The former NorthPark Center Santa Claus, Carl Anderson, died on Friday, October 13 in Austin. He was 70.
For over three decades, Anderson brought joy to countless children during the holiday season. He held the title of being the longest-serving Santa Claus at NorthPark, a role he began in 1989 before retiring just last year. Even during the pandemic, Anderson continued to portray Santa Claus through virtual appearances.
“Carl had an enthusiastic and gregarious personality,” the Austin funeral home stated in his obituary. “He made friends wherever he went and was always kind and generous. Carl was a talented storyteller, and his great passion was sharing special moments with children as Santa for 30 years at the NorthPark Center in Dallas. Carl touched countless lives over his years at NorthPark and became a treasured member of many annual family traditions.”
Before assuming his role as Santa at NorthPark, Anderson had earned a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin. His expertise in child psychology was evident in his remarkable interactions with children. The Dallas Morning News reported Anderson’s dissertation topic was about children’s responses to the belief in Santa Claus.
“It’s in the strength of a child’s belief, joy or fear that focuses me,” he told Dallas Morning News in 2009.
The Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home and Memorial Park in Austin will host a visitation for Anderson on Wednesday, Oct. 18 at 1:00 p.m. A Celebration of Carl’s life will be held at a later date. As Anderson was an animal lover, the funeral home has encouraged donations to an animal rescue or charity in lieu of flowers to honor his memory.
Last year, Joel Lagrone filled the position after Anderson’s retirement.
