Who is Target's 'weirdly hot' Santa in the viral new holiday commercial?

As part of its holiday campaign, Target has introduced a series of commercials featuring a modern and charismatic version of Santa Claus, who goes by the name Kris K. 

In the brand’s YouTube description of the nine-part commercial series, they describe Kris as a team member who enjoys the holidays more than anyone else, saying, “Meet Kris, our newest Target Team Member. He loves the holidays as much as the next guy. Actually, way more than the next guy. Actually, way more than anyone we know.”

The character is portrayed by actor and filmmaker Brent Bailey, who plays a version of Santa dressed in a red pullover, khaki pants, black-and-white fur boots, with a salt-and-pepper beard and hair.

One of the commercials titled "Born to be Kris" features Santa leaving his festive home in the North Pole and driving a red Ford Bronco with the license plate “SLEIGH.” The ad plays the song Born To Be Wild as he arrives at a Target store.

In another ad, "He's Hot But These Target Turkey Deals Are Hotter," Kris K. engages with a female customer who is impressed by the brand’s Thanksgiving turkey deal, priced at 79 cents per pound. 

“Let me guess, you don’t believe in Santa either, do you? These turkey deals are the real deals,” says Brent Bailey’s version of Santa.

In response, the shopper tells her friend Sarah over the phone, “It was Santa Claus, and he’s like weirdly hot.”

The commercials have sparked a significant online reaction. 

“Target has the hottest Santa I’ve ever seen in these commercials,” one internet user remarked. 

“Being attracted to the Target Santa was not something I expected,” another person commented. 

“Love this commercial and the eye candy, too,” said yet another viewer.

Others also shared their opinions, with some raising questions about Target’s branding decisions. 

“They got rid of Pride displays, changed Happy Holidays to Merry Christmas, and have a new Maga Chad Santa — has Target gone unwoke?” asked one person.

“Definitely the right choice for Santa, but I still won’t be shopping there. I bud lighted them a long time ago,” commented another user.

“Not gonna lie - that Santa is cute,” another person chimed in.