About Santa Ben: A Legacy of Christmas Magic
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Create Unforgettable Holiday Magic with Central Ohio's Premier Santa Experience
From a heartfelt desire to bring authentic holiday joy to his own family, Benton A. Belhorn transformed into Santa Ben, Central Ohio’s premier Santa Claus. With every visit, he weaves timeless traditions and genuine warmth into magical experiences that create cherished memories for children and adults alike. Join the journey of a dedicated Santa whose passion and professionalism bring the true spirit of Christmas to life.
The Santa Ben Story: A Journey of Heart and Magic
What began as a simple wish to create authentic holiday memories for his son has blossomed into a remarkable journey of Christmas enchantment. Ben Belhorn, known across Central Ohio as Santa Ben, made his debut in 2021 after a year of dedicated training and preparation. Since then, he has brought joy and wonder to thousands of families and events, crafting magical moments that linger in hearts long after the season ends.
Santa Ben’s story is one of passion, authenticity, and unwavering commitment to preserving the timeless spirit of Santa Claus. Every visit is more than a performance—it’s a heartfelt experience designed to inspire belief, spark imagination, and create lasting traditions.
Santa Ben Belhorn & Santa Melissa Rickard at the Charles W Howard Santa School, Oct 2022
Commitment to Excellence: Credentials and Innovation
Santa Ben’s dedication to his craft is rooted in rigorous training and a relentless pursuit of excellence. A proud graduate of the prestigious Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School—often called the “Harvard of Santa Schools”—he also 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 continually sharpens his skills to deliver an unparalleled experience.
What truly sets Santa Ben apart is his innovative approach to the art of Christmas performance. He has pioneered sophisticated storytelling techniques, a consultation-based client approach, and premium photography session methods that elevate traditional Santa visits into heirloom-quality memories. His introduction of a modern photo booth service and collaboration with elite photographers further expand the magic he creates for families and events.
Serving with Heart: Community and Charitable Impact
At the core of Santa Ben’s mission is a deep commitment to giving back. Each year, he partners with organizations like the Whitehall Police Department’s “Shop with a Cop” and AngelWorks, bringing hope and joy to children and families facing life’s toughest challenges. From heartfelt visits with pediatric cancer patients to appearances at The Ohio State University James Cancer Hospital and community events honoring first responders, Santa Ben believes in spreading magic where it’s needed most.
His philosophy is simple: every paid event helps make these charitable moments possible—funding training, professional wardrobe, and travel so that no child or community is left without holiday cheer. Whether visiting local schools, churches, or community gatherings, Santa Ben ensures that the true spirit of Christmas reaches everyone.
Whitehall Police Shop with a Cop
Welcoming Santas from across the country to Master Claus Academy—where the spirit of Christmas and the pursuit of excellence come together.
Leadership and Mentorship: Elevating the Santa Community
Santa Ben’s influence extends far beyond his own performances. As the founder and president of Ohio Santas—an official IBRBS chapter serving over 145 members statewide—he champions excellence, education, and camaraderie among Christmas performers. His visionary leadership fosters a vibrant community dedicated to raising the bar for holiday entertainment.
In 2024, Santa Ben launched Master Claus Academy, Central Ohio’s premier Santa training workshop. With graduates from 19+ states and a curriculum centered on storytelling mastery, the Academy has become a cornerstone for professional development. Under his guidance, MCA attracts renowned instructors and cultivates the next generation of Santas, Mrs. Clauses, and Elves committed to authentic, magical performances.
Professional Recognition and Media Presence
Santa Ben’s reputation for excellence resonates far beyond Central Ohio. His dedication and expertise have earned him features on local media, including the annual appearance on Mayor Joe’s 12 O’Clock Show for the City of Reynoldsburg. Trusted by prestigious partners such as Bath & Body Works corporate headquarters, Hotel LeVeque, and Columbia Gas, Santa Ben’s influence extends to high-profile corporate events and elite photography collaborations.
Regular guest spots on podcasts like Tuesday Night Live, Santas Magical Fellowship Group, and the Kringle Brothers Podcast further showcase his leadership and insights within the professional Santa community. These appearances highlight Santa Ben’s role as both a performer and a respected voice shaping the future of Christmas entertainment.
Santa Ben’s Philosophy: Authentic Magic, Every Visit
For Santa Ben, being Santa is more than a role—it’s a calling rooted in authenticity, heartfelt connection, and the joy of creating wonder. Every detail, from his custom wardrobe to his carefully honed storytelling, is designed to bring the true spirit of Christmas to life for each guest, young and old.
His promise is simple: to deliver a magical, memorable experience at every event, restoring belief and sparking joy in every heart he meets. With Santa Ben, families and organizations can trust that their holiday memories will be crafted with warmth, professionalism, and genuine Christmas magic.
Trusted Excellence You Can Count On
✅ Fully Insured & Background Checked
✅ Over 200 Hours of Professional Santa Training
✅ Graduate of Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School
✅ Bachelor & Master of Santa Claus Degrees from International University of Santa Claus
✅ Founder & Dean of Master Claus Academy
✅ President & Founder of Ohio Santas (250+ Members)
✅ 150+ Repeat Clients and Counting
✅ Featured in Local Media & Podcasts
✅ Innovative Storytelling & Premium Photography Services
Ready to Create Magical Memories?
Whether you’re planning an intimate home visit, a festive corporate event, or a timeless photography session, Santa Ben is here to bring joy, wonder, and authentic Christmas magic to your celebration.
Don’t wait—secure your spot with Central Ohio’s premier Santa today and start making memories that will last a lifetime.
Santa Ben’s Training, Certifications, and Community
Santa Ben’s commitment to excellence is reflected in his extensive education and active involvement in the professional Santa community. His credentials include:
Graduate, Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School (2022) — Known as the “Harvard of Santa Schools”
Bachelor and Master of Santa Claus Degrees, International University of Santa Claus (2023, 2024)
Completion of Santaology Series, Christmas Performer Workshops, and Red Suit Conclave
Founder and Dean, Master Claus Academy — Central Ohio’s premier Santa training workshop
President and Founder, Ohio Santas — Official IBRBS chapter with 145+ members
Active member of IBRBS, MAPS, Buckeye Santas, Bluegrass Christmas Performers, FORBS, ClausNet, and more
Through ongoing training and community leadership, Santa Ben ensures every visit is backed by professionalism, authenticity, and the highest standards of the craft.
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