Santa Ray Semple

I am good at being Santa. I have had thousands of children visit me / Santa at Mundelein's Santa's Cottage over the past 30 years. I am a good public speaker having been a Village Trustee for 26 years - I can even lead a meeting using Roberts Rules of Order if needed! I am professionally trained in Webinars, Presentations and Storytelling as part of my full-time "day job". I am the grandfather of 4 young boys, and know how to interact with little ones, toddlers and other children of all ages!

Hi!
This is Ray Semple, and I am a former Village Trustee of Mundelein, Ill., having served for 26 years, plus an additional 10 years on the Mundelein Planning Commission before that.

I have been Mundelein's primary “Santa Claus” since the initial grand opening of “Santa’s Cottage” more than 30 years ago. This cottage moved to the new Village Hall a few years ago, and it plays a vital role in the Mundelein’s annual tree lighting ceremony. For all but one year, I have been the Santa who arrives on the fire truck with Mrs. Claus, greeting every child and family that approaches. At this popular ceremony, Santa sits with the children, sings, dances and tells stories before the fireworks commence, then Santa moves to the big chair in Santa’s Cottage for individual family visits. Hundreds of children visit this cottage each year just to spend some time with Santa and to pose for a memorable photo.

I have donned the red suit and beard for numerous civic and private gatherings, such as Chamber of Commerce events, the Mundelein Police Department Polar Express, plus home visits to raffle winners, family, and friends. Perhaps most rewarding were the Santa outings with the Mundelein Fire Department to visit with and deliver presents to children unable to attend Santa’s Cottage.

I often see parents who as children visited Santa’s Cottage decades ago, and now as adults they are bringing their own children to visit with Santa! Participating in such a family tradition is truly a wonderful experience.

As the grandfather of four young boys, I have acquired an even greater sense of interacting, communicating, and working with younger children than I did as a parent. I have thoroughly enjoyed being Mundelein’s Santa, and I hope to continue bringing smiles and creating memories as the village’s Santa for many more holiday seasons.

In 2023, I decided to take the next big step and become a “real bearded Santa” for the most authentic look. I also invested in professional training through courses at Kringle University and the Worldwide Santa Claus Network, with the goal of adding in-home and corporate visits to help spread the joy that Santa can bring to the holiday season. I have been trained by some of the best Santa’s in the industry!

In 2024 I had multiple corporate parties; multiple "Brunch with Santa" and "Dinner with Santa" events; Tree Lighting & Santa's Cottage; Volunteer at Lurie's Children's outpatient clinic; provided Secret Sleigh in-home visits; multiple in-home Christmas Parties; Multiple in-home visits; Elf on the Shelf home deliveries; multiple video and photo shoots and about 100 virtual visits via Talk to Santa.

In addition to my “Santa” role - I have been in sales for more than 40 years, and I have extensive training and experience in story-telling, public speaking, presentations, and online meetings. I am well-versed and comfortable in my interactions with groups large and small, and in-person visits or virtual meet-ups.

If you are interested in learning more about how Santa can visit your home or office, I hope you will consider my services!

For a truly special memory, I can help to arrange a photo shoot with Santa, using the services of an experienced professional photographer/helper! Ideas include group or individual photos with Santa baking cookies, Breakfast (or DONUTS) with Santa, or evening visits from Santa in December are all options. Plus, Santa makes and excellent addition to your corporate function!

I would be honored to help bring the joy of Santa into your home or business, so thank you for your consideration. HO, HO, HO!!

Big Red Santa, LLC is my company name and I am the manager and owner of this one-person company doing business as "Santa Ray Semple".