What happens when a full-grown man goes to Santa School... multiple times? You get Steve Nunno, a professionally trained Santa with a heart the size of the North Pole and a mission to bring real magic to families across Central New York. In this episode, we sit down with the man behind Santa’s Magical Visits to talk about storytelling, community, and what it really takes to create unforgettable holiday experiences.
Steve opens up about how a moment at Roswell Park changed everything, why his Santa character focuses on kindness over the naughty/nice list, and how his team of moose, reindeer, elves (and a talking Christmas tree) are turning local holiday events into something straight out of a Hallmark movie. This isn’t your average mall Santa story — it’s about creativity, compassion, and building something that matters.
Highlights from the episode:
• How one powerful moment with a child in hospice inspired a new mission
• The wild world of Santa School — and why Steve keeps going back
• Meet “Wannabe the Moose” and the rest of the North Pole crew
• Why kindness is more important than “being good”
• What to expect at this year’s Hotel Utica Santa event (hint: real reindeer)
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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Show Intro & Becoming Santa
(2:30) - Going to Santa School
(4:00) - Attention to Detail
(6:00) - Managing Emotions
(8:30) - Adapting to Children
(9:30) - Santa & the North Pole Pals
(12:30) - Type of Events
(13:55) - Example Locations
(19:55) - Not Focusing on Naught or Nice
(22:30) - Signature Event in Utica on November 29th
(27:30) - What's Next?
(29:10) - Sponsors & Getting Involved
(36:00) - Rapid Fire Questions
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Steve Nunno's Links
Website - https://santasmagicalvisits.com/
FB - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580902788001
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Love Living Local Links:
Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com
Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@LoveLivingLocal315
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lovelivinglocal315
Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
Scott's Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org
