I was on the Plaza, on Black Friday and there were at least 8 Santas. I know cuz' I was one of them. Have you never heard of SantaCon.Info? Of course Santa is real, as real as you make them.
Our version is a little more jolly and wholesome; a lot less puking. Last year there was this one kid, about 5 or 6, looking at us, no less than 6 Santas, absolutely gobsmacked. I made eye contact with his parents, got the ok, walked over, made jolly, gave him a gift, lots of ho ho ho's, and continued on my way. Magick!