A behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to portray the beloved Christmas icon in the tropical heat.
SINGAPORE: As Christmas approaches, the sound of Michael Buble and Mariah Carey fills the airwaves, setting the festive mood in malls across Singapore. But behind the familiar jingles, there’s a special kind of magic that happens every holiday season—the presence of Santa Claus. While many of us may enjoy a quick photo with the jolly man in red, there’s a lot more to being Santa Claus than just donning the iconic suit and beard.
We spoke to several men who portray Santa Claus at malls and events across Singapore to get a glimpse of the challenges and rewards of playing Father Christmas in the tropics.
The Heat Challenge
“The biggest challenge of being Santa Claus is always the heat,” says Peer Metze, 61, a Santa Claus veteran. “Even in air-conditioned environments, it gets super hot. And it’s not just because I’m a White guy—I’ve been in Asia for many years.” Despite the comfort of a mall, the heavy costume and beard can make even the smallest appearances a sweat-inducing ordeal.
Besides the physical toll, the interaction with children comes with its own set of hurdles. “Sometimes, there are naughty kids who try to rip off your clothes or beard, and you have to maintain the joyous front. Santa cannot say ‘no’,” says Metze. For him, the most rewarding moments are when he sees the magic come to life in the eyes of the children, who often forget their stress when they meet Santa.
Unexpected Encounters
For Andrew Carter, 50, the most memorable challenge was trying to get to multiple events in one night. “I remember having two appearances on Christmas Eve. One was at Raffles Hotel, and the other was in Serangoon,” Carter recalls. “I had to take a cab, in full costume, which is always an adventure.”
The best part of the night? When a little boy spotted him in the queue for a cab, shouting, “Oh my, it’s Santa Claus! Merry Christmas!” Even though Santa has to make quick adjustments to remain “in character,” Carter finds joy in these spontaneous, magical moments. “Getting down to kids’ level helps, and speaking with laughter in your voice gives them the idea of happiness.”
The Magic of the Job
Andy Hillyard, 61, who has also donned the Santa suit for years, says that despite the physical demands, he never tires of the job. “We’ve had days where we’ve taken photos with over 1,500 families. For the children, it’s always their first time meeting Santa, so I approach it with the same energy every time. I’d want Santa to treat my own kids the same way.”
While the sessions themselves are often long, Hillyard finds the most difficulty in getting to the venue, dealing with traffic, and finding a place to change. “One time, I had to change in the staircase lobby of a mall because the changing rooms were under renovation. I used my phone’s front camera and flashlight to make sure the beard was on right.” Despite the minor inconveniences, the joy of seeing children’s faces light up when they meet Santa makes it all worthwhile.
For Hillyard, the role of Santa goes beyond just an appearance—it’s about spreading fun, joy, and comfort. Even interactions with local ministers become part of the experience, with the Santa suit acting as an icebreaker for social engagements.
Conclusion
Being Santa Claus in Singapore might not be as simple as it seems—between the tropical heat, the busy schedule, and the demands of staying “in character,” it’s a role that requires both physical and emotional endurance. Yet, for these Santa Clauses, the joy of bringing smiles to children’s faces makes it all worth it. Whether it’s answering heartfelt Christmas wish lists or sharing a festive moment with families, being Santa in Singapore continues to be a rewarding, albeit challenging, experience.
In the end, these men find magic in their role, and they hope Santa Claus will continue to be a cherished figure for generations to come.
