Justin Brown (‘92 & '93) - Santa Birmingham
By Brittney Kimber
Jax State alum Justin Brown ('92 & '93) is spreading happiness and joy year-round through his business, Santa Birmingham. As a professional Santa portrayal artist, Brown shares the magic of Christmas across Birmingham, Alabama, and surrounding areas.
Santa Birmingham is available for private parties, corporate events, tree lightings, breakfasts with Santa and Christmas in July celebrations. Brown currently has 25 appearances booked for this holiday season spanning from Jacksonville and Rainbow City, Alabama, to Nashville, Tennessee.
He said there are people who enjoy the experience so much they continue to book year after year, with one client having a standing annual booking for the first Saturday in December.
"After a private birthday party for a four-year-old, the mom asked me to share the real reason for Christmas. I shared the Gospel and made the grandmother cry," Brown said. "I have always loved Santa and wanted to someday be Santa. I just didn't think it would start this soon."
Brown said his 35-year career in radio and his experience with Jax State's WLJS gave him the skills to succeed and prepared him in all aspects of the business.
"I have often said that radio prepared me to be Santa. The foundation of what I do is, I believe, rooted in what I learned at the beginning of my radio career," Brown said. "You have to backtime and arrive at least 15 minutes early, know how to turn it on when you walk in the room, and show up and smile when you don't feel like it. Jax State equipped me with the foundation for what I do by being a part of WLJS."
Brown has achieved significant professional achievements including a six-time nominee in the One Voice USA Awards, a winner in the One Voice UK Awards, and a nominee in the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences (SOVAS) Awards.
"As far as Santa goes, last year I was in Matthew West's music video, 'Dysfunctional Family Christmas'. I was Santa for Fair Trade Service's Christmas card and featured in videos promoting Christmas songs for CeCe Winans and Phil Wickham," Brown said. "This October during GMA Dove Week I will be making my second appearance as Santa for Centricity Records, hosting a Christmas round performance by their artists debuting new Christmas songs."
In addition to his time at WLJS while at Jax State, Brown was also a member of Sigma Nu fraternity.
"I made lifelong friends at both places, and as an alum, it was great to come back last year and be a part of the 50th anniversary of WLJS and to also stop by the new house for Sigma Nu and see old friends that I haven't seen in person in a long time," Brown said.
To best contact Brown, email santajustin937@gmail.com , text (205) 807-4045, or visit santabirmingham.com to learn more. His closest event to Jacksonville will be held at Volt Coffee near Rainbow City, Alabama, on Saturday, December 12, 2026, from 10:00 AM to noon.