Target has introduced a new Santa Claus that’s turning heads on the internet.

Kris K., the latest character in Target’s holiday advertising, embraces the festive spirit more than anyone else.

“In fact, way more than it seems possible!” says Target about Kris K. (you may guess what that stands for). “The focus is not just on that flashy red Bronco or his perfectly styled beard.”

In a fun twist from standard holiday ads, Target began releasing these commercials in November with actor and model Brent Bailey playing Kris K. He’s designed to resemble the classic Santa but portrayed in a more rugged and toned manner.

Introducing ‘weirdly hot’ Santa in Target’s ads

The ads have titles like “Born to Be Kris” and “He’s Hot, But These Turkey Deals Are Hotter,” featuring Kris K. clad in a fitted red sweater and khaki pants, showcasing his confidence and charm.

The “Born to Be Kris” spot features the 41-year-old actor driving to a Target in a red Ford Bronco with a “Sleigh” license plate, while the “He’s Hot” ad shows him charming a shopper who comments on turkey prices, leading her to say that she just met Santa and he’s “weirdly hot.”

This 15-second clip has amassed over seven million views on YouTube.

Additonally, a Black Friday advertisement features Kris lifting a miniature Christmas tree, while a different spot shows him discussing Cyber Monday deals with a co-worker, nearly letting slip a secret. Recently, another ad was uploaded showing Kris chatting with his reindeer about his love for gift-giving.

“Kris brings joy, helpfulness, charisma, humor, and playfulness, highlighting the essential role of Target team members in creating a memorable guest experience in this festive season,” Target elaborated in their announcement.

Social media goes wild over Target’s ‘hot Santa’

The recent ads are part of Target’s plan to make the holiday shopping experience more enchanting, and have particularly gained popularity on social media platforms throughout December.

“When did Santa turn into a HOT lumberjack?!” remarked one user on X.

Another user quipped: “So… Target Santa, right? (Count me on the naughty list!).”

One Instagram user mentioned: “This is precisely what I didn’t realize I needed for the holidays.”

Another Instagram comment read, “Target has won the Christmas ad battle this year! Loving this Santa!”

The “Target Santa” phenomenon has also taken off on TikTok.

“I’m suddenly in the holiday spirit after seeing Target’s Santa this year,” shared one TikTok creator.

Another user stated, “Target clearly understood the assignment!”

Target’s Santa steals the spotlight on Jimmy Fallon

Meanwhile, during an appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” actress Amy Adams discussed the unexpected allure of Target Santa.

During a game segment, Adams asked Fallon: “Why should People’s ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ be Santa Claus?”

Fallon replied, “That’s because John Krasinski is the Sexiest Man Alive. His initials are JK,” leading Adams to answer, “My choice would have been ‘Target Santa.’

She urged viewers to check out Target Santa if they were unaware of him.

Kris himself has caught wind of the buzz, sharing a clip of himself reading fan comments before raising a glass of milk in cheers.

Expect more ads featuring Target Santa

Target has planned a total of nine advertisements for various platforms, aiming to create an unforgettable holiday campaign. So far, five have been released across Target’s social media channels.

Get Target Santa’s sweater

The sweater worn by Kris has also piqued the interest of many online, prompting requests for details about it. Target responded on TikTok, saying Kris is in the “X RAY Men’s Ribbed Mock Neck Quarter-Zip Sweater” in Burgundy, which is currently selling for $24.99 on their website.

Meet Target Santa Brent Bailey

Brent Bailey has appeared in various successful films and television shows such as Rob Reiner’s “LBJ,” where he portrayed the well-known JFK speechwriter Ted Sorensen. His work includes titles like “Think Like A Man,” “Lincoln Lawyer,” “Walker,” “N.C.I.S,” “Lucifer,” and “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D,” according to his IMDb profile. He has also featured in several holiday-themed romance movies like “Cape Cod Christmas,” “Holiday Dating Guide,” “Girlfriends of Christmas Past,” and “Craft Me A Romance.” Most recently, he was seen alongside Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine in Prime Video’s “The Idea of You.”

In addition to his acting roles, Bailey has appeared in around 150 commercials for brands such as Hertz, Clorox, and Shell. He hails from Arizona.