting to find a place to bring it indoors, and the other ladies for helping to make everyone feel welcome!
I just want to say this was the best Santa we have ever had at our venue. We would love to have him every year! He was very personal. Was amazing with all the children. Love Santa's outfit. He was the perfect Santa Claus! Also would highly recommend him for any venue Christmas party Christmas celebration kids gathering. He brought along his helper Holly jolly. She was also outstanding! Worked with all the children. Got them to feel comfortable around Santa Claus. Love love. Loved. Highly highly recommend. If there was more than five stars I would give it! Can't wait to have him back with us again next year. Merry Christmas Santa
Holiday Entertainment, Santa Claus
Response from Santa PopPop:
Thank you Joyce! We had a wonderful time with all the family and patrons of Ax-Caliber! Everyone was very nice and helpful with making the event a success! Would love to come back!
Santa Pop was wonderful with our ABA Clinic Open House, we had many kids with autism in attendance and he was patient, kind and flexible. His interactions were gentle and calm. It was fantastic to see how comfortable the kids were with him. Also, looks so authentic.
Children’s Party Entertainment, Santa Claus
Response from Santa PopPop:
Thank you Paula! You had everything set up for success for the families! Kids are kids no matter the challenges they may have...
You and your staff show your love for these kids and are to be commended on the great facility and going out of your way to celebrate with the families! It was a visit I will treasure!
Santa was wonderful. Special needs adults party and he showed lots of love and understanding. Thanks Santa!!
There is no way that I can possibly express how amazing Santa PopPop was for our visit! I believe he literally came straight from the North Pole! My Grandchildren were in awe when he walked in the front door. Santa PopPop was interactive with them, very attentive to them and addressed them by name. He communicated everything necessary before the visit to cover any expectations. I truly could not be happier with Santa PopPop and the joy that he brought visiting my Grandchildren. I plan to have Santa PopPop visit again in the years to come.
Santa Claus
Response from Santa PopPop:
Thank you so much Kathi...
Your willingness to plan such an experience for the grandkids shows the love you have for them! It's a memory that will be with them a long time and I would love to be a part of creating more of those! Merry Christmas!
Best Santa! He was amazing with the kids.
Santa Claus
Response from Santa PopPop:
Thank you Thuy! I loved being with your pre-school to make memories for them...they were so cute in their Christmas pj's!
Exceeded my expectations! Super nice, great with kids!
We've Santa Pop Pop a couple times now and he is just wonderful with the kids! Will definitely use again!
Santa Claus
Response from Santa PopPop:
Thank you Amanda! I really enjoyed being with your family...I'd be honored to come again next year!
Very professional, on time, great Santa all around.
Holiday Entertainment
Santa PopPop was so great with kiddos! You can see how much he enjoys his job. It was great having him at our military event.
Children’s Party Entertainment, Costumed Character, Holiday Entertainment, Santa Claus
Response from Santa PopPop:
Thanks so much Jason! The kids really got into the storytime! I appreciate all your hard work for the soldiers and their families! And if they didn't hear you very well, you guys are an artillery unit!...
We used him for a church Christmas party with 40+ kids. They all loved him and couldn’t believe “the real Santa” came.
Santa Claus
Response from Santa PopPop:
Thanks Rod...the kids were wonderful and just a joy to meet! Thank you all for your hospitality! Merry Christmas and God bless us everyone!
I've worked with a couple Santa's for my holiday photos but Brad from Santa PopPop is by far the most genuine and authentic Santa in Tampa. If the Sanata Category existed he would easily get my 'Best of the Bay' vote.
Children’s Party Entertainment, Costumed Character, Holiday Entertainment, Santa Claus
Response from Santa PopPop:
Thanks Rob! I appreciate your vote! You do such a great job directing everyone to get the best photos! Looking forward to our next shoot!
What a great experience with Santa PopPop! Our first time event the Toy & Game Festival in Fort Meade Florida was a huge success and Santa being there was an added bonus. Kids as well as adults were able to get selphoes, shake hands and even let him know what they want for Christmas 🎄. From beginning to end everything went smooth.
Santa Claus
He was fantastic!! We want to rebook for next year. He really took the time with the children. He made our Christmas Eve magical.
Santa Claus
my daughter has always been picky with santa. “his beard is fake” “hes too skinny” “he doesnt sound like santa”. Shes 4. Santa Poppop did amazing! She gave him a big long hug and had no doubt at all!
Santa Claus
Response from Santa PopPop:
She was such a sweet girl! It was fun to be there when she woke up! It was a great hug and she didn't hold back at all once the shock of Santa actually being there cleared her head...HoHoHo! What will we do to top it next Christmas!
I booked Santa Pop Pop for a resident event and the event was such a hit! Santa was very nice and professional. We will definitely be booking Santa for next year!
Already making plans for next year!
Good
Holiday Entertainment
Response from Santa PopPop:
Hi Kelly! Thank you for providing the feedback. What could I do better next year to get a 5-star review? I always want to learn from my experiences and Christmas Eve is always so hectic...thank you again for having me to your home!
Santa PopPop
Santa Pop Pop was our first experience at home due to unforeseen circumstances and could not have been more perfect!
He checked in with us beforehand to prep for the visit and confirmed the day before.
When he arrived, my son was a bit nervous and he instantly made him feel more comfortable recollecting the details we discussed. Santa sat down to make the paper airplanes he was making, raced their planes and chatted. They took a few pictures and wrote in Santa’s book. He signed a book to leave for my son as an added surprise and off he went.
Thanks for a memorable experience and the great attention to detail!
Santa Claus
Response from Santa PopPop:
Thanks Karen! Henry is a sweet kiddo! I'm glad it made a difference to him since he missed his usual train trip. It will be interesting to see what he wants to do next year...Polar Express or making airplanes...Hohoho! Santa
We hired Santa PopPop for a neighborhood driveway party we hosted. He was great when all the kids rushed him lol. Made his way through the crowd, took pictures with everyone and mingled.
Santa Claus
Santa Pop Pop was absolutely wonderful my family really enjoyed having him.
Santa Pop Pop is amazing. The kids loved him and it made our party very magical.
We are happy with Santa PP. He was responsable and pretty kind with ours kids. He wear a beautiful uniform and He has the bells. In our Christmas dinner he gave the gifts.
Everything went perfectly. Would definitely hire Santa PopPop again.
Awesome experience, children and adults were happy
Santa Claus
Brad was wonderful! He really took the time to connect with the kids and make it special for each and every one. Can’t wait to see him again next year!
Costumed Character, Holiday Entertainment
Response from Santa PopPop:
Thank Ashley for the kind words! You had a great set-up for the kids with lots of activities! Great job!
Santa
We had about 10 kids at a holiday gathering and Santa PopPop was great with all of them! He contacted me prior to the visit to get the kids' ages and interests and was able to connect with all of them. They had a wonderful experience and all the parents were thrilled. Would definitely recommend and will book again!
Holiday Entertainment, Santa Claus
Response from Santa PopPop:
Thanks Amanda! That was an excited bunch of kids! The time flew by! I would love to visit with you every year...
Santa PopPop
Very professional, great with both the kids and adults.
Santa Claus
Response from Santa PopPop:
Thank you Eric! I believe the word will spread and next year will be even bigger. Looking forward to the nighttime Lighted Golf Cart Parade also!
Santa PopPop
We can't say enough great things about Brad and we will be using him again in the future. He was easy to work with and made my kids day. We would highly recommend working with him as we will be booking him for next year.
Santa Claus
Thank you Santa for coming to our work party! You did a great job getting the adults to interact with you and were the absolute sweetest with the 4 month old baby! Santa even brought his Naughty/Nice list for us to check! We highly recommend Santa PopPop!
Santa Claus
Response from Santa PopPop:
Thank you, Kelly! It was a fun time! Santa is a baby hog and I didn't want to leave till she got to meet Santa for the first time! I would love a picture of that if Mom and Dad don't mind!? Merry Christmas and thanks for inviting Santa to help celebrate!!
He was amazing and the kids loved him! He went above and beyond. I will be booking him every year for my preschool. We all loved him!
Was super friendly, made our kids so excited it was wonderful
Santa Claus
Response from Santa PopPop:
Thank you Amanda! It was a wonderful time and you have great kids! Merry Christmas!
Santa
He arrived perfectly on time. I had left some gifts for the kids outside the door But even if he had nothing in his hands they were so excited he was here they were so excited that he spend so much time with them. He gave them a chance to look in the naughty and nice book for their names they were so excited. My grandchildren range from my 2yo great granddaughter, grandsons of 9-4 & 2, & granddaughter's 26-16-14 & 6. He took pictures with everybody & made our Breakfast Extra Special. It was a Perfect Hour.
Santa Claus
Response from Santa PopPop:
Thank you Laura for your kind words! I enjoyed visiting your beautiful family! I'm glad the grandchildren had a good time and I really enjoyed talking with them! I hope the rest of your stay was as much fun as I had that day!!
Sincerely,
Santa PopPop
Santa PopPop was amazing! He was so sweet to all the kiddos, great personality, and looks just like Santa Claus!! We will be booking him in the future. Thank you so much for bringing a smile to all the children’s faces (and adults too)! Merry Christmas!
Santa arrived mid-party to surprise our guests. Everyone was stunned when he arrived! Santa mingled with our guests, took photos with everyone, and spread much holiday cheer. His costume was perfect and his demeanor was so pleasant and professional. We highly recommend inviting Santa!
Santa was fun! We had a blast! Kids & adults had an Amazing time!!
Santa Claus
Very personable with an outstanding costume. The only unfortunate thing was that we inadvertently scheduled a rowdier Christmas event later in the day (Santacon), and we think the nature of those participants may have scared off the families we expected to come see SantaPopPop. We are looking at booking again, but a different weekend next year.
Santa PopPop was outstanding the kids loved him and so did the adults! Spent time with the kids and it was such a special night!
We hired Santa PopPop to come to our ugly sweater party to take pictures, mingle, and make the night that much better and he did exactly that! My favorite part was when he made a grand entrance with sleigh bells!!😊 so thankful for him! He was a great addition to our holiday party
We enjoyed a surprise visit from Santa for our Book Club Meeting. We read the Autobiography of Santa Claus.
Great pics and beautiful costume.
Santa PopPop was perfect for our client event! The kids loved him! His look and everything about him was all Santa, very professional. We will definitely be using him again.
Santa Claus
Response from Santa PopPop:
Thank you Ariel for your kind words. I wish I would have had time to watch the movie with you all!
Santa
Santa PopPop was everything and more. He was fantastic with the kids and adults. He was professional, so kind and authentic. He went above and beyond to make each child feel special. I highly recommend him and can't wait till next year's Christmas to bring him back.
Holiday Entertainment
Response from Santa PopPop:
Thank you Cassandra! And tell your Cole that I've got him on the Nice List now with all his help yesterday!!!
Santa pop pop is a wonderful Santa for young and old. He did a surprise visit on Thanksgiving for our family, girsts, and Ukrainians, who had only recently come to the United States. He was very kind, gentle, and accommodating to any of our wishes. I highly, highly, highly recommend booking him for your holiday, treat as soon as possible as I’m sure he is in high demand. His suit was very high end, and there were many details. He included such as a new leather book for the naughty and nice list, as well as a beautiful red ring. He wore over his gloves. His beard color is authentic and he has gorgeous blue eyes just said she would imagine Santa.
Costumed Character, Holiday Entertainment, Santa Claus
Response from Santa PopPop:
Hi Debbie!
Thank you so much for your kind review! It was a pleasure meeting everyone and even finally getting Mira to give me a hug! I hope Kay and Mira had a wonderful birthday yesterday. Tell them both I wish them a Happy Birthday and I'll be by in a few weeks to drop off their Christmas presents! Love, Santa!
We have used Santa Pop for the last 4 years and he's amazing! The kids at the school absolutely love him and he's so great with them! From his fantastic real white beard to his beautiful Santa suit and hat, he's just a total class act! Our school will continue to use him as long as he's working. You won't be sorry hiring him to be your Santa.
Santa Claus
Response from Santa PopPop:
Thank you Aimee for the glowing review! Since you are where I fell in love with being Santa, you and your school and those awesome kids are very near and dear to my heart! I look forward each year to visiting with your kids and spreading some Christmas magic! Thank you too for helping other schools who now want to bring Santa to their school. Spreading more Christmas Magic!!
Santa PopPop
Booking Info
Price Range: $50 and up
Gig Length: 20 - 60 minutes
Languages: English
Insurance: $1,000,000 - Re: Santa portrayal by IBRBS member Brad Hanke effective 11/18/2022 . Certificate Holder is included as an Additional Insured with regards to the General Liability Coverage includes "Abuse & Molestation" with limits of 100,000 per occurrence/ 500,000 aggregate for this member. This coverage only applies with acceptable background check verified by or on file with IBRBS .
What to Expect
Real bearded Santa
Visits by and with Mrs. Claus
Professional suits and outfits
Love having a storytime with the kids
Kid and Adult friendly
Grinch available as well as other characters
About
HO HO HO!
Hi there. I'm Santa PopPop. Also known as Brad Hanke during the other 10 months that aren't November and December. I'm a father of 3, Grandfather to 14. I love meeting up with the families and helping make Santa a real tangible part of the Christmas season as we celebrate Jesus's birthday! I have done a lot of fun things in my life, but by far being Santa has brought me the most joy. It's a way for children to experience the magic and wonderment of Christmas and have lifelong memories for the whole family. I'm rewarded with the excitement these kids have when meeting Santa, some for the very first time. And I love babies! I'm known as the baby hog in our family...Nothing sweeter than a little bundle of joy snuggled up in Santa's arms!
I can read stories, pass out presents, pose for lots of photos, and tell some Santa stories about Christmas magic. Might even have a trick or two up my sleeve!
Additional Booking Notes
We will want a good firm, armless chair or bench for sitting for photos.
For best photos, please look at what will be framed in the picture. Plain background
If the event is longer than 30 minutes, we request chilled, bottled water.
Influences & Inspiration
Miracle on 34th Street - 1994 - Sir Richard Attenborough
The Santa Clause - 1994 - Tim Allen
Setup Requirements
Firm chair or bench for Santa to sit when doing photos.
Make sure the light is in Santas direction and not behind for pictures
Check what's behind Santa and everyone and what will be in the photos