Former United States President, Barack Obama took on a new  role as Father Christmas on Wednesday when he paid a surprise visit to patients at the Children’s National Health System in Washington.

Sporting a festive Santa hat and armed with a sack of gifts, the 44th US president who still lives in the nation’s capital delighted young patients at the hospital with gifts and hugs.

In true Santa fashion, he also brought some gifts along, including Matchbox cars, puzzles and Starburst-scented nail polish.

In a video which he shared on his Twitter account, Obama was enthusiastically greeted by the hospital staff. He later joined the group in singing the classic ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’ before thanking them for their work.

“As the dad of two girls, I can only imagine in that situation to have nurses and staff and doctors and people who are caring for them, and looking after them, and listening to them, and just there for them, and holding their hands… that’s the most important thing there is,” Obama told the staff.

“At a time that is obviously tough for folks and the dad of two girls, I can only imagine in that situation you know to have nurses, staff and doctors and people who are caring for them and looking after them, and listening to them and just there for them and holding their hands,” he added.

Obama’s visit is coming less than a week after his wife, Michelle made a similar unannounced trip at a children’s hospital in Colorado. While there, she interacted with children alongside Santa Claus and read the holiday classic, ‘The Night Before Christmas”.