The Man Behind the Magic
Meet Seven Hills Santa
Dr. Kenny Smith — Lynchburg's own Santa Claus, rooted in the Blue Ridge tradition of warmth, wonder, and genuine Christmas spirit.
Dr. Kenny Smith
Seven Hills Santa · Lynchburg, Virginia
His Story
Meet Seven Hills Santa
Behind the red suit and snowy white beard is Dr. Kenny Smith—a warm, good-humored family man who genuinely enjoys making Christmas magical for children and adults alike. Seven Hills Santa has portrayed Santa professionally for the past three consecutive Christmas seasons. His calm, easygoing manner, natural sense of humor, and years of experience connecting with people help children feel comfortable from the moment Santa enters the room. Whether he is listening to a carefully prepared Christmas wish, answering a curious question about the North Pole, reading a favorite holiday story, or leading a Christmas sing-along, Santa Kenny gives every child his full attention.
Long before he put on the red suit, Kenny learned the importance of faith, family, kindness, and serving others. He is a retired senior pastor and holds a Doctor of Ministry degree in Pastoral Leadership from Liberty University. During more than a decade in pastoral ministry, he also served as a youth minister and worship pastor. Those experiences taught him how to communicate with people of every age, create a welcoming atmosphere, and make each person feel seen and valued.
His journey to becoming Santa has been filled with a wonderfully diverse collection of life experiences. Over the years, Kenny has worked as a food server, custodian, residential homebuilder and general contractor, real estate agent, mortgage loan originator, youth minister, worship pastor, senior pastor, radio producer, and on-air personality. He believes every chapter of life teaches us something valuable—and he remains an enthusiastic reader and perpetual learner.
Of all his roles, however, Kenny is most proud of being a husband, father, and grandfather. He has been married for over 30 years, raised five children and now enjoys the delight of grandchildren. His experience as a father and grandfather gives him a patient and reassuring family presence that parents appreciate.
Kenny takes great pride in being Santa. It even shows in the suit he wears. His professional suits and gear were handcrafted by Santa's Tailor of DeSoto, Texas. His collection also includes carefully selected props gathered from many different places, helping him create an authentic and memorable experience for private family visits, corporate celebrations, community gatherings, church events, photography sessions, and other special occasions.
For families and event planners seeking a dependable, engaging, and professionally presented Santa, Seven Hills Santa offers something truly special: the appearance children imagine, the warmth parents hope for, and the professionalism event planners require. A current background check is available upon request.
Why Families Trust Seven Hills Santa
Professional & Trained
Formally Trained
Trained and certified through rigorous Santa performance programs, ensuring every visit meets the highest professional standard.
Background Checked
Fully background-checked and insured for your complete peace of mind, whether hosting a private family visit or a large corporate event.
Custom Costuming
Outfitted in premium, hand-tailored Santa suits — no department-store costumes. Every detail, from the boots to the belt, is authentic and refined.
Genuine White Beard
A real, natural white beard — not a prop. The kind of Santa that children instinctively believe in, and parents are grateful for.
The Seven Hills Difference
"Every child deserves a Santa visit that feels real — not rushed, not scripted, but genuinely magical. That's what I bring to every home and every event."
— Dr. Kenny Smith, Seven Hills Santa
Kenny's approach is simple: slow down, be present, and let the magic happen naturally. He takes time to learn about each child before a visit when possible, personalizing the experience in ways that leave families speechless. He is equally at home in an intimate living room on Christmas Eve as he is at a grand corporate gala or a church holiday celebration.
Local at Heart
Rooted in Lynchburg
As a proud son of Lynchburg and the Blue Ridge region, Kenny understands the values of this community — faith, family, and the kind of Christmas that feels like coming home. Booking Seven Hills Santa means welcoming a neighbor, not a stranger, into your most cherished holiday moments.
Ready to Bring the Magic Home?
The 2026 season runs November 13 through December 31. Availability is limited — inquire early to secure your date.