1. Art Carney

 

The Twilight Zone: "The Night of the Meek"

In season two, episode 11 of The Twilight Zone, actor and comedian Art Carney played Santa Claus for the very first time. This Santa, however, wasn't the normal jolly guy. Henry Corwin was a man who got drunk before his department store shift and let the children down. He finds a huge bag filled with gifts and decides to fix his mistakes. Things start to change for the children and Corwin.

Fun fact: Carney played Santa Claus two more times, which portrayed a happier version of the character, after this role. He played the North Pole leader in a Muppets holiday special and a forgotten 1984 TV film.

2. Hal Smith

 

The Brady Bunch: "The Voice of Christmas"

There are many things children ask for when Christmas comes around, from toys to animals. Yet, Cindy decided she would ask Santa for something more important. She wants her mom, Mrs. Brady, voice to come back in time for her to sing on Christmas day at church. Hal Smith, the department store Santa, tells her that Mrs. Brady will get her voice back, which she does.

Fun fact: Smith played Santa several times in live-action and animated productions, including the voice of Santa in a few Flinstone productions.

3. Dan Blocker

 

Bonanza: "A Christmas Story"

In this holiday-themed episode, Hoss, played by Dan Blocker, is in charge of raising funds for the orphanage, but he's met with many hardships. Although it's the jolly season, many people aren't in the giving spirit, and a singer, Andy Walker, wants to help. Walker's con artist uncle wants to charge people to hear his nephew sing, and he wants a ten percent commission. Blocker is dressed only as Santa for a few minutes in the episode, but it makes the children happy.

Fun fact: Blocker loved playing Hoss, even while dressed as Santa for a brief moment, but hated rehearsals.

4. Don Knotts

 

The Andy Griffith Show: "Christmas Story"

Barney looked forward to playing Santa Claus at Andy and the crew's Christmas party. Although he doesn't look the part, he is ready to be the best Santa Mayberry has ever seen. However, before the party starts, Ben Weaver wants Sam Muggins arrested. To ensure their party is still on, Andy thinks of bringing everyone to jail. When Weaver sees how much fun everyone is having, instead of asking to be a part of the party, he tries to get arrested.

Fun fact: Don Knotts chatted with a department store Santa when he was younger, giving him the motivation to follow his dreams.

5. Alan Alda

 

The Carol Burnett Show: "Nobody Does It Like Me"

M*A*S*H star Alan Alda sang a beautiful duet with Carol Burnett called "Nobody Does It Like Me." Alda played Eunice's brother, who is visiting the family for Christmas. The two sang about how no one in the world can mess things up like they can while in a shopping mall during a rush. Alda is dressed up as Santa, and the classic stars even share an on-screen kiss at the end.

Fun fact: Alda dressed up as Santa on an episode of M*A*S*H called "Dear Dad," as well. You can watch his and Burnett's duet on MeTV.com.

SEE MORE: 7 very '80s things from A Very Brady Christmas

 

Big shoulder pads, bigger hair, and one sweet mustache.

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