Chris "Birdman" Andersen slam dunks role as Santa

Tattoos and a mohawk was Santa's new look in Cherry Creek

Cherry Creek North is hosting a multi-day event where local celebrities come in and put their own spin on the role of Santa. On Sunday, Denver Nuggets' power forward Chris "Birdman" Andersen jumped into the big red suit.

The 6-foot-10-inch tall basketball star likely needed suit alterations not only for his height but also because he lacks the big belly of a typical Santa. Birdman also gave Santa an edge by sporting his token Mohawk, and allowing a few tattoos to peek out from the white fur-collared jacket. A large crowd of Christmas shoppers gathered at the J.W. Marriott in Cherry Creek North to plead their case for being naughty or nice this past year.

Anderson... we mean Santa, handed out signatures and took pictures with all the fans who stood in line to see him. Proceeds from the $10 ticket prices were given to the charity the Birdman supports, ACE (Alliance for Choice in Education). Anderson's fiancée, Brandi, even got in on the fun as one of Santa's helpers.

Darrell Reid, linebacker for the Denver Broncos, will put his own spin on the role on Dec. 18 at the same hotel.