Barack Obama fills in for Santa Claus & hands out surprise gifts to sick children at a hospital

The former president, Barack Obama surprised children at the Children's National Medical Center when he filled in for Santa Claus.

Barack Obama paid a surprise visit to the Children's National Medical Center in Washington DC. The unplanned visit saw him bring a giant sack of presents for the young patients.

In true Obama-style, he made a rock star's entrance at the hospital. Obama swaggered in then broke out in dance as he neared the singing crowd.

A video of the visit, which was originally posted to the hospital's Twitter account, went viral. The clip was viewed more than a million times in three hours.

"Thank you @BarackObama for making our patients' day so much brighter. Your surprise warmed our hallways and put smiles on everyone's faces." said the hospital in their tweet.

The happy former president wore a red Santa hat as he toured the hospital. He spent the visit meeting with patients and their families.

"Merry Christmas and happy holidays to the extraordinary kids, families, and staff at Children's National," he said in a tweet.

He then went on to thank the hospital for allowing him to be their "stand-in Santa." Recently, the current US First Lady Melania Trump also made a trip to the hospital.

She kept up a long-standing tradition through her visit. During her visit, she read to patients a Christmas story.

Former first lady of the United States of America, Michelle Obama also made a surprise appearance at a children's hospital in Colorado. She spoke to the children while standing next to Santa Claus.

She also read the holiday classic "The Night Before Christmas." She then treated the eager crowd to a quick dance.

"We could all learn a thing or two about being compassionate." commented one user on Instagram.