Santa Dan

Top Performer

Ottawa, ON

Starts at $200

Travels up to 2 hours

Get a free quick quote
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What it is all about

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Overview

My appearances, Go far beyond just another photo opportunity. I am a Professional, Authentic Santa. My Story telling and singing skills create meaningful active experiences filled with joy, hope, encouragement, and holiday magic that brings compassion and connection to everyone. My Custom made suits, coupled with my years of active listening skills, patience’s, generosity, kindness, infectious laughter, twinkling eyes, and rich, heartfelt "HO HO HO," will inspire and create moments of wonder that remind us of all the power of kindness that will create an unforgettable Christmas experience. One that leaves everyone with lasting memories long after the Christmas Season is over.


Reviews

3 reviews

Small thumbnail image for reviewer Shawn O.

Shawn O.

March 9, 2026

Real Christmas Magic to Our Home!

Santa Dan gave our family an unforgettable Christmas Eve experience. Seeing Santa himself come into our home and place presents under the tree was pure magic for the kids. Their excitement and wonder in that moment was priceless.

Santa Dan was fantastic—his costume, voice, and mannerisms were so authentic that it truly felt like the real Santa had arrived from the North Pole. He was warm, friendly, and made the whole visit feel special and personal.

If you want to create a magical Christmas memory for your children, Santa Dan is absolutely the one to call. It was one of the highlights of our holiday season!

Hired as: Santa Claus


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Diana F.

Diana F.

February 13, 2026

The most unforgettable Christmas gift

As a parent, there is nothing more precious than seeing your children experience pure magic, and Santa Dan gave us that. This wasn’t just a visit — it was a once-in-a-lifetime moment that our family will cherish forever. I cannot recommend Santa Dan enough to anyone wanting to give their children the most unforgettable Christmas gift imaginable.

Hired as: Santa Claus

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Santa Dan

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Ferenbach

Ho ho ho! I hope this letter finds you warm, well, and perhaps still smiling about the little “incident” on Christmas Eve.

I must say, in all my centuries of visiting homes around the world, it’s not every night that I’m nearly caught mid-delivery! But when I turned around and saw your children standing there at the top of the stairs—eyes wide, hair tousled, clutching that reindeer-patterned blanket—I knew this would be a Christmas to remember.

The expressions on their faces were something truly special. There was astonishment first—those perfectly round eyes sparkling brighter than the lights on the tree. Then came the realization. I could practically see their imaginations racing: It’s really him. Not a story, not a movie, not a whisper of a rumor—but Santa, boots by the fireplace, cookie crumbs in his beard.

Your eldest tried very hard to be brave and composed, but I saw that little jaw drop before the polite wave. And the younger one? Pure wonder. The kind that reminds even an old fellow like me why I make this journey year after year.
What struck me most wasn’t just the surprise—it was the joy. The kind that bubbles up uncontrollably. The kind that makes children bounce on their toes even though they’re trying very hard to be quiet. It was belief, excitement, and love all wrapped into one magical moment.

You’ve done a beautiful job nurturing that sense of wonder in your home. The warmth I felt wasn’t just from the fireplace—it was from the kindness, laughter, and anticipation that clearly fills your family all season long.Moments like that are rare treasures. Years from now, when they’re taller and perhaps a bit less certain about magic, they’ll remember the night they saw Santa by the tree. And you will too.

Thank you for the warm cookies, the thoughtful carrots for the reindeer, and for raising children whose hearts are so full of wonder.

With a hearty laugh and a sleigh full of gratitude,

Santa Claus 🎅🏻


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Noble S.

Noble S.

December 26, 2025
Verified review

Santa with a great smile

We had the pleasure of having Santa Dan join our Christmas celebration at St. Mother Teresa Parish in Ottawa, and he was absolutely wonderful.
​From the moment he arrived, he was incredibly engaging and warm with the children. He didn't just sit for photos; he took the time to talk to the kids, making them feel special and keeping the holiday spirit alive. It was clear that he genuinely enjoys what he does. The children were captivated, and the parents were equally impressed by his professional demeanor and authentic look.
​Santa Dan truly made our parish celebration magical. We highly recommend him for any community or family event!"

Hired as: Holiday Entertainment, Santa Claus

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Booking information

Price range: Starts at $200

Languages: English

Gig length: 30 - 240 minutes

What to expect

My joy is contagious, I am a warmhearted storyteller who brings the true meaning of Christmas to life. With a gentle twinkle in my eye, a booming laugh that feels like a cozy fireplace, and an authentic, unforced presence, I create moments of wonder wherever I go. Whether, I`m sitting on a decorated bench at a Christmas Eve event in a church, visiting with a family event in the comfort of their home, a Senior`s living residence or leading a daycare carol. I ensure that all voices are heard and all questions answered with kindness and understanding. I believe in every person — child or adult — should be seen and valued. I enjoy greeting strangers like old friends, remembers small details, and turns simple conversations into lasting memories. I delight in the little things — sticky-handed cookie makers, shy smiles, handwritten wish lists — and I treat every story with reverence and playful warmth.

My excitement is genuine, never performative; it invites others to set aside cynicism and open themselves up to hope.
My joy is contagious: I enjoy greeting strangers like old friends, remembers small details, and turns simple conversations into lasting memories. He delights in the little things — sticky-handed cookie makers, shy smiles, handwritten wish lists — and treats every story with reverence and playful warmth.

I believe in generosity, forgiveness, and goodwill through actions as much as words, encouraging kindness in others and demonstrating that the spirit of Christmas is about connection, compassion, and shared joy.
Above all, my authenticity is his gift: unpretentious, compassionate, and steadfast, I remind everyone that I meet that the season’s truest treasures are love, presence, and the simple delight of believing together.

I am not a performer, I am Santa Claus and no matter which custom-made suit, I might be wearing, my authentic voice, warm mannerisms, and close attention to detail, will make each visit feel like a trip to the North Pole. My natural storytelling and genuine presence leaves a lasting memories for children and adults alike—so convincing that even grown-ups find themselves believing in Santa Claus again.

About

I am a retired, highly decorated Police Officer with over 31 years of dedicated service, earning multiple Medals of Honour throughout my distinguished career. Now embracing a joyful second calling, I have transformed my lifelong commitment to community service into the role of a Professional Santa Claus, bringing warmth, laughter, and holiday magic to people of all ages.

A proud graduate of the Worldwide Santa Claus Network, I combine professionalism, compassion, and storytelling skills to create authentic and memorable experiences for children, families, and seniors alike. My extensive background includes working closely with early childhood education programs, schools (from primary through post-secondary), and assisted living and nursing home communities—ensuring every visit is filled with kindness and respect.

I am also a familiar face with various community and service organizations across Ontario, including the Optimist Clubs, Lions Clubs, Kiwanis, Rotary Clubs, and the Canadian Make-A-Wish Foundation, where my cheerful spirit continues to brighten lives and inspire goodwill.

With a Vulnerable Sector Check and Criminal Records Check completed, I bring professionalism, safety, and integrity to every engagement. Whether sharing stories with wide-eyed children or spreading joy among seniors, I truly embody the heart and spirit of Santa Claus—spreading joy and celebrating the spirit of giving and generosity throughout the holiday season.

Additional booking notes

A parking spot saved directly in front of the main entrance that I will be entering the event through.
A person to meet with me in person outside the event and assist me with the most direct way to the event. with a little detection as possible.

Upcoming booked events

November 2026

28

Saturday

Parade

5:00pm - 7:00pm

•

Pembroke, ON

December 2026

05

Saturday

Corporate Event

2:30pm - 3:30pm

•

Ottawa, ON

05

Saturday

Christmas Party

6:00pm - 6:45pm

•

Ottawa, ON

11

Friday

Corporate Event

6:00pm - 8:00pm

•

Ottawa, ON

12

Saturday

Nonprofit Event

11:00am - 1:00pm

•

Ottawa, ON

13

Sunday

Christmas Party

10:00am - 1:00pm

•

Ottawa, ON

19

Saturday

Christmas Party

1:00pm - 2:00pm

•

Russell, ON

Past booked events

December 2025

24

Wednesday

Nonprofit Event

8:30pm - 10:00pm

•

Ottawa, ON

Set list

Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer
Jingle Bells

Influences and inspiration

For 31 years, I had the privilege of serving my community as a Professional Police Officer—a career that gave me far more than a uniform and a badge. It gave me a lifetime of experiences, connections, and opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Throughout my 23 career as a professional canine handler, I participated in countless public speaking engagements, demonstrations, community events, school presentations, and gatherings where I stood in front of thousands of children, youth, families, and adults.

I will never forget what I saw when I looked out into those audiences.

I saw the big smiles, sparkling eyes, waving hands, endless questions, excitement, laughter, curiosity, and genuine desire to interact. Whether I was speaking to a classroom of children, demonstrating police equipment, answering questions, or simply sharing an experience, I discovered something incredibly meaningful: I loved creating moments that captured people's imagination and brought them joy.

Those experiences stayed with me.

After 31 years of serving and protecting my community, I began asking myself how I could take everything I had learned throughout my career—communication, public speaking, confidence, professionalism, engaging an audience, working with children and families, reading a room, creating excitement, telling stories, and connecting with people of all ages—and use those skills in a completely different way.

That answer led me to Santa Claus.

Becoming a Professional Santa Claus feels less like starting something new and more like continuing a lifelong journey of bringing people together and creating meaningful experiences.

The uniform may have changed from a police uniform to the legendary red suit, but the purpose remains remarkably similar: to make a positive difference in people's lives.

Today, I have the opportunity to take everything I learned during my 31 years as a Professional Police Officer and transform it into something magical for children and families.

As Santa Dan, I don't simply put on a Santa suit and show up.

I bring with me decades of experience speaking with people, engaging audiences, telling stories, creating excitement, building trust, and making people feel comfortable and valued. I understand the importance of listening to a child, answering their questions with enthusiasm, meeting them at their level, and creating an experience that feels genuine.

Most importantly, I understand that for a child, meeting Santa can be far more than a photograph.

It can become a childhood memory they carry with them for the rest of their lives.

When I see those same wide eyes, huge smiles, excited waves, curious questions, and unforgettable expressions of wonder that I witnessed throughout my policing career, I know I have found something incredibly special.

My journey from Professional Police Officer to Professional Santa Claus is not simply a career change.

It is a transformation of experience, knowledge, passion, and purpose.

After spending 31 years helping protect, serve, educate, and connect with my community, I now want to dedicate this next chapter to bringing joy, laughter, love, hope, excitement, and the belief in Christmas magic to children and families.

Because sometimes the greatest gift you can give a child isn't something wrapped underneath a Christmas tree.

It's a moment they'll remember forever.

And that is why I became Santa Dan.

Setup requirements

Comfortable Chair