Santa Lou Knezevich

Santa Lou Knezevich describes portraying Santa Claus as “a story book career.”
Santa Lou grew up in Cleveland, Ohio where the movie “A Christmas Story” was filmed and is a true reminder of his childhood. Many years ago, his work transferred him from Cleveland to Tampa, Florida and this is where he quickly fell in love with the South. He eventually settled in the Atlanta, Georgia area, and after retiring remained there with his family, as it is the place they call home.

As a professional Santa for over eighteen years, he has made hundreds of Santa appearances during the Christmas Season and various special occasions throughout the year. As a student of “everything Santa”, Santa Lou is eager to share his experience and knowledge with other Santas. He has been featured in many commercials, advertising, print ads and also on stage. He received invitation to appear in the “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” and for visits with some of Atlanta’s premier families. Although he has been privileged to be a part of some incredibly special events, he truly enjoys bringing joy to cancer kids, challenged adults and senior citizens.

Lou is a Co-Founder and has been a Master Instructor at Atlanta’s Santa Claus Academy. He is also a co-founder of the Northern Lights Santa Academy, a Founding Member of The Brotherhood of the Direct Descendants of Santa, a member of the Peachtree Santas Plus and a member of the Real Bearded Santas of North Georgia. He has also served as a Board Member of Santa America (santaamerica.org).

As a writer, he has contributed to the North Pole Observer and ClausNet.com. His writings have appeared in The Red Suit Diaries, Santa America’s, Santa Blog and many others works. He has also designed exclusive Santa costumes and accessories for himself and Mrs. Claus.
 
Santa Lou saw a need for a program to mentor new Santas. With that thought in mind, he developed a self-study/mentoring program for Santas everywhere. The Legendary Santa University Program covers a variety of subjects to help all become the best Santa they can be. Santa Lou’s motto and reminder to all Santas:
“Never forget... it’s not about you, it’s about the children.”​

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

♦- Santa Lou is featured annually at the St. Regis Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia. They host the popular “Tea with Santa”, which has been voted one of the Top 10 Best Tea’s in the country by ABC’s Good Morning America.

♦- Annually, he appears on stage at Atlanta’s fabulous FOX Theater in “Larry, Carols and Mo” Christmas show. He has also appeared at the FOX with the New York City Music Hall’s famous Rockettes in the show “Cookies & Milk with Santa.”

♦- He has appeared at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum’s, “North Pole Limited”, Marietta’s ”Fourth in the Park Parade”, Macy’s, the Marriot Marquis in Atlanta, Four Seasons Hotel of Atlanta, Park ‘n Fly, the Atlanta Bread Company and many notable home and corporate visits.

♦- He donates his time to groups working with children who have cancer such as, the Rally Foundation, C.U.R.E and Children’s Health Care of Atlanta. Some of his favorite visits are with the “Big Kids”, which includes the inter-city senior community at Emmaus House and “Reach Out” for mentally-disabled adults in Marietta.

♦- CNN has featured Santa Lou as one of Seven Outstanding Santas in the United States.

♦- Santa Lou is the recipient of the prestigious Santa Claus Foundation – “Charles W. Howard Award”.

Santa Thomas Tolbert

Santa Thomas Tolbert started his Santa career at age 16 at a local department store and has never looked back. He’s also had a distinguished career in film, stage, photography, mall and home appearances, that has rounded out a portfolio of solid experiences. Thomas is a sincere Santa, who strives to help new and seasoned Santas to achieve their full capabilities. His jovial manner and Santa appearance endears him to all who see him.

Santa Thomas’ clients have included many VIPs around the United States, Town Parades and Events, celebrities of the stage, screen, and music industries, and local and national charities. However, with all this under his Santa belt, Thomas will tell you that “ALL clients and guests” are equally important to him. He truly LIVES the line from the Christmas song -  “Santa Claus is coming to Town”:

He doesn’t care if you are rich or poor; He loves you just the same.  Santa Claus knows we’re ALL God's children, that makes everything right;  So fill your hearts with Christmas cheer, ‘Cause Santa Claus is coming tonight.
What is the one thing that humbles Santa Thomas the most? He has families that follow him every year so there family can see “their Santa” for Christmas. They have traveled from as far as New York City, Las Vegas, California, Nashville and cities throughout Georgia.​

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

♦- Named as one of the “TOP 11 Santa's in AMERICA” by TIME Magazine.

♦- For four years, he has been the in-house Santa Claus for "J. Magials Art studio "

♦- Featured as an actor in the television show "Strange Love", "Santa Looking for Mrs. Claus" episode.

♦- Working as the featured Santa at the "Kissing Tree Studio" for Photographer Larry Hersberger.

♦- Received international press for his striking resemblance and mannerism of Santa Claus.

♦- Guest appearances in the performance of the Nutcracker and ballet company shows, including the San Francisco Ballet.

♦- Thomas studied theatre at the internationally acclaimed North Side High School of Performing Arts. He also studied theatre in college. Soon after, he left for the bright lights of Broadway in NYC, where he studied all aspects of the performing arts and worked in many shows. With the vast knowledge from his studies and experience through the years, he has been able to enhance his performance and allow the portrayal of the real Santa Claus to truly shine through.

♦- Class & Guest Speaker for Sensory Santa; an exclusive 4-hour Meet & Greet event for challenged children and their families.