HOOKSETT – If you grew up in Hooksett in the early 2000s to 2010s, then you knew Santa Claus – and not just any Santa. You knew Dick Marshall, the realest, most jovial Santa Hooksett ever had. With his authentic white beard, twinkling eyes, and deep, hearty laugh, Marshall had a way of making every child believe in the magic of Christmas. But he wasn’t just playing a role – he became Santa, dedicating his life to spreading joy, goodwill, and handcrafted toys to the children of Hooksett.
A master woodworker and a true community man, Marshall was more than just a local legend – he was a pioneer in the Santa world. He co-founded the New England Santa Society, a nonprofit dedicated to training, supporting, and uniting Christmas performers. This organization ensures that the joy, love, and inclusivity of the holiday season are celebrated year-round. His passion for community, giving back, and craftsmanship made him the ultimate Santa, and in 2021, he was honored as “Best Santa” by the New England Santa Society.
At the heart of his Santa magic was 6 Lancelot Drive, known to many as Santa’s Workshop. According to his son-in-law, Hooksett resident George Tilton, at his peak, Marshall crafted over 800 wooden toys a year in his heated garage workshop, making holiday dreams come true for generations of children. His workshop, fitted with a woodstove, was a cherished stop for families every December, with lines of excited children stretching down the street just for a chance to meet Santa and receive a handmade gift.
As the event grew, the community came together. Local business owners Ken and Dave Scarpetti of Profile Self Storage provided a larger space on Londonderry Turnpike to accommodate the overwhelming crowds. This wasn’t just a Santa event – it was a town tradition, a beacon of holiday joy that united Hooksett year after year.
Marshall’s dedication to inclusivity in the Santa community was groundbreaking. His work helped shape Santa Camp, the New England Santa Society’s summer gathering that welcomed Santas from all backgrounds, races, genders, and beliefs. This trailblazing vision was highlighted in the HBO documentary “Santa Camp” (2022), where Marshall’s heartwarming message of acceptance resonated nationwide: “It doesn’t matter. God created no junk. Whether you are gay, white, Jewish, Black – it doesn’t matter!”
This commitment to diversity and unity cemented his legacy, not just in Hooksett but across the country.
Once in a lifetime opportunity – own Santa’s Workshop at 6 Lancelot Drive
Now for the first time since 1984 Santa’s home is for sale. Santa’s cherished home at 6 Lancelot Drive is on the market for $535,000. This oversized split-level ranch, located in the sought-after Sherwood Forest neighborhood, is bursting with character, warmth, and history.
Step through the front door and immediately feel the embrace of this cozy home, where the Christmas spirit lingers all year long. Gather in the inviting living room and enjoy the wood-burning fireplace, perfect for holiday storytelling and fireside laughter just like Santa and Mrs. Claus did for so many years.
The beautifully updated kitchen, complete with gleaming granite countertops, newer flooring, and updated light fixtures, opens up to a sun-drenched sunroom. Picture yourself here on a winter morning, sipping hot cocoa and watching the snow blanket the beautifully landscaped backyard – just the kind of place where Santa himself would have started his day.
Upstairs, the large primary suite is a true retreat, featuring a spacious walk-in closet with built-ins and a private deck where you can enjoy a morning coffee while listening to the birds sing. Two additional generously sized bedrooms provide plenty of space for family, guests, or a cozy home office.
Downstairs, the finished lower level offers a warm and inviting space with a propane stove that efficiently heats the entire home – so even on the coldest winter nights, you’ll be wrapped in warmth and comfort. The layout lends itself perfectly to multi-generational living, a growing trend that makes this home even more appealing.
And then, there’s the legendary two-car garage – Santa’s Workshop itself! This space, where so much joy was created, still has its separate chimney intact for the woodstove, should you wish to bring back the magic of a heated workspace.
Whether you envision a new workshop, a craft room, a studio, or a space to continue spreading holiday cheer, the possibilities are endless.
This home is also serviced by propane, a rare and efficient heating feature in this neighborhood, and boasts a fully fenced-in yard perfect for keeping your four-legged family members safe and happy. Two driveways make hosting holiday gatherings a breeze and even open up the potential for rental income from the lower-level space with its own private entrance.
The warmth, charm, and magic of this home are truly one of a kind. Walking through its doors, you don’t just see a house – you feel a home. A home where laughter has echoed, where kindness has been crafted, and where the holiday spirit has lived on every single day. If you’ve been nice this year, this home could be the gift you’ve been waiting for – but hurry, Mrs. Claus is ready to sell before the snow melts!
For a private tour, contact Tony LaCasse, the exclusive listing agent with Tri-Town Realty at eXp, today!
