There's nothing quite like a child's face when Santa Claus walks through the door. Whether you're planning a home visit, corporate party, or community event, hiring a professional Santa creates holiday magic that families remember forever.
This guide covers everything you need to know about booking Santa for your holiday celebration.
Types of Santa Visits
Home Visits
Santa comes directly to your home to meet your children. Typically 30 minutes to 1 hour, perfect for intimate family celebrations.
- Personal interaction with each child
- Santa reads from his "nice list"
- Photo opportunities
- Can distribute gifts you provide
- Letters to Santa can be "delivered"
Corporate/Office Parties
Santa attends your company holiday party to spread cheer and take photos with employees and their families.
- 1-3 hour appearances typical
- Photos with all guests
- Can distribute company gifts
- Great for family-inclusive events
Community Events
HOA parties, neighborhood gatherings, church events, school celebrations.
- Higher volume of children
- Mrs. Claus often added
- Elf helpers available
- Extended hours for large groups
Breakfast/Brunch with Santa
Santa joins your holiday breakfast event for photos and festive atmosphere.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire Santa?
| Event Type | Duration | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Home Visit | 30 min | $200-$300 |
| Home Visit | 1 hour | $300-$500 |
| Corporate Party | 2 hours | $400-$700 |
| Large Event | 3+ hours | $600-$1000+ |
| Add Mrs. Claus | — | +$150-$300 |
Peak Date Pricing
Christmas Eve and December weekends command premium pricing and book earliest. Some Santas charge 25-50% more for these dates. Weekday visits and early December dates are more affordable.
What to Expect from a Professional Santa
Quality Santa Performers Provide:
- Authentic appearance: Real beards (or high-quality fake), professional suit, boots, and accessories
- Character expertise: They know reindeer names, North Pole details, and how to handle tough questions
- Child interaction skills: Trained to handle shy kids, crying babies, and eager questioners
- Professional demeanor: Background-checked, reliable, sober
- Flexibility: Can work with your schedule and special requests
What Santa Typically Does:
- Makes a festive entrance (bells ringing, "Ho ho ho!")
- Sits in his chair (you provide or he brings)
- Talks with each child individually
- Asks about wish lists and behavior
- Takes photos (you provide photographer)
- Can distribute gifts you've pre-wrapped and labeled
- Reads "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" (if requested)
Book Santa Early!
Our professional Santas book months in advance. Check availability now!
Check AvailabilityWhen and How to Book Santa
Timing is Everything
- September-October: Ideal booking window for best selection
- November 1-15: Still good availability, but prime dates going fast
- Late November: Limited availability, especially weekends
- December: Very limited—take what's available
Questions to Ask When Booking
- Is the beard real or high-quality fake?
- What's included in the price?
- What does Santa wear? (suit quality varies)
- Will it be the same Santa in photos as I'm booking?
- What's the cancellation policy?
- Does Santa have backup if sick?
How to Prepare for Santa's Visit
For Home Visits:
- Share children's names and ages so Santa can call them by name
- Tell Santa about wish list items so he can mention them
- Note any sensitivities (scared of beards, special needs, etc.)
- Prepare gifts labeled for Santa to distribute (optional)
- Set up a Santa chair in a well-lit photo area
- Have cookies and milk ready as a prop
- Prepare your camera/phone (Santa doesn't usually bring photographer)
For Corporate Events:
- Designate a Santa arrival area away from children
- Set up a photo backdrop and seating area
- Have a line management system for busy events
- Brief Santa on any VIPs or special considerations
- Provide a place for Santa to take breaks
What NOT to Do:
- Don't leave Santa alone with children unsupervised
- Don't expect Santa to discipline your child
- Don't tell children Santa "won't bring presents" if they misbehave during the visit
- Don't force terrified children to sit on Santa's lap
Red Flags: Signs of an Unprofessional Santa
- Very cheap pricing (under $100 for an hour)
- No photos of the actual Santa available
- No contract or confirmation process
- Unable to answer basic Santa questions
- Arrives in costume looking disheveled
- No background check process
Final Thoughts
A professional Santa visit creates lasting memories and genuine holiday magic. The key is booking early—quality Santas are in high demand and book months in advance. Whether it's an intimate home visit or a large corporate celebration, seeing children's eyes light up when Santa arrives is worth every penny.
Ready to book? See our holiday characters or check Santa availability. And remember—book early!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire Santa Claus?
Santa visits typically cost $200-$500 for home visits (30 min - 1 hour) and $300-$800+ for corporate events or longer appearances. Christmas Eve and December weekends are premium pricing.
When should I book Santa?
Book as early as possible—ideally by November 1st. Peak dates (December weekends, Christmas Eve) book out months in advance. Last-minute availability is rare.
What if my child is scared of Santa?
Professional Santas are trained to handle shy or scared children. They'll approach gently, offer waves from a distance, and never force interaction. Let Santa know in advance if your child is particularly nervous.
