It’s snow joke. Santa on a Myrtle Beach vacation. What does he do when here?

Walking among the swimsuit clad guests at the Surfside Beach Holiday Inn, Greg Calvert undoubtedly stands out.

Children’s mouths drop open and eyes brighten as they see Calvert, dressed in a red hibiscus Hawaiian shirt, red tennis shoes, a Santa hat that matches his shirt and, of course, red fuzzy shorts that are trimmed in white.

It’s a big departure from Santa’s usual red suit that includes a coat, pants, boots, hat and even gloves.

But Santa is on vacation, and here in the Myrtle Beach area, where temperatures are 90 degrees and higher during the summer, wearing such clothes would definitely melt anyone’s icicles.

Kids instinctively run up to Calvert, better known as Santa Greg of the Marshwalk, and parents are quick to pull out their phones to grab a picture.

Another child with a Spider-Man backpack almost as big as he is hugs Santa’s leg.

“Where are you from?” Santa asks one young boy. “Ohio,” he replies.

“That’s a long way from where I’m from — the North Pole,” Santa Greg says.

“You’re not the real Santa,” another child in the pool shouts. “The real Santa is at the North Pole.”

“I’m on vacation,” just like you, Santa Greg says.

The child pauses, clearly thinking through the idea that Santa needs a vacation too, and whether his comments may land him on the naughty list.

“I’ve got to get out of the North Pole because there are glaciers outside my door,” Santa laughs. “Ho, ho, ho.”

So, for vacation, Santa likes to head somewhere a little warmer than home. His choice is Myrtle Beach.

Santa left the sleigh and reindeer behind — instead taking three flights to get to South Carolina, the last on the budget airlines Spirit, Calvert said. After all, even Santa needs to watch his money.

Trading the snow for sand

It’s not unusual to see Santa along the Grand Strand around the holidays. But in the summer? Not so much.

However, there are some Santas who trade the snow for sand this time of year, conducting family photo sessions on the beach and conducting meet and greets during down time away from making toys for Christmas.

Santa can be seen in old-fashioned 1920s swimsuits, on golf carts and hanging out by the pool and beach like Calvert.

Calvert, a retired financial planner, began his next career as Santa in 2019. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic hit and gigs for November and December in 2020 were pretty much non-existent. So, instead the New Jersey transplant started his Santa on vacation.

“It’s just taken off from there,” the 72-year-old said.

Now, Calvert’s Santa role pretty much has him busy all year. But his biggest summer appearances are during July, or Christmas in July.

Not only can he be seen on the beach or in hotels, but he also appeared for karaoke and an adults-only cruise.

“(I think) the adults like Santa more than the kids,” Calvert laughed.

He can be seen each Wednesday during July at the Holiday Inn, 1601 N. Ocean Blvd. in Surfside Beach, and a few other businesses and restaurants.

After July, Santa will return to his North Pole duties, getting ready for the holiday and that famous one-night trip.

But Calvert will still make some appearances in December, especially along the Marshwalk, where he is well-known for his role as the Jolly Old Elf.