He's back! Saturday morning at Shannon Theatre!
Santa's coming back to town on Saturday, Dec. 7. His visit, sponsored by the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce, takes place at the Shannon Theatre from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
As an added feature, Greg's Pharmacy will take complimentary photos of all youth on Santa's lap.
If you miss Santa this Saturday, no problem, he's returning on Saturday, Dec. 14, for one final visit. On the 14th he'll be in the lobby of First National Bank.
During his Nov. 23 visit, the Icon talked with Santa about lots of Christmas-related things. Here's part of that conversation.
You travel all over the globe. How do you do it?
By reindeer. But, you need to know that reindeer only fly on Christmas Eve.
We know you as Santa. What are your names in other countries?
I’m also known as Kris Kringle, Pere Noel, Babbo Natale, St. Nick, and many other names.
What do you do on Dec. 25?
I have a late breakfast with Mrs. Claus. Then we spend Christmas morning with family and friends.
How many suits do you have? Do you dress differently in differ countries?
Most people in the United States think of Santa like the Santa in the Coca Cola ads. But I dress differently all over the world. I started wearing my red suit in the 1860s thanks to a newspaper cartoon drawn by Thomas Nast. In warmer climates I wear vests and an open jacket. Some places I wear a cape. I literally have hundreds of gloves.
What typical requests do you receive?
Well, boys usually have long lists, written out. Sometimes these are five pages or longer. Sometimes they have pictures showing items.
Girls are different. They tend to explain things they are hoping for.
What are the tough requests you hear?
I want to make all children happy, but that’s not always easy. It’s tough when a child tells me that Mom or Dad needs a job, or that the family needs a home. I never make promises.
What do adults ask for?
A Cadillac, a husband or a wife, a diamond ring or a million dollars. I tell them that it’s illegal for my elves to make money.
Where exactly is the North Pole?
The North Pole is in your imagination. The truth is in believing in the spirit of giving, of happiness and friendship.
Well, Santa, thanks for talking with us and have yourself a merry little Christmas.
Stories Posted This Week
Monday, October 19, 2026
- Jess Express Travel is the Icon's newest advertiser
- Gatchel 7th in girls, Pirates 4th at NWC cross country meet
- Veterans invited to Pandora-Gilboa banquet, November 10
- October 19 Bluffton Schools athletics lineup, streaming
- Wearable sculptures featured in exhibit On Soft Ground
- Historic depot rentals offered for meetings and parties
Sunday, October 18, 2026
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Friday, October 16, 2026
- Production offers a modern take on the story of St. Clare of Assisi
- Bluffton volleyball edged in 5 by Van Buren
- Pirate girls soccer tie O-G
- Bluffton Council recap: Officers honored for 25 years of service
- Bluffton Clean Up teams up with Troop 3256 Cub Scouts
- Ada FFA: Feeding the Farmers
- Nov. 7 Fall Community Day at Bluffton University
- Quarry Farm Nature Preserve news for Fall 2026
Thursday, October 15, 2026
- DeWine announces $200M Rural Health Transformation program award
- Herb program with Marge Lafollette, Oct. 15
- Prairie seeding activity at Bluffton University, October 24
- Food for thought: Choline for the brain
- Results for 5K on October 2, Bluffton University Homecoming event
- 15 minutes with Sherry Miller, senior center activities coordinator