December 7th 2025.
Christmas is just around the corner, and this year, the holiday season has brought back a familiar face – Black Santa. This rising icon has become a beloved figure in diverse communities across the U.S., spreading joy and cheer wherever he goes.
The popularity of Black Santa has grown significantly over the years, providing a soulful and jolly representation of the holiday season. For Black families, it's a way to feel seen and included in the celebrations. As a result, many cities have started embracing this tradition, offering their own sightings of the beloved Mr. Claus.
In a time where diversity, equity, and inclusion are under attack, the presence of Black Santa has become even more crucial. As a symbol of representation and pride, he allows diverse families to reclaim Christmas for themselves. This year, states across the nation are hosting sightings of Black Santa, bringing joy to children of all backgrounds.
To help families catch him before he heads back to the North Pole, BLACK ENTERPRISE has compiled a list of these sightings. In Fayetteville, North Carolina, retired Army Veteran Craig Edwards has become an annual beacon of representation as Black Santa. He dons the red suit every Christmas to greet children at the local mall, inspired by his granddaughter's innocent question of why Santa didn't look like her. Edwards attended Santa Academy to learn the tricks and trade of Saint Nick, and he continues to delight families with classic pictures.
In the Midwest, the Progress Center for Black Women hosts an annual event called Photos with Santa at the Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison, Wisconsin. This event has grown from a few hundred to over 1,500 visitors, attracting people of all ages and backgrounds. For many, it's the first time they get to meet a Black Mr. Claus, making it an important and special occasion.
Wilmington, in the Carolinas, has its own unique holiday tradition – Black history tours led by "Soul Santa" himself. Brandon ‘Bigg B’ Hickman believes that Santa is who we make him out to be, and his version of the tour delves deep into the history and legacy of the city's Black community.
In Ohio, The Voice of Black Cincinnati will host their own Black Santa on December 18th at the Cincinnati Art Museum. The event is focused on promoting holiday cheer that everyone can take pride in, and children will have the opportunity to take photos with the melanated figure, reflecting the city's diverse communities.
The Madam Walker Legacy Center in Indianapolis has a host of holiday programming, including the Black Santa Extravaganza. This free event invites families throughout the Midwest to take pictures with Santa as they kick off their Christmas celebrations. The event is held at The Walker, a center that honors the legacy of Madam Walker – a Black women entrepreneur whose ambitions inspired millions and made history.
In Houston, the Black Santa Experience offers a unique twist by bringing Mrs. Claus into the holiday celebration. Families can head to a luxury photo studio to snap a picture with the soulful couple, giving them a chance to see themselves in every aspect of the holiday character.
And lastly, the Black Santa 270 program in Paducah, Kentucky, started in 2017 with a mission to give back to local children in need while spreading cheer with a Santa that sparks imagination. On December 20th, they will continue their tradition by providing toys, food, and photos for children to cherish as they remember their own time meeting the famed Black Santa.
In the spirit of the holiday season, BLACK ENTERPRISE is also kicking off their '12 Days Of Christmas' Gifts with Black-Owned Handbags. It's a great way to support and celebrate Black entrepreneurs while finding the perfect gifts for your loved ones.
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