Mall of America welcomed its first-ever Asian American Santa Claus this year

Photo: Ben Marcum Photography

According to a survey by National Santa, out of 376 Santas surveyed in 2021, not a single one was Asian American. Survey results showed that 75% of all Santas were white, 1% were Hispanic or Latino, 1% were Native American, <1% were Black, and 0% were Asian (some Santas did not respond).

That’s until now — 49-year-old Allan Siu joined Mall of America’s team of Santas as its first-ever Asian American Santa. Santa Allan was born in Oklahoma to immigrant parents from Hong Kong, and he speaks English and Cantonese.

Santa Allan was recruited by Larry Jefferson who was Mall of America’s first-ever Black Santa in 2016. That’s some real Black and Asian solidarity! 

The Star Tribune spoke with Landon Luther, the owner of Santa Experience — the company that operates Santa’s visits to Mall of America. “Luther said he was intentional about seeking out an Asian Santa because every child deserves to see themselves in such a powerful, magical figure. He's hoping to one day hire a Santa of Hmong or Vietnamese descent, given the makeup of Minnesota's vibrant Southeast Asian communities,” the Star Tribune reported. 

"I would like someday for this not to be news, where Santas of all different cultures, backgrounds, and languages are everywhere, not monopolized by a white Santa," Luther continued. "Any gentleman who has the heart and soul and desire to spread Christmas magic and portray the persona that is Santa Claus should be given the opportunity."

Santa Allan’s advice to kids? “Remember, the best way to get a Christmas puppy/kitten is to ask for a baby brother or sister!”