Santa Ray Semple

I am good at being Santa. I have had thousands of children visit me / Santa at Mundelein's Santa's Cottage for over 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 5 and know how to interact with little ones, toddlers and other children of all ages! I am good at corporate parties; photo sessions; community events; tree lighting ceremonies; parades; “dinner with Santa” and “Brunch with Santa” events - and in-home visits for Christmas parties or Christmas Eve surprise visits where Santa delivers presents. I have a multiple custom suits and accessories & toy bags to accommodate nearly any event. In addition to Santa “gigs” I do nearly 100 virtual visits each year for Talk To Santa - and am very “quick on my feet” when answering questions about Santa, my reindeer, the elves or the North Pole. I can tell stories; sing songs; read books; answer questions and confidently handle any typical situation Santa’s can come across.

Santa Ray Semple is a beloved resident of Mundelein, Illinois, known throughout the region for spreading cheer, kindness, and the timeless magic of the holidays. Born and raised in the heart of the Midwest, Ray discovered his calling in 1992 when he volunteered for Mundelein’s Santa’s Cottage. What began as a community service role grew into a 30-year tradition—and ultimately transformed Ray into a full-time embodiment of Santa Claus. With his warm smile, natural beard, and classic red suit, Santa Ray has become a cherished part of local holiday traditions, bringing joy to generations of children and families.

In 2025, Santa Ray’s commitment to giving back shone brighter than ever. On November 11, he proudly served as the Make-A-Wish Illinois Trees of Joy Santa, helping brighten the holidays for children facing critical illnesses by delivering personalized wishes and gifts that created unforgettable memories. His charitable spirit also extended to participating in Toys for Tots events, helping collect and distribute toys to underprivileged children so no family went without holiday magic.

Throughout the year, Santa Ray was a familiar and welcomed presence at community events across the North Shore and Lake County areas, fostering unity, excitement, and goodwill. He appeared at country clubs and a luxury resort, hosting enchanting Brunch with Santa and Dinner with Santa experiences at multiple restaurants, where families enjoyed festive meals, storytelling, and memorable photo opportunities. His calendar included numerous professional photo sessions, capturing timeless holiday images for cards and keepsakes.

Santa Ray also brought cheer to the corporate world, appearing at holiday parties to boost morale and create joyful atmospheres for employees and their families. For more intimate celebrations, he conducted in-home visits and joined family gatherings—transforming living rooms into North Pole outposts filled with laughter, wonder, and surprise.

One of his most meaningful initiatives in 2025 was the Secret Sleigh Project, through which Santa Ray made multiple surprise in-home visits, delivering unexpected gifts and heartfelt messages to fragile children—moments that left families deeply moved. Embracing modern technology, he also connected virtually with nearly 100 gatherings through Talk to Santa meetings, ensuring the spirit of Christmas reached children who were unable to meet in person.

Beyond the busy schedule and multiple custom made suits and accessories, Santa Ray Semple is known for his genuine compassion and dedication to service. Whether posing for photos, sharing stories of the North Pole, or simply listening to a child’s wish list, he embodies the true meaning of the season. As Mundelein’s own Santa, Ray continues to inspire generosity, hope, and joy—proving that the magic of Christmas lives on through kindness all year long.

Booking Note: Santa Ray’s holiday calendar fills quickly—often by the end of summer—so early booking is strongly recommended, as is common with top-tier professional Santa performers.

I am the manager and owner of this one-person company doing business as "Santa Ray Semple, LLC”.