Wilmington couple dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus spreads holiday cheer

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Christmas is 19 days away, but in one Wilmington neighborhood, jolly old Saint Nick has already arrived.

Phil and Charlie McGee like to dress up like Santa and Mrs. Claus.

They love spreading Christmas cheer in their neighborhood.

Each year, they’ve added more and more decorations to their North Pole experience.

Kids can come and sit on Santa’s lap or even drop off letters for Santa and Mrs. Claus to read.

McGee said one of the things he enjoys most is seeing a child’s eyes light up as they tell him what they want for Christmas.

“Just to see the twinkle in the kid’s eyes, the smiles,, the laughter,” McGee said. “Some have jitters to begin with and just to make sure you work with them to get them to sit in your lap and spend some time with them. And some of the heartfelt requests for presents that I’ve ever heard in my life.”

The North Pole’s temporary location is at 339 Bristol Road in Wilmington, open Fridays and Saturdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. through Christmas.