The holiday season is our busiest time of year! From Santa visits to winter princess appearances, character entertainment creates magical Christmas memories for families. Here's your guide to choosing the perfect characters for your holiday celebration.
Santa & Traditional Holiday Characters
Santa Claus
The star of the season! Our complete Santa guide covers everything, but key points:
- Book EARLY (by November 1st for best availability)
- Home visits, corporate parties, and events
- Can distribute gifts you provide
- Mrs. Claus available as addition
Mrs. Claus
Perfect addition to Santa for:
- Longer events (she can chat while Santa takes photos)
- Story time sessions
- Cookie decorating activities
- Craft activities with children
Elves
- Help Santa at larger events
- Lead activities while Santa is with children
- Great for high-volume events
- Can assist with gift distribution
The Grinch
Fun contrast to traditional characters:
- Popular for family photos (the contrast is hilarious!)
- Great for corporate events with humor
- Appeals to older kids and adults
- Can have "heart grows" moment at parties
Winter-Themed Characters
Elsa (Ice Queen)
Elsa is perfect for holiday parties:
- Winter/ice theme fits Christmas naturally
- Year-round popular, especially magical at Christmas
- Can "snow" at parties (fake snow effects)
- Sings "Let It Go" and holiday songs
Anna
Pairs beautifully with Elsa for:
- Winter Frozen parties
- Sister duos at larger events
- Additional photo opportunities
Other Winter Princesses
- Cinderella: Her ball gown works for elegant holiday parties
- Belle: The winter scenes in Beauty and the Beast make her fitting
- Snow White: Classic winter name!
Book Early for the Holidays!
December is our busiest month. Santa books out by early November. Even princesses and other characters have limited December availability. Book 4-6 weeks ahead minimum.
Christmas Event Types
Corporate Holiday Parties
Family-friendly corporate events benefit from:
- Santa for photos with employees' children
- Multiple characters for large headcount
- Mrs. Claus for extended activities
- Entertainment while adults network
See our corporate events guide for more.
Home Christmas Parties
- Santa visits on Christmas Eve
- Pre-Christmas "Santa stopped by early" visits
- Family gathering entertainment
- Neighborhood holiday parties
Community Events
- Tree lighting ceremonies
- Holiday parades
- Church Christmas parties
- HOA holiday celebrations
- School winter events
Breakfast with Santa
Popular format for restaurants, clubs, and community groups:
- Santa visits tables
- Photo opportunities
- Usually 2-3 hour appearances
Book Holiday Characters
Make your Christmas celebration magical with Santa and friends!
Check AvailabilityHoliday Booking Tips
When to Book
- September-October: Ideal for December events
- November 1-15: Still good Santa availability
- Late November: Limited options
- December: Very limited—take what's available
Peak Dates (Book Earliest)
- Christmas Eve (Dec 24)
- December weekends
- Week before Christmas
- December 1-15 weekends (early holiday parties)
Premium Pricing Dates
These dates command highest prices:
- Christmas Eve
- December 21-23
- Saturday/Sunday afternoons in December
Save Money
- Book weekday events
- Early December vs. late December
- Morning time slots
- Book in October before rates increase
Character Activities for Holiday Parties
Santa Activities
- Individual visits with each child
- Reading "'Twas the Night Before Christmas"
- Distributing gifts (you provide, labeled)
- Photo opportunities
- Checking the "naughty or nice" list
Princess Activities
- Winter sing-alongs
- Snow/ice themed games
- Holiday craft activities
- Dance parties to seasonal music
Group Activities
- Christmas carol sing-alongs
- Holiday freeze dance
- Ornament decorating
- Cookie decorating with characters
Holiday Party Favors
- Character-themed ornaments
- Candy canes
- Small toys
- Holiday stickers and tattoos
- Photos with characters (printed or digital)
- Santa's "nice list" certificates
Final Thoughts
The holiday season is magical for children, and character entertainment makes it even more special. Whether it's Santa's special visit, Elsa bringing winter magic, or the Grinch providing laughs, professional characters create memories that last a lifetime. The key is booking early—December availability is extremely limited, especially for Santa.
Ready to book? Check holiday availability or read our complete Santa hiring guide!
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I book Santa for Christmas?
Book Santa by November 1st for best availability. Popular dates like Christmas Eve often book out by October. Last-minute Santa availability is extremely rare.
Can characters other than Santa work for Christmas parties?
Absolutely! Elsa is extremely popular for holiday parties (winter theme), and any character the birthday child loves works great for December birthdays. Mix Santa + Elsa for extra magic!
Is Christmas Eve more expensive?
Yes, Christmas Eve commands premium pricing—typically 25-50% more than other December dates. It's also the most limited availability date of the year.
