Barack Obama dressed as Santa Claus surprises sick children in hospital for Christmas

The former president spent time with patients and handed out gifts

Former President Barack Obama spent Wednesday afternoon visiting the Children’s National Hospital in northwest Washington, D.C. where he delivered presents to young patients while wearing a Santa hat.

According to a release by the Office of President Barack Obama, the 44th president “greeted individual patients in their rooms and stopped by several playrooms”.

Footage shared by the hospital on Twitter shows an excitable crowd singing carols and cheering for Obama as he makes his way down the hallway wearing a classic Santa hat and grey jumper while carrying a giant red sack covered in snowflakes.

During the visit, Obama handed out Christmas gifts to each of the children including jigsaw puzzles, Hot Wheels, remote-control cars, and glitter nail polish.

He also gave out hugs and even broke his ‘no selfie’ rule to pose with excited fans.

“Thank you @BarackObama for making our patients’ day so much brighter,” the hospital’s tweet read.

“Your surprise warmed our hallways and put smiles on everyone’s faces! Our patients loved your company…and your gifts!”

After his visit, the former President replied to the hospital’s tweet, saying: “Merry Christmas and happy holidays to the extraordinary kids, families, and staff at Children’s National.

“And thanks for humouring me as your stand-in Santa.”

Before he left the hospital, Obama stopped to thank members of the staff and reportedly recorded a video message that will played “on the hospital’s internal TV system” for anyone who missed his visit.