Santa was busy last weekend spreading holiday cheer – and pizza sauce. 

Sundays until Dec. 18 between the hours of 11 and 4, children can visit Ruffino’s Pasta Bar & Grill to make a pizza and grab a photo with Santa Claus, with proceeds benefiting the Niagara-on-the-Lake Youth Campus. 

Kiddos who attend are granted the opportunity to assemble their own custom pizza, watch it go into the oven, enjoy an ice cream sundae for dessert and, of course, take a few photos with Santa.

Santa, aka Steve Gilchrist, has been donning his red suit for the holidays for 38 years and was happy to help out NOTL causes.

“This is a great way to raise money for the youth centre. I’m happy to help wherever I can,” said Gilchrist. 

Alongside “Mrs. Claus” (aka Roberta Rigby), he guided kids while they topped their pizza with their choice of cheese, pepperoni, pineapple and more.

Three-year-old Eli Kerr was especially in awe at his own handmade pizza being placed into the oven for him to watch bake. 

Gilchrist emphasized just how much fun it was to make pizzas as Santa.

“And I managed to not get any sauce on my suit.”

Make a Pizza With Santa is back on Dec. 11 and 18. Cost is $20 per child and reservations are required.