Appleton’s Jeffrey B. McMullen to be honored in Memphis
For the first time in its history, the International Santa Claus Hall of Fame will honor a Wisconsin-based Santa Claus. Jeffrey B. McMullen, or “Santa Mac” as he is fondly called, will be among nine inductees into the Hall of Fame on April 26, 2024 in Memphis TN.
The International Santa Claus Hall of Fame honors and celebrates the study of famous Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus figures of the past and present. The organization works to preserve the historical documentation of the many men and women who have contributed to the Legend of Santa Claus.
Appleton resident Jeff McMullen has a 40-year history in the performing arts arena, including 30 years as Santa a few times a year. He began his “Santa Mac” career in earnest 12 years ago, highlighted by the introduction of his highly acclaimed Santa’s Magical Christmas Cottage in 2022. The cottage offers families a unique opportunity to visit with Santa Mac in private one-on-one appointments throughout the holiday season. The cottage is adorned with twinkling lights, cozy nooks and festive decorations, and the aroma of freshly baked cookies and pine trees fills the air. Families can choose from a quick chat and photo opportunity with Santa Mac or an extended storytelling time.
The Christmas Cottage is just one of the many ways McMullen has distinguished himself in his career as Santa Mac. He performs at hundreds of events each year, is a presenter at numerous Christmas character workshops and Santa schools and is the visionary and founder of Kringle University. This Christmas/Holiday performer seminar organization offers live conference training, virtual training and personal coaching to those interested in his craft. McMullen has also published a book depicting the wonder-filled experiences he has shared with families while in his Santa role, “Tender Moments from the Big Chair.”
Being recognized by the International Santa Claus Hall of Fame is a capstone on a career in the performing arts industry, McMullen says. “I’m incredibly honored to have followed in the ancient footsteps of Nicholas of Myra,” he said of the fourth-century bishop known for his great deeds of generosity that became the basis for the Santa Claus legend. “My entire career has been based on bringing pleasure to people both young in age and young in spirit,” he said. “I am humbled to be among this incredible 2023 class of nine inductees from around the world. There is no better affirmation of my life’s work than this.” Only 106 individuals have been inducted into the Hall of Fame since its inception.
At the International Santa Celebration in Memphis, the International Santa Claus Hall of Fame will honor the 2020-2023 inductees during a ceremony on Friday, April 26 at the Renasant Convention Center.
Hall of Fame candidates are evaluated by a distinguished panel of 15 judges and chosen for their service to community, range of appearances, contributions to the Santa world, length of service, uniqueness of career and originality. A review of McMullen’s biography provides testament to his achievements.
McMullen has a Master’s degree in Theater/Speech and is a graduate of Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey Clown College. He toured as a clown with the Greatest Show on Earth and was one of five American circus clowns invited to create and implement Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey Clown College – Japan. Earlier in his career, he portrayed a very popular fast-food spokesperson, spent five years on the stand-up comedy circuit, and has earned his Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation from the National Speakers Association for outstanding keynote addresses to corporate America. In total, he has more than 6,000 presentations and performances worldwide under his belt.
McMullen and his wife of 40 years, Debbie, make their home in Appleton, Wisconsin, and have two adult children (Kegan and Mikaela) and one grandson Kedan (who thinks it is so cool that his papa has a direct line to the North Pole!).
For more information on The International Santa Claus Hall of Fame inductee, contact him at: Email: [email protected]
Phone: 920-954-9300
