He's the barefoot panhandler at the center of the year's greatest feel-good story.

Shoeless Jeffrey Hillman was given a pair of new boots by a big-hearted New York cop, and the photo of his act of kindness warmed hearts around the world.

Well, Hillman isn't so shabby any more.

Believe it or not, this is a before-and-after photo of the same guy featured in that world-famous photo. He's wearing a fancy overcoat and a sharp suit and tie. He's clean-shaven and sporting a snappy hat. And on his feet he was wearing a shiny pair of business shoes.

Photographer Alexandra Santana spotted Hillman as she was taking pictures at the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center.

It's not clear what triggered Hillman's decision to spruce himself up, but whatever it was, like the tree at Rockefeller Center behind him, he lights the place up.

By the way, Hillman is not homeless. Officials say he has an apartment in the Bronx.