In Appleton, Santa Mac has been spreading holiday cheer for more than a decade. In 2023, he was welcomed into the International Santa Claus Hall of Fame, becoming the first Wisconsinite to receive this honor.
Appleton’s Santa Mac spreads Christmas cheer and teaches others to do the same
Inside his Santa cottage in Appleton, the experience is different from typical mall visits. There are no long lines or rushed wishes. Santa Mac meets kids where they are, speaking softly, listening closely and letting each moment unfold at the child’s pace.
“Santa Mac is, in my mind, the ultimate ambassador of Christmas spirit. Kindness, and love and sharing. It’s about giving,” McMullen said.
For McMullen, becoming Santa doesn’t start with just a costume. It starts with intention. The boots are polished, the gloves spotless, and every curl of the beard is just right…