Columbus, Nebraska
1924 – 1998

International Santa Claus Hall of Fame Charter Member – December 2010

Robert George was born in Nebraska in 1924 to Lebanese parents. He started out as a barber before putting on a Santa suit for the first time in 1949, focusing his early appearances on disadvantaged and needy children.

His reputation grew steadily. In 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower invited him to the White House, and George went on to serve as Santa Claus for five more administrations, appearing for Presidents John F. Kennedy, Richard M. Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, and George H.W. Bush.

Away from the White House, George transformed his Southern California home into a year-round Christmas display called “Santa’s Dreamland,” which drew thousands of visitors over the years.

He regularly visited hospitals, community centers, orphanages, and nursing homes, bringing gifts to children in need.

In 1997, the Lifetime Channel aired “A Different Kind of Christmas,” a film loosely based on his life.

Robert George died in 1998 at the age of 74.