Affectionately know as Santa “Crabtree”, Real-life married couple Jon & Melissa have been visiting with the families of Chicago for the past 9 years at Navy Pier’s Winter Wonderfest.
They have been seen at Santa events large and small across Chicago, but have happily made their homebase at Navy Pier. By pier estimates they’ve visited with over a million families from around Chicago and the world during their holiday seasonal visits.
“Santa Season” is an event that Jon and Melissa take very seriously, for they know the responsibility and power Santa has to bring joy and light to all that they meet.
They broken records in the number of people in a santa photo (64!), met dogs, and multigenerational families. They also each year work to add to their language skills to their Santa Visits, with Spanish & American Sign Language being their current focus.
They’s met young and old, Mrs. Claus has held a 9 day old baby, and they’ve met with an 100 year old women. A special place in their heart is reserved for friends with accessibility needs.
Santa Crabtree especially has become a meaningful part of a number of families lives due to his ability to read what a child needs to feel successful in their Santa interaction. We have families that have been visiting us for all 9 years we’ve been in Chicago, and they have the photos to prove it!