This Kelowna Santa has made the international hall of fame

What better way to welcome the coming of Christmas Day than to see Kelowna’s very own Santa Tom formerly acknowledged for his decades of spirited activity in his red and white suit.

Tom Kilner posted about his recognition by the International Santa Claus Hall of Fame.

“Truly honoured,“ Tom said in a social media post. “To be recognized by one's peers is a great gift, and for Santa to receive this at Christmas time, makes it all the better. Thank you, I'm still processing.”

The organization celebrates and studies famous Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus of the past and present. It is an ongoing project to preserve the historical documentation of the many men and women who have greatly contributed to the Legend of Santa Claus.

The Hall of Fame noted Tom had founded Santas Across the Globe and the Fraternity of International Real Bearded Santas online social media platforms. Tom has brought many Santas, Mrs. Claus, Elves and others in the Christmas Industry together as well as helped mentor newcomers.

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This story was originally published Dec.14, 2022

Over the 20-plus years Kliner has appeared in a multitude of venues. Originating as a Mall Santa for the first two years, then off on his own, often working with his real Mrs. Claus has opened the opportunities for bringing the Christmas Spirit forth in many ways, the organization said.For the last 25 years, Kelowna’s Tom Kliner has known he is going to have a busy December no matter what.

Each year, as the holiday season rolls around, he eagerly digs out his Santa suit and spreads the spirit of Christmas around the Okanagan.

“It is probably the most fun you’ll ever have,” he told Kelowna10.

His Mr. Claus career started after he quit his job in haste and was looking for work. He answered an ad for a “big and jolly fellow,” not really knowing what it was. He started work as a mall Santa for two years before becoming a freelance Santa.

Kliner said the best part of his job is meeting all the children and seeing the joy he brings them. He recons he meets a few hundred each year.

“You watch through their eyes how everything is brand new, and the best part is for them, the world is still a good place and they’re just happy. It’s fun,” he said.

And while most of his time as jolly old St. Nick is well, jolly, there have been some emotional moments during his time in the chair. He recalled instances where he’s been asked to visit heaven to see loved ones, or to cure a child's cancer.

He said there’s a golden rule he and all the other Santa’s follow for these situations.

“You don’t promise the children anything. That includes gifts or health or whatever it is. You make sure it’s plausible, but not for sure,” Kliner said.

Beyond malls and private events, Kliner has taken the role of the Man In Red to the silver screen thanks to a few appearances in Hallmark movies filmed in the city, which he admits is still an exciting thing to do.

“You can’t deny it, it’s cool getting to see yourself on T.V.,” Kliner said. “Being able to show up as Santa and have some bragging rights in the family.”

When asked if he plans on retiring the gig any time soon, Kliner was very optimistic about his future.

“I intend to keep going until the day I can’t,” Kliner said. “This is one of the very few jobs that you can do where it’s not really a job and ironically the older you get the better you fit the role.”

More information on his services can be found online.