It’s only late October, but Target’s “Strangely Hot Santa” is back.
A video posted on Target’s official Instagram page shows a cheerful “charming store team member” dressed as Santa lifting weights (two red baskets filled with in-store merchandise) inside the retailer’s stores.
“Did you miss Kris K from Target? 🎅🔥 Well, your holiday wishes came early. He’s back!!!” Target posted a video of a man dressed as Santa Claus inside the store on Monday, October 27, on its official Instagram page.
“I don’t know if you remember Target’s ‘weirdly sexy Santa from last year,'” an unidentified person says in the video. “I’m crazy. I’m at Target right now, and look what I’m looking at.”
Target acknowledged the return of holiday popularity in a news release on its website.
“Target’s Chris K., who won hearts with his holiday charm last winter, is back to bring magic, mischief, and must-have gifts this holiday season,” the statement said. “Last year, consumers fell in love with Target’s Chris K., a charismatic store “team member” who appeared in Target’s 2024 Holiday marketing campaign. ”
Last year, Target identified the impersonator as Brent Bailey.
“He is a football fanatic, avid traveler, and amateur DJ who embodies the spirit of the holidays: fun, witty, and effortlessly cool,” the retailer said online.
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“He reads a book!” Target Santa sees a bench with a book
A clip Target shared online from the 2025 season shows a woman pretending to be Santa walking down an aisle holding an open book.
“And he reads books,” says the woman.
“Charisma Shop “Team Member””
More than 70 million people watched previous #TargetSanta TikTok videos in-store last year, according to a Target news release. Shortly after, his fan base dubbed him “Hot Santa.”
“We’re excited to have him back in the second round,” Targett said. “He embodies the playful joy, ease, and inspiration that characterizes the Target experience, helping you find the perfect gift, celebrate every moment, and make the season a little brighter. This year, we have even more Chris K.: more fun, more humor, and more magic that only Target can deliver.”
“Hey baby, hey!!!!”
In just four hours after going online, the post garnered nearly 3,000 likes and dozens of comments.
The post sparked hysterical reactions from viewers.
“YASSSSSSSSSS DADDY!!!!!!!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥,” one social media user posted.
“I wonder if any stores have it?” asked another.
A third user wrote: “I’m dead, this is the best way to let me know Christmas is coming.”
Natalie Neisa Alland is a senior reporter at USA TODAY. Contact her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her at X @nataliealund
