Townsville Santa Claus Lyle McGrath celebrates seven years adding a tropical twist to a classic tradition

A Townsville Vietnam Veteran is putting a tropical spin on a classic icon creating lifelong memories for families this Christmas.

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A Townsville Vietnam Veteran is putting a tropical spin on a classic icon creating lifelong memories for families this Christmas.

Lyle McGrath will celebrate his seventh consecutive year playing Santa Claus as part of Jacqualyn Louise Photography’s ‘Santa at the Beach’ outdoor Santa sittings.

Mr McGrath owns three Santa suits including Tropical Santa, Army Santa and Traditional Santa.

He said the most popular Santa suit was inspired by North Queensland.

“For Tropical Santa I wear a traditional Santa suit with a red and white Hawaiian shirt underneath with the button open,” he said.

“It is a lot more relaxed outside and we have had families bring a horse, a parrot, a guinea pig, dogs and cats in past years to be in the photos.”

Owner and photographer Jacqualyn Louise said the Rowes Bay photo shoot was a memento for families to cherish.

Tropical Santa Claus Lyle McGrath will spend his seventh year taking photos with families at Rowes Bay in collaboration with Jacqualyn Louise Photography.

“I love seeing the kids grow each year and the joy that Santa brings to them and I get so excited having families return each year,” she said.

Originally published as Townsville Santa Claus Lyle McGrath celebrates seven years adding a tropical twist to a classic tradition