Santa Ray

of La Porte

Spreading Christmas joy across Greater Houston since 2023

A volunteer Santa who visits families, schools, retirement homes and community events, always free of charge.

Request a visit Write to Santa Know a family in need?
Santa Ray at his desk in his red suit, surrounded by Christmas decorations
Santa Ray on a school stage with bikes and toys for the kids

How Santa Ray Began

By day, Raymond Garrett is a substation project manager. When December rolls around, he puts on the red suit and becomes Santa Ray.

It started when the Santa at his sister's bed and breakfast was ready to retire. He joked to Raymond's daughter that her daddy should grow out his beard and take his place. His sister overheard and asked if he'd do it. After thinking it over, he said yes, and Santa Ray was born.

At his very first event, a little girl ran up, wrapped her arms around his leg and whispered, "Santa, I love you." That's when he knew this was more than a costume. It was a calling.

"For me, it's the smiles that I see on their faces that is the biggest reward. That's all that I need. I do this entirely free of charge. I love it."Santa Ray

Today it's a family affair. His wife joins him as Mrs. Claus, their daughter comes along as one of Santa's elves, and friends and coworkers chip in for goodie bags and treats for the kids.

Where Santa Visits

  • Family homes
  • Schools
  • Retirement homes
  • Adult care facilities
  • Food banks
  • Nonprofits
  • Police and first responders
  • Chambers of commerce
  • Churches
  • Parties and businesses

More than a photo op

Every visit comes with laughter, storytelling, a special golden key from Santa and a sweet treat.

Depending on the day, Mrs. Claus and an elf may come along too.

"I want the children to remember that Santa Claus is here and Christmas is still alive. There is still good in the world."Santa Ray
Santa Ray, Mrs. Claus and an elf with a smiling woman holding a gift
Santa Ray in his blue Santa suit with white fur trim, sitting on a porch bench

Blue Santa

Santa Ray also suits up in blue for chambers of commerce and law enforcement toy distributions.

Hosting a Blue Santa toy drive or community giveaway? Choose "Blue Santa event" when you request a visit.

Request Blue Santa

Request a Visit

Santa Ray's calendar fills up fast. Send a request and he'll text you back to confirm. Your visit isn't booked until he does.

  1. Send a request

    Pick a date and time and tell Santa where you are.

  2. Santa confirms

    He reviews every request himself and texts you back.

  3. Santa arrives

    Stories, photos, a golden key and a little magic.

Season

Visits start in November and run through the holidays.

Availability

Weekends, any time. Weekday evenings depend on how far the visit is.

Service area

Greater Houston, from Clute up to Lake Livingston. Farther trips may be possible, just ask.

Almost done. Send your request to Santa Ray by text or email. It opens with everything filled in, just hit send.

Send by text Send by email Send with Gmail

Letters to Santa

Kids, tell Santa Ray what's on your wish list this year. A grown-up can help you send it.

Your letter is ready for the North Pole. Ask a grown-up to press send.

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Magical Moments

Santa Ray in his red coat beside a lit reindeer and Christmas treeSanta Ray with a baby in pink pajamasSanta Ray and Mrs. Claus with a guest by the fireplaceSanta Ray with a young boy in superhero pajamasSanta Ray and Mrs. Claus with a little girl on his lapSanta Ray with a boy on a school stageSanta Ray with two women in holiday sweatersSanta Ray holding a babySanta Ray with a guest on a blue couchSanta Ray with elves and volunteersSanta Ray and Mrs. Claus with a guest by the stockingsSanta Ray with an office teamSanta Ray and Mrs. Claus with a guest

Know a Family in Need?

If you know a family that needs help this Christmas, or a child who is homebound and needs a Christmas wish granted, please let Santa Ray know.

Text 832-540-1227 or email santa.ray@myyahoo.com with your name, your phone number, their city, and a little about them. Santa Ray will reach out to you.

Text Santa Ray Email Santa Ray Email with Gmail