It’s beginning to sound a lot like Christmas, thanks to a band that never puts away its sleigh bells. For more than four decades, Santa’s Goody Bag Band has been spreading holiday cheer with laughter, brass, and a rhythm that makes even the grinchiest heart start to jingle.
This merry band of trumpets, drums, and twinkling lights keeps the Christmas spirit alive not just in December, but all year long. Their music fills city parades, neighborhood festivals, and sold-out holiday stops. And behind every trumpet blast and drumbeat lies a mission wrapped in goodwill: bringing joy to audiences while raising money for children’s charities.
“It all started because we loved Christmas music and wanted to have fun with it,” says Loveland resident Tom Heitkemper, the band’s co-founder and president, who’s been playing lead trumpet since the very beginning. “This band gives me the opportunity to have fun with that music and a group of very good people. Many of us have been friends and have played together for over 50 years. That we’re able to raise money for our children’s charities and give back to the community is a huge plus.”
What began as a small group of holiday-loving musicians has grown into a 40-plus-member sleigh ride of Christmas joy. With a roster that includes trumpets, trombones, sousaphones, saxophones, banjos, violins, guitars — and even a keytar — the band’s energy is infectious.
Bill Pohl, who has lived in Loveland for 25 years and serves as the group’s vice president and “Tourmeister,” keeps time on the snare drum and the tour running like clockwork. “Seeing the positive reaction of patrons and audiences when we hit the door is exciting,” Bill says. “Knowing that those reactions mean donations for our charities is what it’s all about.”
The group’s costumes are as legendary as their music. Summer gigs feature red shorts trimmed with white fur, green T-shirts, and Santa hats of every style imaginable. When winter rolls around, the band switches to red union suits and black shorts, still with white fur, of course. Many musicians decorate their instruments with lights, garland, and ornaments that glow as they play.
Their annual calendar is as packed as Santa’s sleigh. The band’s 21 scheduled performances during the Christmas season include municipal tree lightings, private parties, and their famous public tours (2025’s VIP tour, already sold out!). This year’s 45th Annual Tour on December 20 stops at Loveland favorites like Shooters, Bishop’s Quarter, and Kirby’s, while longtime fans know to grab seats early at Silver Spring House, Bucks Tavern, Ramsey’s, and Paxton’s Grill.
Of course, these Santas don’t limit themselves to the “most wonderful time of the year.” They’ve popped up at the Blue Ash Memorial Day Parade, Montgomery’s Fourth of July Parade, and even Bengal Jam at Newport on the Levee. Because really, what’s a summer festival without Santa?
What makes this jolly crew different from other holiday ensembles? For Tom and Bill, the answer comes easily. “The growth of the band and our mission over the years are irreproducible, resulting from a unique combination of great people, circumstances, and commitment,” Tom explains.
Bill adds, “Our energy and music are unique and generate a lot of excitement. Our tour stops are typically sold out. As one writer once said, ‘Santa’s Goody Bag Band is the Rolling Stones of Christmas music. Against all odds … the band rocks.’”
And rock they do, with a heart as big as Santa’s toy sack. The “Goody Bag” in their name isn’t just symbolic. Each performance collects donations that go directly to local children’s organizations. Their first charitable gift came when a grieving mother handed them money in memory of her daughter, asking them to give it to Shriners Children’s hospital.
“Knowing how much wonder and joy Christmas can bring to children, we decided to keep our focus on children’s charities,” Tom smiles. That focus has resulted in more than $100,000 in donations, including over $75,000 to Shriners. In 2024, the Shriners recognized Santa’s Goody Bag Band as their longest continuous contributor, a milestone that speaks volumes about the band’s generosity and heart.
As the band celebrates its 45th year, they’re already looking ahead. “The 45th tour will be a milestone and a ‘dry run’ for our (hopefully) 50th tour,” Tom says. “As the original membership ages, we’ve been working on succession planning. We’ve been fortunate in now having some of our members’ adult children become an important part of our band.”
So this December, if you hear brass bells jingling through the crisp night air, follow the sound. You might just find yourself dancing alongside a very merry band of Santas who prove that laughter, love, and a good trumpet solo can keep the holiday magic alive all year long.
“Seeing the positive reaction of patrons and audiences when we hit the door is exciting ... knowing that those reactions mean donations for our charities is what it’s all about.” - Bill
45th Annual Christmas Tour (times approximate)
Saturday, December 20
6 PM – Silver Spring House
7 PM – Shooters Sports Grill (Loveland) Bar & Grille
8 PM – Kirby’s
9:15 PM – Paxton’s, Ramsey’s, Bishop’s Quarter
10 PM – Bucks Tavern
11 PM – Silver Spring House