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 to truly learn the craft and embody the roles. In October 2024, we attended the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School in Midland, Michigan, known as the “Harvard of Santa Schools.” 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.
We also attend luncheons with the Hoosier Santas group to fellowship with other Indiana-based Santas and Mrs. Clauses.
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 objects.
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.
As active members of Hoosier Santas and the Worldwide Santa Claus Network, we continue to learn, share, and connect with other performers. We started our journey as Santa and Mrs. Claus in 2024 and look forward to bringing smiles to people for many years to come!
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.