Now Booking for 2026!
Dave Packard was born and raised in Lafayette, Indiana, and is a proud graduate of Purdue University. Since 1998, he has worked as an Information Technology professional at his alma mater.
Karyn Packard, originally from suburban Chicago, also graduated from Purdue University and has been a dedicated nail technician since 1994.
Married since 1993, we have an adult son. When we are not portraying Santa and Mrs. Claus, we enjoy spending time with family and friends, watching movies, and attending concerts, festivals, and craft shows.
Dave’s naturally-white beard and his Santa hat have brought joy and wonder to many, inspiring him to become Santa Claus. Karyn, sharing his enthusiasm, became the perfect Mrs. Claus to his Santa.
“He errs who thinks Santa enters through the chimney. Santa enters through the heart.” --Charles W. Howard
We felt that being Santa and Mrs. Claus was much more than just wearing a red suit, so we sought education from the best in the business to truly learn the craft and embody our roles.
In October 2024, we attended the famous Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School in Midland, Michigan, known as the “Harvard of Santa Schools” and the oldest operating Santa school (since 1937!) in the world. The school’s founder’s quote, “He errs who thinks Santa enters through the chimney. Santa enters through the heart,” deeply resonated with Dave, and it has been the guiding principle in his journey to portray Santa Claus.
In March 2025, we furthered our training at The Master Claus Academy in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, led by the renowned Kringle Brothers. This workshop allowed us to hone our craft and network with other portrayal artists.
Finally, in February 2026, we completed the 9 Core Classes at The Worldwide Santa Claus Network, led by the esteemed "Santa Ed" Taylor who has appeared in various Hollywood films, television shows and commercials, earning our "AuthentiClaus™ Certifications.
But learning is a journey, not a destination! As active members of IBRBS (International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas) and its local chapters, Hoosier Santas and The Indiana Santa Claus Society, we continue to learn, share, and connect with other performers online and in person through regular luncheons and other events. We started our journey as Santa and Mrs. Claus in 2024 and look forward to bringing smiles to people for many years to come!
We are passionate about the love, joy, and magic of Christmas. Our love for the season is evident as we eagerly put up our tree and decorations right after Halloween!
Dave enjoys incorporating storytelling and props in his Santa performances. From enchanting tales about Tiny, the elf that accompanies Santa every year on his gift-delivering journey around the world, to the mystical "Year Glass" assigned to each and every child and stored in the vast Hall of Records at the North Pole, Dave brings Santa's Village and the elves to life through stories and props.
Karyn has her own variety of items, too! Festive books for story time, impromptu 30-second dances to help energetic kids get out those Christmas wiggles, sing-alongs of classic Christmas songs, and restoring the magic in your Elf on the Shelf are a sampling of the activities that Mrs. Claus can provide.
We are also keenly aware that some children may be timid or shy when it comes to meeting Santa and Mrs. Claus -- especially the youngest ones who may be celebrating their first Christmas! In addition to Karyn's naturally calm and motherly Mrs. Claus, special stuffed bears, a Santa bubble maker, and a patient and gentle tone are some of the techniques we use to help children feel at ease.
Ultimately, our focus is on personalization. If you're looking for a Santa just to ask each child, "What would you like for Christmas?", we're not for you. We strive to learn as much as we can about the people behind every event to make it magical and memorable. For an in-home visit, as an example, we'll work with you to learn the names and ages of the children who will be present. We'll want to know a bit about them such as their personality traits, what they've accomplished over the past year, and where they've worked especially hard and improved. In short, we work and communicate extensively with you to ensure the special moments and memories from your event are ones you'll cherish for a lifetime!
Our love for the season extends throughout the entire year, evidenced by our festively-decorated car to our casual appearance as Santa and Mrs. Claus most weekends. Santa and Mrs. Claus love Hoosier Hospitality and spend a lot of time in the Greater Lafayette area when we're not at the North Pole, so keep an eye out for us. We're always more than happy to meet you, your children, and pose for photos with both the young AND the young at heart!
For your peace of mind, we are insured and background checked through USLI (United States Liability Insurance), a proud member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies. We offer a range of services, including personal in-home visits, community events, corporate gatherings, and partnerships with your business.
We also offer safe and secure invoice payments powered by Stripe, a trusted leader in payment processing.
How can we make your Christmas event magical and memorable? Let's talk! Contact us today.