John W. Johnson

“Simply St. Nick”
Longs, South Carolina
1977 – Current

International Santa Claus Hall of Fame – December 2020

John Johnson

Endowed with a love of Christmas and its history from an early age, native West Virginian and adopted South Carolinian John W. Johnson, IV, has been “simply Saint Nick” to all he has encountered.  

From his earliest performance in the role at the age of six until today, John has brought love, joy, hope, and Christmas magic to many from the Mountain State to the Grand Strand.  

Mentored by Hall of Famer Jay Long, John has served the Kanawha Valley of West Virginia for over thirty years, particularly around Saint Albans where John was named the official town Santa Claus in 2012.  An actor, musician, and writer, John has appeared regionally in virtually every way in the role, both privately and commercially.  

However, the true measure of his work comes in the benevolent work that has been so dear to the hearts of both he and his wife, Michelle.  Many have been blessed by their generosity, the true measure of a representative of Saint Nicholas.  

In 2020, John and Michelle began a new adventure along the coast of South Carolina. Though the year has been tough, rest assured that John is sharing Santa Claus with both the children back home and with the children in his new, adopted home.  Throughout, he continues to be “simply Saint Nick.”