Wondrous Women of Christmas & Mr. Ambassadors

If ever there was a man born to be Santa Claus, it is Phillip L. Wenz. As a four-year-old child, he donned his first Santa

outfit. By the time he was fourteen, he was in his first parade and at the ripe old age of twenty-three, he became the

year-round Santa Claus for the iconic Santa’s Village Theme Park in Dundee, Illinois. It is an association he has now had

for over 35 years. He is the longest tenured Santa in the park’s sixty-five plus-year history and is one of the very few true

full-time year around professional Santas in history. He appears in costume at the park and at special events over 200-

plus days a year. (Note: He retired from the park at the end of December 2024 at the age of sixty-two.)

Wenz has appeared in over 65 Christmas Parades including the nationally televised parades in Chicago, Illinois and

Houston, Texas. He has been Santa on numerous TV shows, billboards, commercials, and magazine covers, along with

appearing at some of the nation’s largest corporate and civic holiday events, including emceeing the Christmas Tree

Lighting ceremonies in both Chicago and Houston. As Santa he has been given the title of "Chicago's Very Own" by WGN-

TV, awarded the 1994 Brass Ring Award for Best Theme Park Commercial by the International Association of

Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), and received the "Hats Off 2 Houston" award from KPRC-TV in Houston. In

2012 he was presented the “Spirit of St. Nicholas” award from the St. Nicholas Institute in Detroit, Michigan.

His resume also includes work in Santa Claus, Indiana at the historic Candy Castle, consulting on Christmas programs,

and being a published author. He is considered a leading authority and historian on the Santa Claus legend, history, and

folklore. Wenz is, bar none, one of the most experienced Santas ever and is the creator of the Santa Claus Oath, which is

widely accepted by nearly every Santa portrayer across the globe.

In December 2010, Wenz was bestowed with the highest honor a Santa Claus can receive, enshrinement as a charter

member into the International Santa Claus Hall of Fame in Santa Claus, Indiana. Of the original fourteen honorees,

including the first department store Santa and several men born in the 19th century, Wenz was the first living Santa to

be inducted. He was also recognized by his peers from the Santa Claus Community in March 2013 by receiving the first

ever “Legendary Santa Claus” award.

Phillip L. Wenz retired from all performing as the character completely in January 2025, but he continues to work and

engage with his business partners and connections including the Christmas Entertainers Community.

Cat Ellen first took to the stage at age 4 and has been living backstage and onstage ever since. First taught to read to help her mom run lines for stage, training as an instrumentalist, singer, and dancer through all her school years, and then spending a decade as a professional dance instructor, Cat has been thinking about incremental improvement her whole life. 

Together with Santa True, she is the co-founder of Christmas Performer Workshops and she is the driving force behind the instructional design and publications. Cat is fiercely committed to enabling adult learners to embrace their existing experience and channel it into the training techniques designed to create the performing magic of their dreams. 

Tracy Pierce is a professional Mrs. Claus performer, educator, and creative entrepreneur known for bringing depth, authenticity, and refined storytelling to the art of Christmas performance. With a background rooted in the arts, design, and hands-on craftsmanship, Tracy has built a career centered on creating immersive, meaningful experiences for families and audiences of all ages.

She currently serves as Mrs. Claus at Big Cedar Lodge, the award-winning luxury resort widely recognized as the number one holiday hotel in the nation. In this role, Tracy has developed an innovative approach to the Mrs. Claus character—blending elevated costuming, intentional guest interaction, and richly layered storytelling to create experiences that feel both timeless and deeply personal.

As the owner and creative force behind A Touch of Christmas Magic, Tracy designs and produces bespoke Mrs. Claus outfits for performers across the country. Her work reflects a commitment to excellence, unique designs, and quality suits that will last the test of time. 

In addition to her performance work, Tracy is a dedicated mentor and teacher within the Claus community. She is passionate about equipping fellow performers with the tools, presence, and perspective needed to become well-rounded, authentic Mrs. Claus figures—whether in luxury resort settings, intimate home visits, or story-driven environments. Her approach emphasizes heart, professionalism, and the belief that real magic is found in genuine human connection.

When Mrs. Claus leaves the North Pole, she is Natasha Spencer-Coley, a Florida-based chef influencer, cooking, crafting, and sharing great food with thousands of her followers. While traveling, she uses her platform to spotlight locally owned businesses. She combines her background in STEM training, program development, performance and culinary arts to create magical experiences throughout the year. You can find Mrs. Cand her Santa on your favorite social media platforms, at appearances throughout the country, and even at magical celebrations in the happiest place on earth!  

George Smithers, known to families across the country as Santa George, is more than a Santa—he is a living experience rooted in purpose, passion, and presence. A devoted husband, proud father, and loving grandfather, George carries the values of faith, family, and tradition into every space he enters.

As a professional, real-bearded ethnic Santa Claus, Santa George has spent years bringing authentic Christmas magic to children and families from all walks of life. His mission is simple yet powerful: to ensure that every child feels seen, heard, valued, and loved. With a warm smile, gentle spirit, and genuine heart, he creates unforgettable moments that last far beyond the holiday season.

Beyond the red suit, George is a published author, using his voice to tell meaningful, culturally rich stories that inspire children to dream big and embrace who they are. He is also the creator of a premium beard care line, crafted with the same commitment to excellence, discipline, and consistency that defines his life and brand.

Whether he is in the Santa chair, writing a story, or building his legacy, Santa George stands on a firm foundation: prayer, excellence, and consistency. Through every interaction, he continues to spread joy, uplift communities, and create experiences that families will cherish for a lifetime.

For the past 19 years, Cynthia has had the joy of bringing Mrs Claus to life—both as a solo performer and alongside Santa. With a background as a professional clown and face painter, Cynthia adds extra sparkle, laughter, and creativity to every event. 

Beyond the holiday season, Cynthia’s years of experience working with children of all abilities, including those with disabilities, have shaped her approach with patience, compassion, and joy. Whether she is telling a story, painting a smile, or sharing Mrs. Claus’s gentle warmth, Cynthia creates memorable, inclusive experiences that make every child feel special.