~ Welcome to ~
Santa Dave & Terri Claus
Bringing the Love, Light & Meaning of Christmas to Life
Serving Gainesville, Ocala & Surrounding Areas
With his authentic, real beard and their beautifully crafted North Pole attire, Santa Dave carries the presence of a classic, old-world Santa—warm, dignified, and full of quiet wonder. Mrs. Claus beside him adds a graceful charm, her gentle smile and elegance completing a picture that feels both storybook and real.
Their kind demeanor invites people in, making each interaction feel personal and heartfelt. And there's something unmistakably special about their regal look—it doesn't just entertain, it transforms the space around them. For a moment, the ordinary fades, and the magic of Christmas feels close enough to touch.
For Santa Dave and Mrs. Claus, the magic of Christmas has an even deeper meaning.
While Santa reminds us how to love through giving, kindness, and bringing joy to others, Jesus teaches us why we love—because He first loved us.
Together, these two beautiful traditions remind us that the true heart of Christmas is love, generosity, faith, and the joy of giving to others.
About Santa Dave & Mrs. Claus
Santa Dave and Mrs. Claus have been joyfully married for over 40 years—a true testament to love, faith, and commitment. As business owners for more than 35 years, they have built not only a successful partnership, but a life centered around serving others and spreading joy.
Their hearts for giving have been evident throughout the years, including hosting an Annual Easter Celebration for Foster Families for eight wonderful years—creating lasting memories for children and families in need of love and encouragement.
They are blessed with two grown children and three grandsons, who inspire their passion for bringing smiles to families everywhere. Deeply devoted to their family, church, friends, and community, Santa Dave and Mrs. Claus strive to reflect the true spirit of Christmas in all they do.
Santa Dave and Mrs. Claus have continued to develop their craft through professional Santa schools and training with some of the most respected names in the Santa community. Their training includes the International University of Santa Claus with Santa Claus Hall of Fame member Tim Connaghan; ProSanta School with Santa Claus Hall of Fame member Doug Eberhart; and Northern Lights Santa Academy with Santa Claus Hall of Fame member Rick Rosenthal.
This training, combined with their many years of life together, their faith, and their genuine love for people, helps Santa Dave and Mrs. Claus create Christmas experiences that are warm, authentic, meaningful, and filled with the true Heart of Christmas.
"From our hearts to yours ~ sharing the Love of Christmas."
Credentials & Experience
Northern Lights Santa Academy
Diploma Graduates—Santa Dave & Mrs. Claus
ProSanta School
Certified—Santa Dave & Mrs. Claus
University of Santa Claus
Certified—Santa Dave & Mrs. Claus
Eagle Scout
Boy Scouts of America
Roosevelt Mall Santa
Jacksonville, Florida
Insured & Background Checked
For your family's peace of mind
Past Potentate
Morocco Shrine, Jacksonville, FL
1st Place Whiteface Clown
Florida, Southeastern & US Competitions—Two Years Running
Our Services
Santa Dave and Mrs. Claus don't just appear at events—they help create experiences where wonder, kindness, and faith quietly come together.
Professional Santa Photography
We are excited to be working with talented photographers to create beautiful and memorable Christmas photo experiences with Santa Dave & Mrs. Claus.
Whether it's a traditional Christmas portrait, a magical North Pole setting, or a special themed session, we love working alongside photographers to help bring their creative vision to life. Our goal is to make every session feel natural, joyful, and filled with the warmth and wonder of Christmas.
From the smallest children meeting Santa for the very first time to families continuing a treasured Christmas tradition, we believe the most beautiful photographs are the ones that capture genuine smiles, heartfelt moments, and memories families will cherish.
School & Daycare Visits
Want to have Santa visit your school or daycare center? Just imagine how this will make the children feel, bringing joy and happiness to their faces while they light up with excitement. If your school or daycare is looking to organize an event this holiday season, you can count on us to bring cheer to your event. Santa has always enjoyed working with children and he loves to see the awe on children's faces when they see Santa at an event.
Breakfast with Santa
Imagine your little ones waking up Christmas morning, hearing the doorbell ring or a knock at the door, and there's Santa asking if he can join them for breakfast. That will be one of the more memorable meals of their lives. The feeling is the same for many grownups who have never had the opportunity to share a meal with Santa. We would love to bring this special experience to you and your loved ones. Imagine the great photos!
Corporate & Business Events
Is your organization planning a Christmas party? Santa can help bring holiday joy and cheer to your event. During the Christmas season many businesses organize parties to share the holidays with their employees and clients. The joy of the season is felt with the presence of Santa Claus. For a remarkable holiday business party, contact Santa today.
Senior Center Visits
A visit from Santa is always welcome by seniors. Santa is a great listener! These are some of his favorite visits! Bringing warmth, companionship, and the joy of Christmas to those who appreciate it most.
Ring Doorbell Visits
If you have a Ring doorbell or security camera, Santa can arrange a visit when the children are not at home. He will arrive with his bag of toys using his magic key to enter the house which will be caught on video. He will place presents under the tree or in stockings. You can discover the video on Christmas day to show your children that Santa really did visit!
More Than Santa
Decades of Experience Bringing Smiles to Children
Santa Dave has decades of experience entertaining and interacting with children of all ages, creating laughter, excitement, and lasting memories along the way.
Long before becoming exclusively Santa Dave, he spent many years bringing smiles to children through a variety of beloved characters. As Doodles the Clown, Dave performed with the Shriners and entertained children and families at the Shrine Circus and parades. He also brought holiday characters such as The Grinch and The Easter Bunny to life, further developing his ability to engage with children and create memorable experiences.
While Dave has since "retired" from Doodles The Clown, The Grinch, and The Easter Bunny, the years he spent portraying these characters became an important part of the journey that prepared him for the role he treasures most. Today, there is only one character for Dave—Santa Claus.
Those many years of experience taught him something that cannot simply be learned by putting on a red suit: how to genuinely connect with children. He understands how to read their reactions, put them at ease, and make each child feel special. Whether a child is bursting with excitement, feeling a little shy, or quietly taking in the wonder of meeting Santa, Santa Dave knows how to meet them where they are and make the experience comfortable, joyful, and memorable.
But for Santa Dave, Christmas is about much more than presents, decorations, and the magic of Santa Claus. At the heart of Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and the greatest gift of all—God's love. His faith is an important part of who he is and of the Christmas spirit he hopes to share with others.
Santa Dave believes the true spirit of Christmas is found in faith, love, kindness, generosity, and serving others. While Santa can bring wonder to a child's eyes and excitement to the season, he also hopes to reflect the love and joy that Christmas represents and, when appropriate for the family or event, help keep the true meaning of Christmas at the heart of the celebration.
For Santa Dave, bringing joy to children isn't simply part of portraying Santa—it's the culmination of a lifetime of making children smile, serving others, and sharing the love and true spirit of Christmas.
"Doodles" the Clown
The Grinch
The Easter Bunny
Book Santa Dave & Mrs. Claus
Before His Calendar Fills Up!
If you would like to hire an authentic real bearded Santa Claus for a photo shoot, corporate party, personal party, personal appearance, parade or any other event in the Gainesville, Ocala and surrounding areas, we hope you will give us a call to see if we're available.
Proudly serving Gainesville, Ocala & surrounding areas in Florida
Get in TouchContact Santa Dave & Terri Claus
Get in Touch
What to Expect
After reaching out, Santa Dave or Mrs. Claus will personally respond to discuss your event details, answer any questions, and help create a magical experience tailored just for you.
Photo Gallery
A few favorite moments with Santa Dave & Mrs. Claus. Click any photo to view it full size.