The gifts weren't just toys — they were mobility aids, health equipment, and communication devices, each chosen with families' input and delivered with love. Santa and Mrs. Claus, played for decades by Jack and Mrs. Pelleran, made their grand entrance; a clown kept the room laughing, a feast was served, and live music filled the hall. A small party, but a big beginning.
Word spread, and so did the joy. The celebration moved from the Danish Inn to the Veterans Memorial Hall, then to the Royal Scandinavian Hotel — where one legendary year In-N-Out's mobile kitchen catered — and finally to its current home at the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott. Along the way, the guest list grew to welcome special needs classes and homeschooled children from across the Santa Ynez Valley and beyond.
In 2016, Dan and Bridget Cassara stepped into the roles of Santa and Mrs. Claus. COVID-19 paused the party in 2020 and 2021, but it roared back in 2022 with 348 guests at the 42nd celebration. By 2023, the 43rd party welcomed 674 guests. In 2024, the 44th drew an incredible 903 — 472 children and 431 caregivers.
Every year, more than 100 Viking volunteers show up to greet, serve, and celebrate. It's never just been about gifts or food. It's about community, dignity, and one simple message to every child who walks through the door:
you matter.
