By Sara Beth Williams–
George Frey, a Citrus Heights resident and U.S. Army veteran, has stepped into the famous red suit this season, continuing a family tradition that spans generations.
His season officially began on Nov. 5, Frey said, with his wife joining him as Mrs. Claus. Together they run Santa’s Magical Experience, with the ultimate goal to spread holiday cheer “anywhere and everywhere” throughout the city and the region.
In many ways, Frey has been preparing for the role his entire life, though it wasn’t his first career choice. Frey’s connection to the role of Santa runs deep. His great-grandfather, originally from Norway, was the first in the family to play the part.
Frey said when his great-grandfather passed, his grandfather took over, describing him as “a big, rotund guy.” Then Frey’s father carried the tradition afterward in the 90s, serving as Santa Claus at Disneyland for 20 years. His cousin stepped in after his father retired but recently stepped away for health reasons.
His father passed three years ago, leaving behind memories that shaped Frey’s childhood and the legacy that now inspires him.
Despite the family tradition, Frey said he never imagined taking on the role full time as his father had, though he portrayed Santa Claus occasionally. Around the time his cousin stepped away, one of Frey’s friends, who also worked as a professional Santa Claus, encouraged him to give the role a try. Frey, who spent 34 years in professional wrestling and stepped away from active competition two years ago, wasn’t sure he fit the typical Santa image.
“I’m 6 foot, 230 pounds, don’t have the big belly,” he joked. But he decided to take the advice to heart. “Just give it a try, see what you think,” his friend told him.
Last Christmas Eve, Frey walked into Evangeline’s in Sacramento and bought a $200 Santa suit.
“It was too old world for me,” he said of the long, hooded coat, adding that it didn’t fit properly. He remembered his father’s custom-made suit, but it had been lost in a shed fire. While going through his father’s records, he found a letter referencing Adelles of Hollywood, a company known for crafting high-quality professional Santa Claus suits. Frey contacted them and spoke with the owner’s daughter. She remembered making suits for his father every year and still had the pattern on file.
“Normally suits are $1,000,” Frey said, “but because my dad was one of their customers, they sold it to me for $650.”
When the new suit arrived, Frey broke down and was able to show the suit to his mother-in-law, who was battling a terminal illness, before she passed away. Frey said the moment left a lasting impression.
“She was one of my biggest supporters,” Frey said, adding that everything he does is in memory of his son, father, and mother-in-law.
Joining the “Brotherhood of Red,” as Frey calls the tight-knit community of professional Santa Clauses, has strengthened his connection to the role and his past.
In December, Frey and his wife are taking part in an all-day family friendly Christmas festival and toy drive at Bliss Farms in Citrus Heights. The event takes place Dec. 13 from 12 to 8 p.m. and will feature $8 photos with Santa, arts and crafts vendors, stone-baked pizza, a local chef, hot cocoa, cookie decorating and ornament making.
The Christmas festival also serves another purpose: to gather donations of toys for families in need for Ultimate Riot Wrestling, which frequently participates in charity events and donations. All toys donated will be distributed between the Sacramento children’s receiving home, Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, Loaves and Fishes, and Weave shelters.
Residents can donate to Bliss Farms at www.blissfarmca.com.
Portraying Santa Claus has become more than just putting on a suit, and more than just earning a living. Frey says the role is an attitude and a lifestyle.
“I have the spirit of Christmas in me at all times,” he said, adding that it’s all about the smiles on kids’ faces, and making them still believe. “I’m full bearded. I’ve had kids stop me at Walmart and say, ‘You look like Santa.’” Frey also frequently hands out small toys like hot wheels or stuffed animals to kids he sees while he is out in the community.
He recounted meeting children outside a hotel at Disneyland with his wife. When a child recognized him, they whispered to their father, asking who he was. Frey showed them a photo of himself in his full suit. When the child pointed out his tattoos, he replied, “I’m on vacation—I’m in disguise. Reindeer only fly on Christmas Eve.”
Frey is available for Santa Claus appearances at $200 the first hour and $150 for each additional hour. Anyone interested can contact him through his booking page here.
Bliss Farms in Citrus Heights is located at 8304 Bovingdon Ln. and visitors can find out more information on their website.
