After retiring from the restaurant industry, Bill Wash channeled his energy into playwriting with his son and building sets for Allen Contemporary Theatre. That led to his most rewarding role to date—playing Santa.
How did you become Santa?
“In 2023, Traci Markel, with the Village at Allen, contacted me, looking for a Santa for their tree lighting. I appeared at the lighting, then word spread and I started to get numerous Santa requests. I’ve appeared at tree lightings, Special Olympics events, private homes, Downtown McKinney’s Home for the Holidays, and much more.”
How do you convince kids you’re the “real” Santa?
“I make each visit individualized. It’s a big thing for a kid to meet Santa. I have a leather-bound “Naughty and Nice” book where I look up each child’s name. The pages look blank to the kids because it’s magic, and only Santa can read the names on the list.”
What is your most memorable moment as Santa?
“Last year I visited an elderly woman with Lolo Roberts, of Grateful Gratitude. Lolo feeds and visits seniors in need. The woman had been diagnosed with cancer. When she saw me, she burst into tears. Visiting special needs kids and seeing their excitement is the closest I will get to being a rock star. Seeing the spark of childhood in the older folks and the joy and awe in children’s eyes is what I love most.”
To find Santa Bill this season or book him for an event, visit www.santabilldfw.com.