Whether you are planning a cozy home visit, a corporate holiday party, or a festive community event, having Santa Claus (or Mrs. Claus!) make an appearance can add a touch of magic that you and your guests will cherish. Below are some tips that I have gathered from my time, research, and experiences serving as a Professional Santa Clause Performance Artist. Some of these tips come from the many of Santa's helpers whom I have met on my journey. Please use these suggestions to help you plan your perfect visit with Santa, from setting the stage, to ensuring that everyone has time for taking photos and making the memories to last a lifetime: 

Before the Visit

Introduce the concept of Santa Early:

Long before your visit, talk up Santa to your children by reading holiday books, watching movies, and showing old family photos to help build the excitement and wonder. This helps young children feel comfortable with the idea of meeting him. Talk about Santa's beard, suit, and laugh, to help your child feel familiar with him. 

Write a Letter or Make a list:

This is a classic tradition that helps children focus their wishes. After writing the letter or list, have your child practice their wishes with an adult stand-in, so they know what to say when they meet Santa. If you are visiting a Mall Santa, bring the letter with you to give to Santa or to use as a talking point during your visit. If you are booking Santa for a Private Home Visit or your Private, Corporate, or Public event, consider providing Santa with the children's letters or lists well before the event so he can be prepared to discuss them with your children and make your visit even more magical for them.

Feed Santa's Reindeer:

This is another great family tradition that makes magic memories for many children. This is a tradition That I first learned from my wife, and since have learned that people from all around the world share cherished memories of having been given, a small bag containing a portion of feed corn or popcorn by their parents on Christmas eve, and after pouring it out into their hand, were directed to toss it up onto their roof so that Santa's reindeer could have a snack or treat after they land and are waiting while Santa is delivering the presents. This is a memory and tradition your children could also cherish and hopefully pass on to their children.

Make a reservation:

Even if you are planning to visit Santa at a mall or other event instead of a Private Home Visit, consider booking a reservation in advance that can save you time, and frustration, and avoid having to wait in long lines.

Communicate and Coordinate with you Santa:

Discuss and Plan your visit with Santa ahead of time. Communicate thoroughly with Santa to insure that you understand what to expect during your visit and what requirements Santa may have, and so that Santa can understand if your children have any special needs or other ways to help Santa prepare and can make your visit as magical and memorable as possible. 

Home Visits: Bringing Magic to your doorstep

There is something truly enchanting about a home visit from Santa. With a bit of planning, you can make this experience unforgettable for kids and adults alike.

Book early

Santa and Mrs. Claus both have busy schedules leading up to Christmas, so it’s best to book your visit as early as possible. The closer it gets to the big day, the harder it is to secure your ideal date and time.

Communicate with Santa

Communicate with Santa well before your visit. Communications and coordination with your Santa, and everyone else involved, is crucial to a successful event. Provide Santa with information about your children, including names and ages, as well as any special traditions or things you'd like him to know. Be specific. If there are special requests, such as mentioning a child’s recent achievement or calling them by name, communicate these details to Santa beforehand. It makes the experience more personal and memorable. Keep him up do date as your event date approaches. 

Set the scene

Decorate your home with a Christmas tree and other festive items to create a magical backdrop for photos and more photos. Create a cozy, festive setting with twinkling Christmas lights, a beautifully decorated tree, and a special chair where Santa can sit. A warm and welcoming atmosphere makes the experience feel more magical, but Santa asks that you make sure that your thermostat is set on cool at 65 F well before Santa's arrival time and do not place Santa's chair too close to a fireplace, if you have one (Santa can get quite hot in his suit during the visit). Choose a clean, tidy, and comfortable area, such as near the Christmas tree to ensure it's a perfect photo spot.  Be sure to consider lighting and reflections when planning the location so that your photographic memories can be picture perfect.

Plan a grand entry

Coordinate Santa’s entrance for an extra dose of magic. Maybe he knocks on the door or jingles some bells as he enters — these little details can create unforgettable moments!

Be A Friendly Host

Be a friendly host and introduce Santa to your guests. Help keep things on time, and encourage participation from both children and adults, but understand that children can be shy or easily overwhelmed. Santa has some magic to help encourage them, but please don't push them to interact if they seem uncomfortable.

Be Flexible

Be flexible. Allow the visit to flow naturally and be prepared to adjust the timing based on your guests response.

Keep the Focus on Santa

To keep the focus on Santa, please turn off the TV to create a more intimate experience.

Manage Your Pets

Please manage your pets. Although Santa is 'Pet Friendly', he asks that you ensure that your pets are clean and well behaved with strangers. If not, please keep them out of the visiting area to prevent them from soiling or damaging Santa's suit and to ensure that everyone is comfortable.

Allow time for photos

Plan to take photos early in the visit. The best photos are often taken within the first few seconds of Santa's arrival, so be ready with your camera, but prepare a designated space with good lighting for individual and group photos. Gather everyone for a memorable picture with Santa Claus, capturing memories you’ll cherish.

Gift Distribution

If gifts are being distributed, please purchase them and prepare them in plenty of time for Santa to be able to distribute them. Arrange beforehand if you wish for Santa to carry the gifts in his bag when he arrives. Please handle the gifts carefully, and make sure they are clearly labeled with the child's name.  Distribution, and opening of the gifts (unless you wish to have your family wait until Christmas morning) should be done near the end of the visit.

Keep it short and sweet

A 30-minute to one-hour visit is often ideal, especially with younger children. This timeframe keeps the magic alive without overwhelming your little ones.

Prepare a parting gift or keepsake

As Santa bids farewell, consider having him hand out a small gift such as candy canes, or holiday mementos. These little tokens will make the visit even more memorable. 

Community Events: Making Santa the star of the show

Community holiday events are often large, bustling, and filled with excited children. Proper planning ensures Santa’s appearance goes off without a hitch and that the experience is enjoyable for everyone.

Plan a grand arrival

For big events, Santa can make a memorable entrance — maybe arriving on a sleigh, fire truck, or even in a festive convertible. This kind of entrance can be a big crowd-pleaser and get everyone in the holiday spirit.

Ensure sound and visibility

If Santa is speaking to the crowd, make sure he has a microphone and place him on a stage or elevated area so everyone can see him, even from afar.

Plan for safety

Large crowds can be a bit chaotic, especially for young children. Set up barriers if needed, and have staff or volunteers on hand to keep lines orderly and ensure a safe environment for all.

Coordinate Santa’s route and timing

Map out Santa’s route and check-in points. Make sure he knows where to go, how long he’ll stay, and whom to check in with for last-minute details.

Offer fun activities around Santa’s visit

Adding holiday activities like carol singing, ornament-making, or holiday games can keep guests entertained and energized before and after Santa’s appearance.

Consider a ‘storytime’ session

Many Santas love reading a Christmas story to the kids, which can be a delightful way to engage the crowd while they wait for photos. This simple touch can create magical memories for little ones.

Ensure photo opportunities for all

Set up a photo line and have staff manage it to keep things moving smoothly. This setup ensures that everyone gets a photo without feeling rushed or crowded. 

Company parties: Bringing cheer to the workplace

A visit from Santa Claus at a holiday corporate party can add fun and festivity, making for a lively and joyful atmosphere. Here’s how to create a smooth and engaging Santa experience for your team.

Know your audience

Ask to have Santa and/or Mrs. Claus tailor their appearance to match the style of your event. For formal parties, a dignified Santa may be more fitting, while casual gatherings might call for a more jolly, playful Claus.

Consider the schedule

Choose a time when most guests are gathered, usually during the peak of the party. Avoid scheduling Santa too early or too late when guests may be arriving or leaving.

Create a plan for photos

Many attendees will want a photo with Santa, so designating a specific area and time for this is key. It helps keep things organized and ensures everyone gets a chance without overwhelming Santa.

Use Santa for gift distribution

If you have a gift exchange or corporate giveaways, let Santa hand them out. This touch adds a bit of holiday cheer and makes the distribution extra special.

Set up a comfortable area for Santa

Designate a cozy chair or small area where Santa can sit, especially if he’s staying for a while. A festive backdrop can also make this spot a great photo opportunity.

Brief Santa on company culture

Give Santa a sense of the company culture, such as mentioning a recent milestone or company inside jokes. This insight helps him tailor his interactions for a more memorable appearance.

Coordinate with your emcee

Work with your emcee or event planner to announce Santa’s arrival. A grand introduction makes his entrance an event highlight.

Coordinate with Santa

Communications and coordination with your Santa, and everyone else involved, is crucial to a successful event.