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Now Accepting Bookings for the 2026 Holiday Season, Reserve Central Ohio’s Premier Santa Experience Today.
Santa Ben is more than a performer—he's a dedicated professional committed to delivering exceptional holiday experiences. With advanced training from the Charles W. Howard Santa School and the International University of Santa Claus, combined with years of real-world expertise serving 150+ families and businesses, Santa Ben brings authenticity, professionalism, and genuine warmth to every celebration.
Every visit is carefully crafted to create meaningful moments that families and organizations treasure for years to come.
The Journey Behind the Suit
I was born on September 22, 1972, and raised on the east side of Columbus, Ohio, in a family where Christmas was never just a day on the calendar. It was tradition. It was storytelling. It was the quiet magic that happens when people slow down long enough to be fully present with one another.
Long before I ever wore the red suit, those experiences shaped how I understood the season. I just didn’t know it yet.
Before Santa entered my life, I was a husband, a father, and a hard worker who followed many paths. I spent time in public service and transportation — law enforcement, snow removal, transit supervision, and eventually driving for The Ohio State University. No matter the role, one thing never changed: family came first. My wife, Melissa, and our three sons grounded me in what truly matters, long before Santa ever asked anything of me.
My journey with Santa began in 2020, not with performances, but with learning. I made a deliberate decision to explore what it truly means to be Santa — not to wear the suit, but to earn the trust that comes with it. That first year was devoted entirely to study, reflection, and preparation. I didn’t perform that season.
In 2021, I stepped into the role publicly. At first, I approached it like many things in my life — as a small business. I worked hard. I prepared thoroughly. I gave every visit my full effort. What I didn’t yet understand was the weight Santa carries when he’s invited into someone’s home.
That understanding didn’t come from a single dramatic moment. It came from listening.
After my first season, families began sharing what the visits meant to them. Not the photos. Not the gifts. The moments. The pauses. The things their children remembered. Their words forced me to look backward at my own childhood. Christmas itself had left me with deep and lasting memories — but my memory of Santa was vague. He had been present, but not personal.
That realization changed everything.
I knew then that I wanted to offer something more. Not a performance that passed through a room, but an experience that lingered. One that mattered.
From that point forward, I pursued mentorship and education with intention. I attended multiple Santa schools, learned from those who carried the role with depth and humility, and began to understand that Santa isn’t something you do — he’s something you carry. I built a complete backstory and a living North Pole world, not as a script, but as a place I could draw from naturally. Story became the bridge. Presence became the priority.
I learned that the most powerful moments are often quiet ones — when a child feels truly seen, or when a parent realizes their child will remember this long after the season ends.
Over the years, Santa has taken me into many settings: private homes, schools, nursing homes, community celebrations, corporate events, charitable spaces, and even high-end public venues like Easton Town Center. Each environment is different, but I’ve learned where my strengths live. I do my best work where there is time — time to listen, time to connect, time to let the moment breathe.
Some of the most meaningful visits happen far from the spotlight. I’ve had the honor of visiting children facing serious illness, supporting families through charitable organizations, and standing alongside first responders and community groups. Those moments reinforce something I’ve come to believe deeply: Santa’s role isn’t about spectacle. It’s about presence. About meeting people exactly where they are, with dignity and care.
As my journey continued, I realized the responsibility didn’t stop with my own visits. I founded Ohio Santas to help create a supportive, education-focused community for performers who wanted to honor the role as much as I did. Later, that work grew into Master Claus Academy, an annual gathering dedicated to mentorship, learning, and the preservation of Santa as an art form.
I’ve never seen myself as an instructor. My role has always been to facilitate — to create space, bring people together, and make learning accessible. If others grow because of something I helped build, that’s enough.
When I think about legacy, I don’t think about my name. I think about continuity. I hope the things I’ve helped create continue to serve the next generation. I hope the standard of care, preparation, and presence keeps rising. And I hope that, in some small way, the moments I’ve been part of help people believe — not just in Santa, but in kindness, generosity, and wonder.
The Santa Ben Story: From Passion to Profession
In 2021, Ben Belhorn made his professional debut as Santa Ben after completing rigorous training and preparation. What started as a personal desire to create authentic holiday experiences has evolved into a thriving business serving hundreds of families, corporate clients, and community organizations across Central Ohio.
Santa Ben's approach is rooted in professionalism and authenticity. Every visit is personalized, every interaction genuine, and every moment designed to create lasting memories. His commitment to continuous learning, combined with his natural ability to connect with people of all ages, has earned him a reputation as Central Ohio's most trusted and respected Santa professional.
Commitment to Excellence: Credentials and Professional Development
Santa Ben's dedication to his craft is reflected in extensive professional training and continuous education. A graduate of the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School, he holds both Bachelor and Master of Santa Claus degrees from the International University of Santa Claus. With over 200 hours of formal education through specialized workshops including the Santaology Series and Christmas Performer Workshops, Santa Ben maintains the highest standards of professional excellence.
Beyond traditional training, Santa Ben has pioneered advanced techniques in personalized storytelling, consultation-based client experiences, and premium photography sessions. His innovative approach to Santa services—including digital photo booth experiences and elite photography partnerships—demonstrates his commitment to evolving the craft while maintaining authenticity and professionalism.
Santa Ben Belhorn & Santa Melissa Rickard at the Charles W Howard Santa School, Oct 2022
City of Reynoldsburg Tree Lighting Celebration
Community Leadership: Giving Back Through Service
Santa Ben believes in using his platform and expertise to serve those in need. Each year, he partners with organizations including the Whitehall Police Department's "Shop with a Cop" program and AngelWorks to bring joy to children and families facing significant challenges. His appearances at The Ohio State University James Cancer Hospital, community events honoring first responders, and local schools demonstrate his commitment to spreading holiday spirit where it matters most.
Santa Ben's philosophy is straightforward: revenue from paid events directly supports his ability to provide pro bono appearances, maintain professional training, and ensure that no child or community is left without authentic holiday experiences. This commitment to service is central to his mission and reflects his values as both a professional and a community member.
Leadership in the Professional Santa Community
Santa Ben's influence extends throughout the professional Santa community. As founder and president of Ohio Santas—an official IBRBS chapter with 200+ members statewide—he fosters excellence, education, and professional standards among Christmas performers across the region. His leadership has created a vibrant network dedicated to raising the bar for holiday entertainment.
In 2024, Santa Ben founded Master Claus Academy, Central Ohio's premier Santa training workshop. With graduates from 19+ states and a curriculum centered on advanced storytelling and professional mastery, MCA has become a cornerstone for performer development. The Academy attracts renowned instructors and cultivates the next generation of Santas, Mrs. Clauses, and Elves committed to authentic, professional performances.
Welcoming Santas from across the country to Master Claus Academy—where the spirit of Christmas and the pursuit of excellence come together.
Professional Recognition and Industry Leadership
Santa Ben's expertise and professionalism have earned recognition throughout Central Ohio and beyond. He is a trusted partner for prestigious organizations including Bath & Body Works corporate headquarters, Hotel LeVeque, Columbia Gas, and leading local photographers. His annual appearances on Mayor Joe's 12 O'Clock Show for the City of Reynoldsburg showcase his standing as a community leader and professional resource.
Santa Ben regularly contributes insights to industry platforms, including guest appearances on podcasts such as Tuesday Night Live, Santas Magical Fellowship Group, and the Kringle Brothers Podcast. These engagements reflect his role as both a respected performer and a thought leader shaping the future of professional Christmas entertainment.
The Santa Ben Philosophy: Professionalism Meets Authenticity
For Santa Ben, being Santa is a professional commitment rooted in authenticity and genuine connection. Every detail—from his custom wardrobe to his carefully developed storytelling techniques—is designed to deliver an experience that honors the tradition while meeting the highest standards of professionalism.
Santa Ben's approach is consultative, personalized, and client-focused. He works closely with families and organizations to understand their vision, anticipate their needs, and deliver an experience that exceeds expectations. His promise is straightforward: authentic engagement, professional excellence, and genuine warmth at every visit. With Santa Ben, families and organizations can trust that their holiday celebration will be crafted with expertise, integrity, and care.
Trusted Excellence You Can Count On
✓ Fully Insured ($1M Professional Liability Coverage)
✓ Annual Background Checks
✓ Over 200 Hours of Professional Santa Training
✓ Graduate of Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School
✓ Member – The Red Suit Society
✓ Bachelor & Master of Santa Claus Degrees from International University of Santa Claus
✓ Founder & Dean of Master Claus Academy
✓ President & Founder of Ohio Santas (145+ Members)
✓ 150+ Repeat Clients with 70% Return Rate
✓ Featured in Local Media & Industry Podcasts
✓ Advanced Storytelling & Premium Photography Services
Ready to Create Exceptional Holiday Moments?
Whether you're planning an intimate home visit, a corporate celebration, a professional photography session, or a community event, Santa Ben is ready to deliver an expertly-crafted experience tailored to your vision.
Secure your booking today and discover why 150+ families and organizations trust Santa Ben as Central Ohio's premier Santa professional.
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