Santa Matt

Professional Santa Claus & Santa Claus Portrayal Artist

Santa Matt, also known as Matthew Lang, is a professional Santa Claus and Santa Claus portrayal artist based in Edwardsville, Illinois, serving families, businesses, and communities throughout the St. Louis Metropolitan area, Southern Illinois, and the surrounding region.

With a passion for storytelling, improv, and creating meaningful moments, Santa Matt brings more than a traditional Santa appearance to every event. His goal is to create an experience that feels personal, authentic, and memorable—whether he is sitting with a child for their first visit with Santa, entertaining an entire corporate gathering, posing for professional photographs, or sharing the magic of Christmas with a community.

A proud member of the Worldwide Santa Claus Network and the local Gateway Claus Family, Santa Matt has pursued professional training in Santa portrayal and continues to develop his craft. His experience includes home visits, private parties, corporate and employee appreciation events, community celebrations, photo sessions, parades, Christmas tree lightings, commercial appearances, and other holiday events. He has also brought his Santa character to nursing and residential settings, where the opportunity to brighten someone's day can be just as meaningful as a traditional Christmas visit.

Santa Matt is particularly passionate about the personal side of being Santa. Every child has a different personality, and he believes Santa should meet children where they are. Whether a child is excited to run into Santa's arms, quietly curious, or a little hesitant, Santa Matt takes the time to make the experience comfortable and enjoyable. His approach has been reflected in client testimonials describing him as authentic, patient, kind, gentle, warm, and engaging.

His work extends beyond traditional holiday appearances. Santa Matt offers personalized video messages, virtual Santa visits, storytelling, commercial and promotional appearances, and even Santa-themed wedding officiating. He also brings his character to other seasons and community events, including appearances as the Easter Bunny.

Away from individual appearances, Santa Matt uses his online platforms to share the history, traditions, stories, and spirit behind Christmas. Through his website, YouTube channel, and social media content, he explores Christmas history and traditions, the history of toys, Christmas movies, Santa Claus portrayals, motivational messages, and acts of kindness. His S.A.N.T.A. Initiative—“Spreading Acts of Niceness Through Altruism”—reflects his belief that the spirit of Christmas should not be limited to December.

At the heart of Santa Matt's work is a simple philosophy: Christmas is about more than presents. It's about presence. It's about kindness, generosity, laughter, wonder, and making someone feel special.

From a child's first magical encounter with Santa to a company's holiday celebration, Santa Matt strives to bring the true spirit of Christmas wherever he goes.

 

Make your holiday season unforgettable with Santa Matt!