It’s common knowledge in Dallas: NorthPark Center is home to the “real” Santa. Families wait in line hours for a few moments on his lap and a photo to keep with Christmas mementos for years to come.
Carl Anderson receives national attention for his convincing role as St. Nick each year (he just appeared on the Today show). His white beard is real, but there more to it than that. The Dallas Morning News profiled Anderson back in 2009, when he had been playing Santa at NorthPark for 20 years. His background in psychology suits this gig, and he said, “It’s in the strength of a child’s belief, joy or fear that focuses me.”
Here’s a look at Santa through his 25 years at NorthPark. You can still find him in Santa’s Village, on Level One near Macy’s, until 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
