Michael Bates: December 2010 Archives

Santa David, appearing at Philbrook's Festival of Trees again for the 2010 season, is featured in the Scene section of today's (December 2, 2010) Tulsa World:

The Philbrook Museum's Festival of Trees is in full swing - and one jolly guy has been a star of the event for five years. Santa Claus, decked out in an elaborate red suit and full white beard, meets with children and happily allows them to sit on his lap for photos....

Bates became Philbrook's Santa in 2005.

"We love our Santa," said Karen Fraser, fundraising events manager at the museum. "He is so wonderful with everyone, always patient and ready to listen and smile."

Bates knows he has a good job at the Philbrook.

"It's one of the best places to be Santa because you have so many great kids come in," he said. "Most of the time they're really respectful of the property, and the best part is when you get a group of them jumping in your lap giving you hugs."

Santa's upcoming schedule at Philbrook:

Saturday, December 4, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sunday, December 5, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday, December 11, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sunday, December 12, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Museum admission is $8.50 for adults, $6.50 for seniors and students with ID. Children under 18 are free. Museum admission is free on December 11 (second Saturday of the month).

Photos with Santa cost $10 for the first pose, $20 for up to three poses, including groups. Photos are digital and will be sent via email unless otherwise requested. Photo prices are over and above museum admission.

For more information about Philbrook Museum, visit www.philbrook.org