Rance Miller

“Santa Helping Children“
Toledo, Ohio
1954 – Current

International Santa Claus Hall of Fame – December 2024

Rance Miller started as Santa in 2005 when a long-time friend asked him to be the Santa at their annual family Christmas party.  Since that time he has performed at home visits, video visits, hospital, hospice, nursing homes, pre-schools, adult day care, parades, tree lighting, local TV, media interviews, corporate events and several years at Bass Pro Shop.

In 2015, Rance was instrumental in forming Great Lakes Santas Incorporated, a 501(c)(3) organization. This is a charity for children that donates 100% of funds collected to their purpose to secure thousands of dollars to help hundreds of children every year in Michigan and Ohio to have a toy at Christmas and provides support of clothes or even a meal.

Prior to the formation of Great Lake Santas, Rance donated all his appearance fees directly to Make-A-Wish. He has the heart of philanthropy, Santa Claus helping children. Rance is a staff member at Northern Lights Santa Academy. He has helped that program since 2017. His wife, Mary, joined  him as Mrs. Claus in 2006.  This was a tremendous help for Rance to create and improve his appearance for each event. It was decided that she would attend every event with Rance, so they could share this adventure together.