The Real Little St. Nick

Russellville, MO

$100 to $500, depending on event and travel

Travels up to 60 miles

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Me giving a guest lecture on what it means to be Santa Claus

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Hire The Little Santa of Mid-Missouri

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A Message From The Little Mid-Mo Santa

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The Little Santa of Missouri, by Donna App

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Little Mid-Mo Santa reads “Twas The Night Before Christmas”

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Nothing more magical than a Christmas Eve Sneak-N-Peek!

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Receiving my 2023 graduation certificate from Tom Valent, dean of the C.W.H. Santa School

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Making Christmas memories is my specialty!

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Ho! Ho! Ho!

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Special delivery!

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“Jolly Olde Santa Claus!”

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Up for a nice, cold drink?

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A visit with some of my adoring fans!

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There’s no greater gift than the Greatest Gift ever given!

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I can bring Christmas magic to even the largest crowds!

Overview

I’m a professional Santa Claus, and while I know I may be short in stature, I can assure all that I’ve got the heart and spirit of any average-sized Santa Claus and am capable to do any Santa job! My wardrobe consists of several festive Santa attires! I’m a graduate of Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School, and I come fully equipped with a creative story for to explain my height.

My services include everything from home visits and photo shoots to parades and tree lightings, including Christmas Eve Sneak-N-Peeks!

I DON’T do Christmas Day events


Reviews

4 reviews

Small thumbnail image for reviewer Katie B.

Katie B.

July 31, 2026

Santa Lee is the Best!

Santa Lee is simply the best! Our boys look forward to his visit every single year, and it has become one of our family’s favorite Christmas traditions. He is so kind, patient, and truly makes each child feel special. You can tell how much he loves what he does, and he takes the time to create a magical, personal experience for every family.

One of our favorite parts is that he always reads a Christmas story to the boys, which makes the visit even more meaningful and memorable. The joy and excitement on their faces is absolutely priceless. We are so thankful for the wonderful memories Santa Lee has helped create for our family, and we can’t recommend him enough!

Hired as: Santa Claus


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Courtney P.

Courtney P.

July 30, 2026

Christmas Magic!

Santa Lee brings the holiday season magic to life for our family every year! We enjoy his visits so much that he has been a part of our traditions for three years and counting! Santa always takes the time to listen and interact with each child, and he even eats cookies and dances to Christmas music with the kids. His sincere and professional approach to his character make the moments fun.. so much that I feel like a child again. Thank you, Santa, for keeping the magic alive ❤️

Hired as: Holiday Entertainment, Santa Claus


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Vicki B.

Vicki B.

December 22, 2024
Verified review

The Real Santa

We hired Santa Lee for our big family Christmas gathering. HE WAS FABULOUS! The kids were mesmerized with his presence. He was so professional, was in full Santa character the entire time and did a wonderful job carrying the role of St. Nick. He warmly read the children a Christmas story and spent time talking to each one of them. He then took time for photos with everyone.
Lee did a great job communicating prior to our scheduled event and left me with no worries.
Should you need a Santa in the Jeff City/Columbia area, I would highly recommend him. He has surpassed any Santa we have ever hired. Hands down.
This time we met the real Santa, and a new friend.

Hired as: Santa Claus

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The Real Little St. Nick

Thank you so much for hiring me, Vicki! Getting to be part of your family’s Christmas celebration was truly an honor, and one I enjoyed immensely! I look forward to coming back next year, should you choose to have me!🎅🏻🎅🏻👍


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Paige S.

Paige S.

December 22, 2024
Verified review

A Truly Magical Experience with "The Real Little St. Nick"

Lee, aka The Real Little St. Nick, was absolutely AMAZING at our annual Jingle Bell Jam at Bonkers! He walked into the room and instantly brightened the whole place with his energy and big, warm smile. The kids were all glued to him during his reading of How the Grinch Stole Christmas—it was such a fun and magical moment that had them all laughing and excited.

What really stood out was how easy and flexible Lee was to work with. He was more than happy to roll with any changes that popped up throughout the event, always with a positive attitude and tons of cheer. He was truly a joy to have around!

I’d highly recommend The Real Little St. Nick for any event. If you want someone who brings joy, energy, and heart to the table, Lee is your guy!

Hired as: Santa Claus

Small thumbnail image for The Real Little St. Nick

The Real Little St. Nick

Thank you so much for taking a chance on me, Paige! Being part of your event was a truly wonderful experience for me, and getting to meet you and your team was even better! I hope you’ll have me back next year!🎅🏻🎅🏻🎅🏻

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Booking information

Price range: $100 to $500, depending on event and travel

Languages: English

What to expect

I’m a downright jolly and welcoming Santa who comes set and ready with the true spirit of Christmas! For home visits or story-telling events, I can read one of five classic Christmas stories and/or three of my own creative tales about how Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus first met, the origins of Santa’s magic key, and how Rudolph is the only boy reindeer with his antlers at Christmas time!

I know a lot of facts about Christmas and Santa, so I’m ready to answer any and all questions children, young and old, should have they would like to ask me. From “how do my reindeer fly?” (It’s all in the antlers, as well as in their choice to fly) to “how old am I?” (Just a little over 1,750 years old!)

For in case I should be met with any young Santa skeptics, I’m prepared to offer up the “Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus” newspaper article as an answer, which I have memorized and ready to go when and if necessary!

I have quite a wardrobe of different Santa suits. From the storybook traditional style to the sleek and modern Kurt Russell Christmas Chronicles attire, from the 1800’s Thomas Nast Style to the 1940’s Haddon Sundblom’s Coca Cola Santa Suit. I like to try to portray Santa from many different, yet recognizable angles.

About

Both Santa Claus and Christmas have been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember.
Being a little person, one might assume I’d rather portray just an ordinary elf than the Jolly Old Elf himself? While there were a couple times where I did don the pointy ears, it’s never been my true calling. Santa Claus is who I truly am, and being a little person, I feel that only helps me rather than causes me any problems when in character.
When I’m Santa Claus, I feel my height makes me look not so intimidating to younger children. I’ve come up with several ways for to explain why I’m so short, including a clever story!
As time goes by, I hope to truly become a very popular Santa Claus. I take pride in my work, and making Christmas happy for all who I perform for is my mission! No matter how small you are, you can still do BIG things!

Past booked events

December 2025

12

Friday

Christmas Party

5:00pm - 7:00pm

Columbia, MO

December 2024

21

Saturday

Christmas Party

4:00pm - 5:00pm

Columbia, MO

20

Friday

Corporate Event

5:00pm - 8:00pm

Columbia, MO

14

Saturday

Antique Store

All-day event

Set list

SONGS,

I don’t just know the short versions of these songs, but I know the lyrics to all of them from beginning to end!

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Here Comes Santa Claus
Must Be Santa
Silent Night
The Little Drummer Boy
Away in a Manger
White Christmas
Frosty the Snowman
Deck the Halls
Twelve Days of Christmas

BOOKS,

Twas The Night Before Christmas
The Story of the First Christmas
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
The Polar Express
How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Influences and inspiration

What is my reason for doing this?

Why have I chosen to put on the red suit and beard of white?

Why not instead be an elf,

Where I very clearly fit the short height?

Well, I’ll tell you why that is,

It’s because that’s not who I am.

My heart’s not in being an elf,

It’s in being the jolly, old man.

I believe I was meant to be Santa

And spread Christmas joy to all.

I believe anyone can be Santa Claus,

Whether you’re big or small.

I am who I am,

For that’s the way The Lord has made me.

And as one of his many children,

I will strive to be the best Santa Claus I can be!

Setup requirements

A comfortable chair to sit in, with a foot stool if possible. If not, that’s fine.

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