Santa PopPop
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!!
Reviews
75 reviews
Andrew L.
July 7, 2024The real deal from the North Pole!
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!
Hired as: Costumed Character, Holiday Entertainment, Santa Claus
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!
Moriah C.
December 22, 2023The Perfect Santa
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.
Hired as: Costumed Character, Holiday Entertainment, Mrs. Claus, Santa Claus
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
Joanna S.
November 27, 2023Best Santa Ever!
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!
Hired as: Santa Claus
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
Tanya C.
May 4, 2026Perfect Easter Bunny visit. Ontime, friendly, and unfo
We had the Easter Bunny come for the kids and everything was absolutely perfect! From start to finish, the experience was seamless and so much fun. The Easter Bunny was on time, super friendly, and amazing with the kids — they were all smiles the entire time.
The interaction was great, plenty of photo opportunities, and it really made the day feel special and memorable for everyone. You can tell a lot of care and effort goes into what they do.
I would 100% recommend and will definitely be using them again in the future!
Hired as: Easter Bunny
Santa PopPop
Ho ho Hello Tanya!
The Easter Bunny had a great time, and it was hard to get him back from Florida! He said the weather was terrific! We are very happy that he was able to make your event much more enjoyable! Thank you for the wonderful review...
Santa PopPop
Katelyn D.
February 13, 2026The Best Santa!!!!!!
Santa Pop Pop made our Christmas party!!! He was amazing with kids of all ages and the adults. He took his time to make each kid feel special. I loved everything about his visit and can’t wait to book him again next year!
Hired as: Santa Claus
Santa PopPop
Thank You, Katelyn!!! Loved getting to be a part of your Christmas! The kids were awesome... Looking forward to putting you on the schedule for 2026...
Booking information
Price range: $150 and up
Languages: English
Gig length: 20 - 60 minutes
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 and 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