The Man in the Santa Claus Suit

In a New York City costume shop, the enigmatic owner rents Santa suits to three men, setting the stage for a Christmas-season transformation. He later appears in multiple disguises—chauffeur, policeman, jeweler, hot dog vendor, taxi driver, floor walker, and choral director—to nudge each man toward a better life.

Bob Willis interrupts a fashion show to tell Polly Primer that he loves her, risking embarrassment to win her heart. The Santa-pattern behind the scenes nudges his confidence as he steps out of his shy routine and pursues true feeling.

Polly admits she has loved Bob since the moment he spoke about math, changing the dynamic between them. She accepts his marriage proposal, choosing love over Rod Sanborn's wealth and status.

Stan Summerville, now homeless, rents a Santa suit to hide from Babyskin and Bruno Betinger. His friend Eddie distracts the criminals while Stan plans a risk-filled break-in at a wealthy residence.

Stan bolts into the Dayton residence with the intent to burgle its occupants, guided by the belief that desperate times call for desperate actions. The Daytons, though wealthy, are initially unaware of the intruder as he navigates their opulent home.

Dora and Dickie Dayton, once poor and now wealthy, remember hard work and extend kindness to Stan despite his earlier threat. Their butler Chandler knocks Stan unconscious, after which the couple nurses him back to health.

Babyskin and Bruno locate Stan at the Dayton mansion, escalating the danger as law enforcement closes in. The intruder's presence forces the Dayton family to confront the consequences of his actions.

Melissa and Lance attack the criminals, helping to subdue them and allow police to move in. The raid culminates in Stan being rewarded for capturing the wanted criminals, with a substantial financial payout.

Gil Travis, a busy political aide, rents a Santa suit to surprise his estranged son Terry on Christmas Eve. His wife Linda is separated from him, reminding both of them that family matters more than work.

During Christmas, Gil demonstrates a commitment to family by ignoring work long enough to tuck Terry into bed. He and Linda reminisce about the days when Gil was a struggling writer, underlining that happiness comes from love rather than money.

After guiding the lives of the three men, the costume shop owner reveals his true identity as Santa Claus. He returns to the night, confident that his interventions have sparked change.

Santa flies away aboard his sleigh, signaling a hopeful close to Christmas for the people he's touched. The film ends with a quiet sense of renewed belief in kindness and second chances.