It's "Your Lafayette Santa" -- Santa Dave and Mrs. Claus! We are professionally educated and insured, offering a variety of services including in-home visits, community events, corporate events, business promotions, photographer partnerships, special gift delivery, Christmas Eve "Sneak-A-Peek" experiences, and Christmas in July/summer events (casual attire).
1 review
Leslie B.
January 6, 2026Santa Dave and Mrs. Claus were wonderful! We invited to our home half-way thru a multi-family holiday party. Definitely ask for the musical entrance and exit!! Santa took time to sit with each child, with a line of kinds. Were flexible to our space constraints. Mrs. Claus joining was wonderful for kids and adults alike. Together they made it work, and needed little input from us - but were open to receiving special instructions too. We would invite them back for sure.
Hired as: Santa Claus
Price range: $150 and up
Languages: English
Insurance: $1,000,000 - USLI (United States Liability Insurance)
About Dave and Karyn Packard
Dave Packard was born and raised in Lafayette, Indiana, and is a proud graduate of Purdue University. Since 1998, he has worked as an Information Technology professional at his alma mater. Karyn Packard, originally from suburban Chicago, also graduated from Purdue University and has been a dedicated nail technician since 1994.
Married since 1993, we have an adult son and a beloved pug named Mocha. When we are not portraying Santa and Mrs. Claus, we enjoy spending time with family and friends, watching movies, and attending concerts, festivals, and craft shows.
Dave’s naturally-white beard and his Santa hat have brought joy and wonder to many, inspiring him to become Santa Claus. Karyn, sharing his enthusiasm, became the perfect Mrs. Claus to his Santa.
Our Journey to Becoming Santa and Mrs. Claus
We felt that being Santa and Mrs. Claus was much more than just wearing a red suit, so we sought education to truly learn the craft and embody the roles. In October 2024, we attended the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School in Midland, Michigan, known as the “Harvard of Santa Schools.” The school’s founder’s quote, “He errs who thinks Santa enters through the chimney. Santa enters through the heart,” deeply resonated with Dave, and it has been the guiding principle in his journey to becoming Santa Dave.
In March 2025, we furthered our training at The Master Claus Academy in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, led by the renowned Kringle Brothers. This workshop allowed us to hone our craft and network with other portrayal artists.
We also attend regular meetings with the Hoosier Santas group to fellowship with other Indiana-based Santas and Mrs. Clauses.
Our Commitment to Spreading Joy
We are passionate about the love, joy, and magic of Christmas. Our love for the season is evident as we eagerly put up our tree and decorations right after Halloween!
Dave enjoys incorporating props and tricks into his Santa performances -- even calling an elf “live” from the North Pole to check if someone is on the Good List!
As active members of Hoosier Santas and the Worldwide Santa Claus Network, we continue to learn, share, and connect with other performers. We are excited to start our journey as Santa and Mrs. Claus in 2025 and look forward to bringing smiles to people for many years to come!
Peace of Mind for Our Customers
For your peace of mind, we are insured and background checked through USLI (United States Liability Insurance), a proud member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies. We offer a range of services, including personal in-home visits, community events, corporate gatherings, and partnerships with your business.
Friday
Christmas Party
7:00pm - 8:00pm
•
West Lafayette, IN
Santa Claus
