POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A Lakeland couple has become beloved figures in Polk County for playing the part of Santa and Mrs. Claus. And it is not something they do only around Christmas time.

Tens of thousands of people see Tom Hicks and his wife Cindy Hicks as Santa and Mrs. Claus on the final float of the annual Lakeland Christmas parade.

“And we just have such a wonderful time, waving and greeting them and wishing them a Merry Christmas,” said Tom Hicks. “And they have received us so well. So, it’s been a lot of fun.”

Tom and Cindy Hicks appear at many events like the Lakeland Police Department’s Cops for Kids event, where disadvantaged children get Christmas toys at the event.

“I have had some children hug me so tight, it’s like they just don’t want to let go. It’s like they just don’t get that a lot,” he said.

Tom Hicks got started playing the part of St. Nick when he bought a Santa suit in the early 2000s. Back then, he was using a fake beard. He made a few appearances as Santa and then he started getting lots of requests. Tom Hicks went to a Santa school in 2016 and has been growing his beard since then.

Recently, the couple appeared at a summer Christmas event at the Lake Mirror Center. It was put on by Tri-County Human Services where Tom Hicks works as a marketing representative. The agency provides mental health programs and drug and alcohol addiction treatments.

Tri-County Marketing Executive Ivon Ruz is a big fan of Tom Hicks’ work as Santa.

“It’s just him. He’s awesome,” she said. “His demeanor, his passion for what he does. He is the same person at home, anywhere you see him. Everybody recognizes him. He is the real Santa Claus.”

Playing the part of Santa and Mrs. Claus is more than just a gig for Tom and Cindy Hicks.

“It’s just the joy that you bring to children and families,” he said. “To see their reaction, their surprise. And then the joy, the smiles on their faces as they interact. The children really express a lot of love back.”