Last week, Santa stopped by KTUL's studios on Lookout Mountain to read the poem, "A Visit from Saint Nicholas," by Clement Moore, famous for its first lines:
'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
Santa's visit aired on the Friday, December 22, 2023, edition of KTUL's Living Oklahoma, introduced by Joie Bettenhausen. The video is available on KTUL's website.
And with that, Santa sends his wishes: "Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!" Wishing you all a blessed Christmastide and a happy and prosperous 2024.
Last week, Santa Claus visited Saint Francis's Children's Hospital to be part of the annual Christmas party for the young patients there. Reporter Alex Cash covered the party for Fox 23 and spoke to Santa:
Officials at Saint Francis Children's Hospital say there are over a hundred children in the hospital at the moment.Santa told FOX23 why the party is extra special for him.
"All these children have had many many problems and today is the time they can celebrate," Santa said.
"It's an exciting time for them and they miss being a kid and this is a chance they get to be kids," Santa said.
Video of Santa at Saint Francis Children's Hospital is available at this link.
Santa returns to Philbrook Festival Nights once again for 2023.
Just like last year, Santa's House will be at the south end of Philbrook's South Formal Garden. You'll be able to say hi to Santa and get a photo with him. Santa will be available from 6:00 to 8:30 on Festival Nights.
After stopping to see Santa, you can view the special light show in the east garden, buy a cup of hot cocoa or a snack, and do a make-it-and-take-it craft project. (Click this link for a special map for Festival Nights.)
Festival Nights are special ticketed events outdoors throughout the gardens. Please dress accordingly and wear comfortable shoes. Everyone (including Philbrook members) must book in advance online for a timed-entry ticket; last entry is 8:30 pm each evening. Book early, as tickets go fast.
Santa David will be appearing on Friday evenings during this year's Festival, plus one Saturday:
Friday, November 24, 2023
Friday, December 1, 2023
Friday, December 8, 2023
Saturday, December 9, 2023
Friday, December 15, 2023
Friday, December 22, 2023
Friday, December 29, 2023
Santa David Bates is a real-bearded Santa, a member of the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas, and 2023 is his 19th Christmas season as a Santa.
David is a lifelong Oklahoman and has been a Tulsan since 1969. He is retired from Saint Francis Health System and previously worked for the Cities Service Companies. He is married and has two children and five grandchildren. He is an active member of First Baptist Church in Tulsa.
His 2023 season will include several appearances at Philbrook's Festival Nights, as well as homeowners' association parties, local businesses, and other events. To book Santa David for your 2023 event, send an elf mail to Santa_Tulsa@yahoo.com
You can learn more about Santa from this 2010 Tulsa World feature story about Philbrook's Santa and the accompanying Q&A, this 2008 Urban Tulsa Weekly profile of Santa David Bates, a 2013 profile in Tulsa People, this 2014 Tulsa World story on grooming bushy beards, a 2015 Tulsa World interview by Scott Cherry, and in this tribute column by his son, Michael Bates.
Please visit and like Santa David on Facebook, too!
