For over forty years, John Johnson (Simply Saint Nick) has been a character actor and historical presenter, notably bringing the role of Santa Claus to life in the most authentic way. His debut on stage (and as Santa no less) was at the age of six in an elementary school production of “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Since then, John has gone on to study acting with the Alban Arts Academy in Saint Albans, West Virginia. He has also attended classes taught by such artists as Pam Chibora, Leah Turley, Sean Watkins, Adam Bryan, Marlette Carter, and Kelly Strom. He has performed regionally in such shows as “The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe” as Father Christmas (2011), “Miracle on 34th Street” as Kris Kringle (2012), “The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus” as Nicholas (2013), and “Adventures in Santa Claus Land” as Santa (2019). He has also performed the role on local television commercials and on various Christmas specials regionally.
But it isn’t his acting abilities that make Santa John unique. Rather, it is his great faith in Christ – the Reason for the Season. Yes, John has always portrayed the role from the Christian perspective which goes all the way back to Nicholas of Myra (270-343AD). Nicholas was the prototype of the Santa we know and love today. Santa John has studied carefully over his lifetime both the history and the traditions of the character that he portrays. His portrayal emphasizes service to Christ, love, joy, peace, and hope – the bedrocks of the season. Couple these things with the fact that Santa John truly loves children, maintains a jolly demeanor, and a deep love of the role and you have something special in him. The additions of real whiskers, custom tailored suits, and real accessories make Santa John someone to believe in. He also carries a criminal background check and insurance for the safety of those he serves. In 2023, Santa John even wrote a book about his life, his faith, and role as Santa Claus. It is available at Westbow Press, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Christianbooks.com. Click the title to get a copy of “Simply Saint Nick: My Life as a Real-Life Christian Santa Claus.”
Interview with the Christian Chronicle, December 2023 https://christianchronicle.org/peace-on-earth-and-goodwill-to-men-christian-santa-professes-christ/
Previous Clients of Simply Saint Nick
Previous Clients of Simply Saint Nick
This list contains both past and present clients that Simply Saint Nick has been honored to work with:
Bass Pro Shops of Myrtle Beach/HireSanta
Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach
SkyWheel Myrtle Beach
Melissa Skidmore Photography
Butter and Whisk Bakery
Tamela Martin Photography
Chick-Fil-A of Southridge WV
Will Price Photography
Main Street Photography
Studio C Photography
Charleston Town Center Mall, WV/Santa Plus
City of Saint Albans WV
City of Nitro WV
Steve Payne Photography
Wells Fargo TPA
The Secret Santa Foundation of Kanawha and Boone Counties WV
KMart, Saint Albans WV
Flowers on Olde Main, WV
West Virginia Kids With Cancer Crusaders
The Charleston Mothers of Twins Club WV
Alban Arts Center, WV
John Cook/Thomas Jewelers WV
Ohio State University, Athens OH
L’il Bit of Heaven Cupcakes
And many families just like yours!
Awards and Affiliations Past and Present
International Santa Claus Hall of Fame 2020
Keep Christ in Christmas Award 2012
Knight of Saint Nicholas 2013
Santa Claus Oath Committee Member and Signer
Order of the Benevolent Reindeer
Named the Official Santa Claus of the City of Saint Albans WV (2012)
The Royal Order of Santa Claus
Graduate, Saint Nicholas Institute
Graduate, International Santa Claus University
The West Virginia Santa Claus Society
Clausnet
World Santa Claus Network
Fraternity of International Real Bearded Santas (2008)
Amalgamated Order of Real Bearded Santas (2005)
Palmetto Santas
Longleaf Pine Santas
Carolina Santas
HireSanta
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