A man named Santa Claus is running for mayor in the North Pole.

Santa Claus running for mayor

Santa Claus running for mayor

The 68-year-old man - who legally changed his name from Tom O'Connor in 2005 - has filed for candidacy in the town in Alaska, having previously served as the president of the North Pole Chamber of Commerce.

Despite his bid being real, Santa has become a viral since announcing he was running for the position, having gained more than 300,000 likes on a post on his Facebook page.

He wrote: ''To my friends in North Pole, Alaska: This Tuesday, please write me in on your election ballot and vote for me for North Pole City Council at North Pole City Hall. Thank you.''