Typically when you think of visiting Santa for the holiday season, you automatically think of the mall! That is all fine and fun, but Mark DeJohn and Santa âGregâ had a greater idea. Why donât they bring Santa to the sand? And thatâs exactly what they did!
Santa âGregâ is the âOriginalâ Santa in the Sand. Santa âGregâ is a grandfather to 10 grandchildren, with another on the way. He has a warm presence, and it is clear he enjoys bringing happiness and joy during the holiday season. He has been portraying Santa for 37 years when he first bought a costume on the clearance rack at the store. He joined the Fraternal Order of Real Bearded Santaâs, purchased an authentic Santa costume, and started to book gigs. He was working as a mall Santa for Del Amo Mall in Torrance, when he was introduced to Mark DeJohn.
Mark is the Founder of Santa in the Sand/Santa in the Wilderness. Mark has been shooting since he was 8 years old, when he first found a camera in his grandfatherâs garage. He was brainstorming the Santa in the Sand idea, when his wife, came across Santa âGregâ at Del Amo Mall. And the rest is history!
Mark is a father of two boys, which is clear when he is working with your children and family. He knows how to create a magical moment with the collaboration of Santa âGregâ, and says âchildrenâs innocence and curiosity always puts a smile on my faceâ.
This is the 3rd season for Santa in the Sand, and my family had the pleasure of meeting and shooting with Santa and Mark.  They asked my boysâ names before hand to add the personal touch, when seeing Santa for the first time. The whole experience went off without a hitch! My boys (3 ½ and 2 years old) were enamored by Santa, but feeling a little shy. It wasnât long before Santa was able to take their hand and lead them down the beach for a little walk.Â
The whole session felt relaxed, and easy. Mark took many different photos: walking with Santa, individual shots with Santa, family photos, husband/wife photo, Santa pulling a sleigh, and more! The beauty of Santa in the Sand is it makes meeting Santa more comfortable. In the past, our experiences at the mall, or a holiday party have been slightly overwhelming because of the chaos around the whole ordeal. Not to mention, your child gets twenty minutes of uninterrupted Santa time! My oldest son cannot stop talking about Santa at the beach, and keeps asking when we get to visit again! This a memory that is sure to last a lifetime!
Santa in the Sand takes place at Manhattan Beach Pier, Saturday and Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays (with the exception to Thanksgiving weekend). They book up quick once Thanksgiving is over, so be sure to secure your spot! This is an event you do not want to miss out on, and I know will be tradition for my family for years to come!
