Amarillo's Santa Chrys Steps Back for 2026 Christmas Season

One of the great times of the year in Amarillo is the Christmas season. In the time between November 1 and Christmas Day, Amarillo is full of helpers who bring the Christmas spirit to life. One of those helpers is Santa Chrys. You may have met Santa Chrys over the years at many Christmas events all over the area. One of those events is a huge snowball fight that goes down on Candy Cane Lane each year with the Grinch.

What Happened to Santa Chrys?

Santa Chrys recently made an announcement on his Facebook page that he would not be appearing this year for the 2026 Christmas season. The past 15 months have been difficult for Santa Chrys and his family as he has been experiencing health issues. Last May, Santa Chrys experienced serious heart problems. He has spent most of this summer undergoing treatment for his heart and continuing to deal with his ongoing seizures. Unfortunately, the seizures are keeping him from being able to work safely.

Why Santa Chrys Is Stepping Back This Year

You can't believe how devastated I've been fighting against making that call. Working with Dr's, hospitals, therapists, MY WIFE and family, finally convinced me that it wasn't fair to keep trying to make this year happen.

Santa Chrys has been bringing Christmas joy to families of Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle for over 13 years. He and his family did not make this decision lightly. It's now the time when families, organizations, and event planners are starting to plan their Christmas photos, parties, and events where Santa will be present. Santa Chrys just wanted to let everyone know he needs this time to heal and get his health back on track.

In 2025, Santa Chrys started a new tradition on Candy Cane Lane by hosting a reading of the Nativity Story.

What's Next for Santa Chrys

Santa Chrys isn't giving up on Christmas; he's focusing on his health so he can return and keep bringing joy to children and families, and fighting for the reason for the season.

He's prayed with so many through good times and bad. This truly is one of his greatest joys of the year. The time when he gets to show the love, hope and joy that Christmas brings along with the story of Christ's birth and love for each of you. Right now though, he's exhausted from the fight and has to fight his own battles so he can recover to fight again, God willing.

How You Can Help Santa Chrys

After many years of Santa Chrys bringing Christmas joy and prayers to so many families, children, organizations, and more, let's send our prayers for healing to Amarillo's beloved Santa Chrys.

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