Family Christmas visits
Wish lists, Christmas stories and time for family photos. A personal visit that brings children, parents and grandparents together.
Make Santa feel at homeA visit from Santa Russell
A little Christmas magic. A lifetime of memories.
I’m Santa Russell, a professional Santa Claus based in Naperville, Illinois. For more than 19 years, I’ve brought Christmas stories, photos and plenty of laughter to family gatherings, school celebrations and company holiday parties.
Naperville, Illinois & surrounding communities
The magic of being together.
19+ yearswearing the red suit
Real-bearded Santaa familiar face for Christmas
Current IBRBS memberalways honing the craft
Gather close. Make memories.
There’s a Santa visit
for your celebration.
Every visit has its own pace, from a quiet hello to a room full of Christmas cheer. We’ll plan yours around the people who make it special.
Schools & community
A warm welcome for children and adults alike. Share any guest needs in advance so Santa can give everyone a comfortable introduction.
Plan for your guestsCompany holiday parties
Employee and family photos, festive greetings, and gifts or treats supplied by your team. Yes, the grown-ups get to join the fun.
Tell Santa about your event
Meet the man in the red suitA familiar face. A thoughtful visit.
Hello, I’m Santa Russell.
I’m Santa Russell, a professional Santa Claus based in Naperville, Illinois. I’ve worn the red suit for more than 19 years, and what keeps me coming back is seeing how differently people experience a visit from Santa. Some children have their wish lists ready before I sit down. Others need a little time before they’re ready to say hello. And sometimes the grown-ups are the ones having the most fun.
Over the years, I’ve learned to take my cues from the people in the room. I enjoy making a jolly entrance at a holiday party just as much as sitting down for a quiet conversation with a child. If a child prefers a gentler visit, I can lower my voice, sit at their level and give them time to join in when they’re ready. I love bringing parents, grandparents and coworkers into the stories, laughter and photos, too.
I trained with veteran Santa Tim Connaghan through the International University of Santa Claus and attended the Christmas Performer’s Workshop, led and taught by Santa True. Also known as True Thomas the Storyteller, he’s a professional storyteller, entertainer and real-bearded Santa based in the Greater Los Angeles area. I’m a current member of IBRBS and enjoy learning from fellow Christmas performers. Even after more than 19 years in the suit, there’s always something new to bring to the next visit.
A few moments of Christmas
The photo albums
Little conversations. Big family smiles. Take a look at Christmas visits through the years. Select a photograph to see it full size.
60 photographs
Kind words from past visits
Christmas memories,
in their words.
Santa got all the adults involved
So kind and generous
his costume was top notch
absolutely phenomenal with kids
Short excerpts from GigSalad reviews. Read more reviews and view the current rating →
Before the sleigh arrives
A wonderful visit
starts here.
Santa is part of the celebration for everyone. Gather the whole group and make room for a little Christmas magic.
Ask about your dateA visit at your guests’ pace
We’ll plan the visit around your guests. A home visit might include a Christmas story, time to share wish lists and family photos. At a company party or school celebration, I can greet guests, pose for photos or hand out gifts or treats you provide. I’m happy to coordinate with your photographer.
If a child prefers a quieter introduction, I can lower my voice, sit at their level and let them approach when they’re ready. Let me know in advance if there’s anything that would help a guest feel comfortable.
Keep everyone together
A visit from Santa is a chance for everyone to celebrate together. Please gather the children and adults before I arrive and plan to stay together throughout the visit. I love getting the grown-ups involved in the stories, laughter and group photos, too. Parents and caregivers are responsible for supervising their children throughout the visit. Childcare is outside the scope of the booking.
Make a comfortable spot for Santa
Please provide a sturdy chair with a back in the area where Santa will greet guests and take photos. Choose a spot away from lit fireplaces and other heat sources. My suit is made for North Pole weather!
Share the details
When requesting a quote, include your date, preferred time, event location, approximate guest count and the kind of visit you have in mind. For Christmas Eve, include your preferred time and any flexibility. Gifts and treats should be supplied by the host and ready when Santa arrives.
Put a little magic on the calendar
Let’s make this Christmas
one to remember.
Send your date, location and the kind of visit you have in mind.
For Christmas Eve, include your preferred time and any flexibility.