santa claus home visit

How to Have a Smooth Home Visit from Santa Claus

Last updated on November 24, 2023

Now that Christmas is around the corner, lots of families are booking jolly ol’ Saint Nick for surprise home visits. We heard from one of our favorite Santas— Santa True —who gave us plenty of tips to help your home visit go off without a hitch.

While this article focuses on Santa as our example, there are wonderful Mrs. Clauses and other holiday entertainers who also do home visits!

What to Expect from Your Visit from Santa Claus

Every home visit is different, but here are some things you might expect:

• A special entrance from Santa
• Meet and greet
• Photo opportunities
• “Chair time” when kids (and adults!) can sit with Santa individually
• Q and As with Santa
• Performances such as singing, storytelling, or reading The Night Before Christmas
• Handing out gifts
• A hearty goodbye and magical exit

🎅 You might find this helpful: How to Hire a Santa Claus for Your Holiday Event

Before Your Visit from Santa Claus

Plan ahead and stay in touch with Santa before the day arrives so your home visit is a guaranteed success.

Talk with your performer 

This isn’t their first sleigh ride, and they often have a wealth of tips and ideas that can help you. Every performer approaches events differently, and you will also have special things in mind. Call them, chat, and make certain to finalize your plans before the season is too busy.

Share key details about the event 

Your performer will need to know how many people will be there and what ages. Be sure to share the names of the children—Santa will do his best to remember them. You can also introduce them simply, such as, “Santa, this is Suzy, who is seven years old, and Michael just turned nine.”

Share special considerations

Santa is happy to accommodate special needs for those he visits. He should also know about any language barriers or cultural considerations ahead of time.

Make sure Santa can get in

If you live in a gated community or have a special entrance in mind, make sure to share access codes and directions ahead of time.

Stay in communication

Santa needs the cell phone number of someone designated to wait for his text message when he is ready to make his entrance. Your point person should ensure their phone is fully charged, keep an eye on their messages, and be prepared to help with any issues.

Think about reminders of sadness or loss

If a loved one has passed recently or someone is currently stationed overseas, it helps Santa to know to avoid touching on sensitive issues. And if you have someone missing from the event, Santa could help you record a special message for them.

Don’t forget the elves!

Does your family participate in “Elf on the Shelf”? Santa loves being “in” on this tradition! But it helps Santa to know the names of those elves and what they have been up to.

Preparing for the Day of Your Visit from Santa Claus

There are several things to consider as you get your home ready for Santa on the day of your event.

Reserve a spot for Santa’s sleigh

Parking is important, especially if it’s limited (or your house is on a hill). Ask your Santa if they need a space reserved for them. One great method: Have someone park in Santa’s spot, then right before he arrives, pull the car out and leave a sign that says “Reserved for Santa.”

Prepare your seating arrangements

After Santa makes his entrance, he should have a designated place to sit. The best kind of chair for Santa is a strong one, preferably with a straight back and without arms. Santa needs his feet flat on the floor when he has someone in his lap. Often a dining room table chair will work just fine, and you can dress it up with a pretty Christmas blanket. Forest green or dark blue looks great in photos!

Where to put Santa’s chair

We recommend putting it near the Christmas tree or someplace well-lit with a festive background. Avoid putting Santa near the roaring fireplace; he’s already very warm. Keeping the house a little cooler is great for Ol’ St. Nick. Avoid putting him in front of lots of glass because you’ll get flash bounce and glare in your photos. Arrange the chair so the kids can sit down in front of him.

Think about background noise

A Christmas performance is for the whole family. When the music is blaring, or the crowd is loud and rowdy, some of the magic will be lost if Santa can’t be heard. While Santa is there, have everybody join in and have your revelers tone it down until Santa heads for the sleigh.

Have your payment ready

If you arranged your Santa visit with a split payment (a deposit paid earlier with the remainder due at the time of the visit) or if you want to give Santa a holiday tip, the best method is to have the payment and/or tip in a Christmas card and envelope at the front door, ready to hand to Santa when he comes in.

When you book a Santa Claus on GigSalad , you’ll pay the entire balance upfront, so you don’t have to worry about paying anything (except a tip, if desired) on the day of the event.

During Your Visit from Santa Claus

Parties can always get a little hectic, so stay on track and keep your guests happy with these tips.

Be a friendly host

Introduce Santa to both kids and adults; Christmas is for the kid in all of us!

Help Santa stay on time

Santa may have other families to visit, so be mindful of his dedicated time with you.

Assist with the details

Understand that Santa won’t be able to memorize every name. If you have a tradition, like a special cookie, nicknames, or customs, let your Santa know in advance and again at the event. Maybe remind him “of that time Santa brought something special” if this would be meaningful to the audience.

Encourage participation

Be upbeat and get everyone to join in on songs, stories, and other activities. If you show enthusiasm, others will too!

Coordinate the kids

As cute as it might be, sometimes it’s best not to put all the kids together. The younger, squirmier kiddos should stay in their parent’s laps. If a child is having a meltdown, have someone assigned to help them go somewhere where they can calm down.

Be flexible

Remember that all performances have unique pacing and rhythm based on your guests and home atmosphere. Be flexible and allow the timing to flow naturally.

Passing Out Gifts

Presents are the biggest part of Christmas! The big man in red is a pro at gift-giving, but there are a few things you can do to help him out.

Make sure Santa can find your gifts

Put your presents in a large plastic trash bag marked with a bright ribbon. Make sure it’s easily accessible and able to be lifted into Santa’s bag. If there are lots of presents or they are extremely heavy, get some elf hats and have a few helpers meet Santa outside. Remember, if you cannot carry all the gifts at once, it might be hard to have Santa carry all of them at the same time, too.

Don’t count on labels

Write the name clearly in large print with a marker directly onto the wrapping paper. Labels usually fall off in Santa’s bag. If this is a group gathering, make certain you can distinguish between people with the same name. If the names might be challenging, have someone help Santa with the pronunciations.

Have backup gifts

If this event includes many families, have a few small backup gifts just in case someone did not get the word. Stuffed animals and gift cards work well. You could even pass them over saying, “Oh, Santa, you dropped these.”

Decide how to open gifts

Of course, you can just hand them out and open them. Little kids will often just do this anyway. But another fun way is called a “Countdown and Out.” Santa hands out the presents, but everyone waits to open them until Santa is leaving. Santa starts the countdown, saying, “5, 4, 3, 2, 1… Merry Christmas!” Then the paper flies! The advantage is that Santa leaves at a high point, and no one tries to follow him out to see the reindeer. In fact, assign someone to make sure the kids don’t follow him outside.

Taking Photos with Santa Claus

Meeting Santa always needs photographic evidence, so be sure you’re ready for this important task. Don’t want the pressure on you? Hire a photographer instead!

Charge your batteries

Have all your cameras and smartphones ready, fully charged, connected to Wi-Fi, and prepared before the event begins.

Take photos first

Try to get the photos done early in the event. You’ll have time to get everything you want and folks are still fresh with the wonder of the visit. Then you can relax and just visit!

Photos with pets

Santa is usually good with animals, but there should be a lap blanket and plenty of advanced notice if you want photos with pets. If Santa has to visit someone else that day who is allergic to pets, he might not be able to hold your furry friend for the photo. Instead, he will ask you to hold them and stand or sit nearby.

 Santa Claus Reminders

✔ Santa is not likely to tell children they are on the naughty list, even if you ask him to.

✔ Santa is not likely to eat or drink beyond a few nibbles or sips. A bottle of water is always welcome. White gloves stain easily, and it can be difficult to keep a beard pristine.

✔ Santa will not accept any drink that is alcoholic. Remember, he has to drive the sleigh.

Lastly, if you really enjoy the visit, please leave a great review and give referrals. And if possible, send Santa any photos that can be shared. That way, you help support the Arts and make even more Christmas magic possible for those in your community! ❤️🤍

Are you looking for a Santa to make a surprise visit to your home? Search for local professionals and book the best on GigSalad.

Please contact us for copyright information on reprinting or distributing this article. 

Santa True has over 30+ years of storytelling experience and loves making folks smile with his singing, storytelling, and truly interactive style. As a Santa, he has done commercials, corporate events, photo shoots, parades, and countless home visits making him an expert in all things St. Nick!

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Good morning, I would like to know how much will cost Santa Claus visit at my home

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What to Expect During a Santa Visit at Your Home or Business

Posted on April 18th, 2023

If you've never had a Santa Claus visit your home or business before, you may be wondering what to expect. Will he come down the chimney with a bag of presents? Will he eat your cookies and milk? While the answer to those questions may be no, there's still plenty of holiday magic to look forward to when you book a Santa Claus visit with Santa PopPop, LLC.

Here's what you can expect during a Santa Claus visit at your home or business:

A Jolly Arrival

One of the best things about a Santa Claus visit is the grand entrance. When I arrive at your home or business, I'll be in full costume, complete with my signature red and white suit, black boots, and of course, my big white beard. I'll greet everyone with a hearty "ho ho ho" and make my way inside to start spreading some holiday cheer.

Engaging and Entertaining

During a Santa Claus visit, I'll do more than just pose for photos. I'll engage and entertain your guests, whether they're children or adults. I'll chat with everyone about their Christmas wishes, tell stories about the North Pole, and maybe even sing a carol or two. If there are children present, I'll spend extra time with them, making sure they feel special and heard. And if you have any special requests or traditions you'd like me to participate in, just let me know – I'm always happy to accommodate.

Gifts and Surprises

If you've left gifts or stockings out for me to distribute, I'll be happy to pass them out to your guests. I can also bring small gifts or treats with me, like candy canes or small toys, to give to everyone. And if you have any special requests for surprise gifts or personalized messages, just let me know ahead of time and I'll do my best to make it happen.

Photos and Memories

No Santa Claus visit would be complete without some photos and memories to cherish. I'll pose for photos with your guests, both individually and as a group. If you have a photographer on hand, I'll work with them to make sure everyone gets a great shot. And if you'd like to record a video message from Santa, I can do that too.

A Magical Departure

When it's time for me to leave, I'll say my goodbyes and make my exit in a magical way. Whether it's waving from the sleigh or disappearing in a puff of smoke, I'll make sure your guests are left with a sense of wonder and magic.

Tips for a Successful Santa Claus Visit

If you're planning on having Santa Claus visit your home or business, there are a few things you can do to make sure the experience is a success. Here are some tips for a successful Santa Claus visit:

Before the Santa Claus visit, make sure to plan ahead. Decide on the date, time, and location of the visit, and make sure everyone involved knows the plan. If you're having Santa Claus visit your business, let your employees and customers know ahead of time so they can plan to be there.

Communicate with Santa Claus

If you have any special requests or traditions you'd like Santa Claus to participate in, make sure to communicate them ahead of time. This could include things like reading a story, passing out gifts, or posing for certain types of photos. By communicating with Santa Claus ahead of time, you can make sure the visit is tailored to your specific needs.

Prepare Your Guests

If you're having Santa Claus visit your home or business, make sure to prepare your guests ahead of time. Let them know when Santa Claus will be arriving, what to expect during the visit, and any special instructions they need to follow. If you're having children present, make sure to prepare them for the visit by talking to them about Santa Claus and what to expect.

Provide a Festive Atmosphere

To create a festive atmosphere for the Santa Claus visit, decorate your home or business with holiday decor. This could include things like a Christmas tree, stockings, and holiday lights. Make sure the area where Santa Claus will be visiting is clean and tidy, and provide plenty of seating for your guests.

Have a Plan for Photos

Photos are an important part of a Santa Claus visit, so make sure to have a plan in place for taking and sharing them. If you're having a photographer on hand, make sure they know when and where to take photos. If you're taking photos yourself, make sure to have a camera or smartphone ready. After the visit, make sure to share the photos with your guests so they can cherish the memories.

Emphasize Safety

During the Santa Claus visit, it's important to emphasize safety. Make sure the area where Santa Claus will be visiting is safe and secure, especially if children will be present. If you're having a large group of people present, make sure to have a plan in place for managing the crowd.

Show Appreciation

After the Santa Claus visit, make sure to show appreciation for Santa Claus and anyone else involved in making the visit a success. This could include a thank-you note, a small gift, or even a shout-out on social media. By showing appreciation, you can help ensure that Santa Claus and his helpers will be happy to visit again in the future.

In addition to the aforementioned experiences, there are a few other things you can expect when you book a Santa Claus visit with Santa PopPop, LLC.

First and foremost, you can expect professionalism and reliability. As a seasoned professional Santa Claus, I take my role very seriously. That means arriving on time, staying in character throughout the visit, and ensuring that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.

You can also expect a natural and authentic Santa Claus portrayal. At Santa PopPop, LLC, I take pride in my realistic and genuine Santa look, complete with a real beard, rosy cheeks, and twinkling eyes. I'll speak with a deep, jolly voice and engage your guests with warmth and humor.

And perhaps most importantly, you can expect a personalized and memorable experience. Every Santa Claus visit is unique, and I'm dedicated to making sure that your visit is tailored to your specific needs and desires. Whether you have a large group of children or a small family gathering, I'll work with you to create an experience that everyone will remember for years to come.

So why wait? Whether you're hosting a corporate party, visiting a hospital or nursing home, or just looking to add some extra holiday magic to your home, a Santa Claus visit from Santa PopPop, LLC is the perfect choice. Contact me today to schedule your visit and get ready to experience the joy and wonder of the holiday season like never before.

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Ho, ho, ho! It's that time of year again - the holiday season is upon us, and it's time to start planning your festive …

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Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late: Book Now!

Featuring Santa, Black Santa, and Mrs. Claus

Virtual santa, your way.

• Prices Starting at $25
• You Choose Your Claus
• Personalization Makes it Magical

Countdown to Christmas!

Experience the Magic

Imagine a virtual experience, so believable, where Santa knows your child’s name, their elf’s name, and other personal details in a visit  that lasts  2-3 times longer than mall Santa photo ops!  

JingleRing brings the Christmas magic to your home with personalized, extended conversations, creating cherished memories. This holiday season,   discover the tradition of JingleRing, where every moment is a timeless gift.

Enhanced Visual Effects With:

Santa bryan, santa johnny.

JingleRing is the  world’s most popular virtual visit  with Santa and/or Mrs. Claus. Choose your Claus, at your budget, when it’s most convenient for you. Make it a family event – invite Grandparents to join at no additional cost! Claus will personalize your experience to make it magical & memorable.  Plus, you’ll get a video of the entire visit!

Imagine a virtual experience, so believable, where Santa knows your child’s name, their elf’s name, and other personal details in a visit  that lasts  2-3 times longer than mall Santa photo ops ! 

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Check out our FAQ section to learn more.

• Magical Home Visits
• Hire A Santa
• Storytelling Santa

Home Visits

BRINGING THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS INTO YOUR HOME   

MAGICAL PRE-CHRISTMAS HOME VISITS FROM SANTA CLAUS Gift your little believers the memory of a lifetime when Santa comes walking through your front door with a toy sack of presents. Invite relatives, friends, neighbors and the children for a surprise visit from an authentically costumed REAL BEARDED SANTA CLAUS.    

Ask each parent to bring a dozen cookies for a “Cookie Party", have a "Pizza Party", a Gourmet Dinner Party or a Pajama Pancake  Breakfast  is lots of Fun  

Santa’s SURPRISE VISIT will bring smiles, laughter and even a few tears of JOY along with the magic of Christmas into your homes and hearts. The children will believe the “real” Santa visited, even a few adults may believe! 

LOOK AT ALL THE MAGIC THAT IS INCLUDED!  

*ARRIVAL: Each parent should select a small gift the child has asked for. Host will meet Santa on arrival with all the gifts, which should be no larger than a shoebox (so they will all fit in toy sack) and with each child’s name.   

*GRAND ENTRANCE: Imagine, when Santa enters through the front door, ringing sleigh bells and the children see Santa with his toy pack over his shoulder! WOW! cameras ready for photos of those excited children, the looks on those little faces, this is a TRULY PRICELESS moment.    

* CEREMONIAL LIGHTING OF THE CHRISTMAS TREE: When Santa arrives the tree lights should be off. Santa asks a child to read a special Elf tree lighting poem. With the help of a little Elf magic stardust floating, twinkling down the tree, the lights are magically switched on, creating a magical inspiring moment, along with a chorus of awes.....   

*SANTA'S BOOK OF GOOD KIDS: Santa’s Book has 1,000's of names along with a page with the names of each of the children present! Santa reads each child’s name, after parents verify each child has been good, each receives a Red Ribbon, "I Am Listed In Santa's Book Of Good Kids"   

  *SANTA READS/TELLS CHRISTMAS STORIES : Santa may ask a child to sit on his knee and help Santa read and tell stories from Santa's Story Book!   

*SANTA VISITS WITH EACH CHILD : Santa pulls a wrapped gift from the toy sack and calls out the name. Each child sits on Santa’s knee to share their wish list while personal photos are taken. Each child receives their wrapped gift and selects a small gift from Santa's special Toy Gift Box.   

UNWRAPPING THE PRESENTS: When all the children have visited with Santa and received their gift, they all open at the same time, offering another awesome photo moment with the pure excitement of children.    

*PHOTOS WITH SANTA: Time is for photos with siblings, families, friends, neighbors and a group photo of all of the children! After all photos have been taken, the presents have all been opened and the magic is slipping away, it is time for Santa's exit to a chorus or two of "Jingle Bells"  

MAGICAL PRE-CHRISTMAS HOME VISITS are designed and planned to provide the complete magical Santa experience for the children. Santa explains to the children he is visiting them before Christmas this year, because they have been especially good this year.

SANTA is booking now....Magical Pre-Christmas Home Visits start the day after Thanksgiving, weekdays, weekends, mornings, afternoons and evenings all the way up to Christmas Eve.  Fees for Magical Visits are $150-$225 based on weekday or weekend and the specific time slot! Send an email or give just give this old Kringle a jingle at 813-230-9254 to inquire about booking your Santa for a magical pre Christmas party!    

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Santa Claus for hire Los Angeles, Hollywood, Beverly Hills

Santa Claus Visits – Home, Office, In-Person

Santa claus visits.

Every year Santa Ed visits with thousands of children in malls, retail stores, community events, at home & company parties, and even on Zoom, Facetime, JingleRing, and other virtual platforms.

Santa Ed typically schedules approximately 110 in-person Santa visits each year. Most of these Santa visits are in West Los Angeles, Westwood, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Santa Monica, and the Hollywood Hills.  

Santa Claus visits in 2020, like education, doctor visits, and work, have gone virtual. Santa Ed as an amazing North Pole studio for Santa Visits via Zoom. These virtual visits with Santa Claus are, of course, are available to families across the US and around the world.

Santa Claus Home Visits

Santa Claus Ed can come to your home and take Santa Claus pictures, read T’was Night Before Christmas, or Selfie Elfie, Are You Grumpy Santa or one of many classics to your children, and help create Christmas traditions. Santa Ed’s look and personality are exactly as you would hope Santa Claus would be. Contact Santa today! If you want Santa Claus to do something unique, different, or not listed here, please just ask. Santa Claus will work with you to make your event special.

Santa Visits Your Home

Santa Claus Birthday Visits

A special Birthday Visit with Santa Claus– With either a virtual or in-person visit from Santa Claus Santa Ed can help make your child’s birthday extra special.

Special Santa Gift Delivery or Clue

Imagine Santa showing up with a special present… it could happen. Or, imagine a Zoom call from Santa announcing a special gift like a trip, or a new car on the driveway, or giving you child/children clues for special hidden presents… we can have a LOT of fun this holiday season.

The Ultimate Exclusive Santa Visit – Available in Beverly Hills, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Santa Monica, and the Hollywood Hills and the surrounding areas

The Ultimate Santa Claus Visit (extremely limited availability) – Are you looking for a totally unique, one of a kind Santa Claus visit with a real ‘Hollywood Santa Claus’? 

Santa Ed will consult with you about your children’s names, what they are currently interested in, and about Christmas gifts from the past.  A professional photographer will come to your home and set up.  Then Santa Ed and Mrs. Claus will make a grand entrance and greet your children by name. The children will be mesmerized by his authenticity and personality as he tells stories about life at the North Pole.  

Santa Claus will tell stories and Mrs. Claus will have everyone singing Christmas songs and while all of this is going on, our professional photographer will be capturing photos. 

Santa Claus will then listen to the hopes and dreams of each child and hand out gifts that you have provided to each child. High-quality photographs of your children with Santa and Mrs. Claus will be taken, including several specific poses guaranteed to be treasured by you for years to come.  Family pictures are also included.  These pictures will be edited and delivered to you electronically so that you can do anything you wish with them.

Best Santa Claus Visit Los Angeles 

Professional Santa Claus visit. Hire Real Bearded Santa Claus Ed Taylor for your Christmas party.

“Ed Taylor is the greatest Santa in the history of Santas. Bar none. Period.  End of story. 

Ed Taylor is so authentic as St. Nick himself, I found myself confused and wondering “Is Santa actually for real and standing in front of me?” He’s a master.”

Rob Dyrdek Professional Skateboarder Host of MTV  – Ridiculousness

“Thank you for being part of our “Breakfast With Santa” event at Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills. Your portrayal of Santa was raved by both customers and staff at the store. You brought so much joy and positive energy to the event. You are the best Santa we’ve ever had here! We look forward to booking you again and again when Christmas comes! “

Cameron Lee Public Relations Neiman Marcus, Beverly Hills

“AUTHENTIC! EXCEPTIONAL! PROFESSIONAL!

We had Santa and Mrs. Claus at our world record attempt for the most snowmen built in an hour. We had 800 employees and 400 kids and Santa and Mrs . Claus were a hit with everyone one of them ! They engaged the kids and adults alike! We will not hesitate to use them in the future!”

Carol Lynch Mattel Toys El Segundo, CA

Santa Claus for Hire Medford Oregon

SANTA'S CLUB IS SOLD OUT!

SANTA'S CLUB IS 85% FULL - BOOK NOW TO VISIT SANTA

Childhood memories, the santa's club way.

We offer the most intimate live video conversations with Santa Claus.

No malls, no lines, no stress.

No malls. No Lines. No Stress.

FEATURED IN

Experience Santa's Club

Experience santa's club, virtual santa visits reimagined, virtual santa visits.

Santa’s Club is excited to continue enriching the family holiday season with personalized virtual visits with Santa from the convenience, comfort, & safety of home! You pour the cocoa, we’ll provide the magic. The lasting kraken2trfqodidvlh4aa337cpzfrhdlfldhve5nf7njhumwr7instad.onion memories will follow.

Our Packages

Treat your child with priceless memories they’ll cherish forever. No malls, no lines, no stress. Just Santa!  

Treat your children with priceless memories they’ll cherish forever. No malls, no lines, no stress. Just Santa!

Live Video Conversation With Santa

• Live Video Conversation with Santa
• Personalized for up to Three Children
• Includes a Keepsake Video
• Option to book Extra Time With Santa At Checkout

The Complete Santa's Club Experience

• Mailed Invitation From the North Pole with a Magical Wristband.
• Personalized for up to Three Children. Additional fees may apply.
• Available to US Residents Only

Personalized Video Message From Santa

• Video Message from Santa
• Personalized for One Child
• Option to Personalize for a Classroom, Workplace, or Team! Additional fees apply.
• Delivered Within 72 Hours
• Option to Personalize for a Classroom, Workplace, or Team. Additional fees apply.
• Mailed Invitation From the North Pole with a Magical Letter & Wristband.
• Includes UPS Priority Shipping with Tracking ($12 value) We will begin sending invitations on Nov 1st.

Corporate Gifting

• Reward your staff and customers with a truly memorable experience
• Spread seasonal joy with gifted Santa's Club visits
• Get in touch to place a high volume order of Santa visits

Frequently Asked Questions

The Complete Santa’s Club Experience begins with a mailed invitation from the North Pole welcoming your child into Santa’s Club.  The invitation includes a personalized envelope with your child’s name, Santa’s premium silver seal, a whimsical letter from Santa, and a magical wristband (snap bracelet) to encourage them to be on their best behavior throughout the Christmas season. 

The standard package comes with ONE invitation (personalized for ONE child).  You will have the option to purchase extra invitations for additional children during the checkout process. 

Priority UPS shipping with tracking ($12 value) is included with your order and enables delivery within 5 business days. This package is available to US residents only.

Visits with Santa will be offered from Friday, November 20th to December 25th, 2023.  Santa’s schedule is filling up quickly so we recommend booking your visit as early as possible!

The days of waiting in line for hours at the mall, only to receive a rushed 30 second visit with Santa are over! For our live video conversation packages, Santa is all yours for a full 5+ minutes! If you want to treat your family to more time with Santa, you will have the option to upgrade and double your time with Santa at checkout. Personalized video messages from Santa are approximately 2-3 minutes long.

Live video conversations with Santa are designed to accommodate up to three children.  If you have more than three children, they can still participate, however we recommend adding extra time to your visit (select this option during checkout) to ensure Santa has enough time to deliver a personalized experience for each child.   Video messages from Santa are designed to accommodate one child to ensure a highly personalized message just for them.

Spread seasonal joy with gifted Santa’s Club visits for your employees, customers, and partners.  Please send your request via our Customer Service page and we’ll be in touch prompty. Due to extremely high interest and limited capacity, we recommend getting in touch early as we expect to sell out quickly.

Testimonials

Santa's Schedule is Filling up Quickly!

Santa’s Club has limited sessions available! Enter your email and we’ll notify you before we sell out! 

Timeless Tradition Evolved

CONVENIENT & SAFE

Video chat with Santa from the comfort and safety of home.  No malls, no lines, no stress.

CAPTIVATING & FUN

Broadcast live from the North Pole, it’s fun and engaging from start to finish!

PRICELESS MEMORIES

A magical experience for the entire family. Instantly share your keepsake video with all your loved ones.

PERSONALIZED MESSAGING

We take what makes your child special and turn it into a personalized experience they’ll cherish forever.

Santa's Club News

The latest news on virtual visits with santa.

Santa Visits

A Timeless Tradition The jingle of bells, the scent of fresh pine, twinkling lights, and a sudden chill in the air – these are just

Virtual Visits with Santa: Why Santa’s Club is the Top Choice for Children

The magic of Christmas and the allure of Santa Claus have been cherished traditions for centuries. Year after year, children have eagerly awaited their turn

Virtual Santa Visits are Here to Stay

Demand for Virtual Santa Visits is Skyrocketing!  Virtual Santa Visits have quickly become the preferred experience for families looking for a safer, more convenient, and personalized

Virtual Santa Visits Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions How is Santa’s Club different than an in-person visit at the mall? It’s More Convenient: The days of piling kids into the mini-van

Video Chat with Santa From The Comfort of Home

You can now video chat with Santa while wearing your favorite PJ’s and sipping hot cocoa. No malls, no lines, no stress.  Just Santa!  Your

Is Santa’s Club just a Zoom Call with Santa?

Not at all!  Santa’s Club is so much more than a Zoom Call with Santa Claus. Your Santa’s Club journey begins with a magical invitation

Help Us #SaveChristmas For Children In Need

Santa’s Club believes that Christmas is the season of giving, and it is our mission to give EVERY child the magical memories they deserve. 

Our goal is to #SAVECHRISTMAS for 100,000 children in need and w e have partnered with leading children’s based organizations (non-profits & children’s hospitals) who have requested virtual visits with Santa .

Santa’s Club needs your help to fulfill our mission.  We are seeking corporate sponsors and philanthropic leaders to help us continue the Santa Claus tradition for children in need.  Please contact us to learn more on how to get involved.

Use promo code JINGLE10 to save $10 off your visit. Offer expires in 24 hrs.

Or Follow Us on Instagram!

• Live video webcam
• Opening hours and dates

Welcome to Santa Claus Village & the Arctic Circle!

Experience the magic of Christmas every day of the year!

Santa Claus Village is located in Rovaniemi, Finland, the official hometown of Santa Claus. Santa Claus has made Lapland in Northern Finland his home for centuries, and the Arctic Circle is close to his heart because many Christmas secrets are rooted in this magical place. Santa Claus Village is a family destination with plenty to see and do for all ages. Here’s wishing you an unforgettable visit!

Greetings, the Santa Claus Village family

Meet Santa Claus 

You can meet Santa Claus every day of the year at Santa Claus Village. Meeting Santa is a unique experience, no matter what time of year you visit us. Santa’s gift sack is always filled with good cheer, warmth, and friendship. He reminds us of a world of fairy tales and stories where everyone is welcome, not just the children. 

Cross the magical Arctic Circle 

Did you know that the Arctic Circle runs right through the Santa Claus Village? As the Arctic Circle line is marked in Santa Claus Village’s central square, you can experience something uniquely exciting here – you get to cross the magical Arctic Circle! You can hop, step, jump or even do a cartwheel!

Experience the wonder of the Northern Lights 

The colourful Northern Lights playing in the sky are one of the most beautiful phenomena in nature. The geographical location of Santa Claus Village and the surrounding area makes it a suitable area to encounter the Northern Lights. It’s important to remember that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon. This means that while there’s no guarantee you’ll see them, the search will be even more exciting!

Be enchanted by Lapland’s nature 

Every season is different in Rovaniemi. In this Arctic nature wonderland, you can breathe in the silence of snow-covered forests, experience the magic of the midnight sun in summer, and admire the famously colourful autumnal hues of “Ruska” in Lapland. Explore the enchanting natural sites and landscapes of Santa Claus Village.

Outstanding flavours of the North

Santa’s Salmon Place

At Santa’s Salmon Place, located in Santa Claus Village, you can try some of the best traditional salmon cooked on an open fire right in front of you.

Lapland Restaurant Kotahovi

Lapland Restaurant Kotahovi in Santa Claus Village offers quality Lappish gastronomy. The restaurant Kotahovi gets its name from “kota” which is Finnish for Lappish-style hut.

Golden Bowl Dim Sum Restaurant

Restaurant located in Santa’s Gift House in Santa Claus Village, seats 65 people. If you’re in the mood for some Asian cuisine, Golden Bowl Dim Sum is the right place to be.

Atmospheric accommodation

Santa Claus Holiday Village

Everything for a dream holiday in Santa Claus Village! Experience the wonder of the midnight sun or winter wonderland in our cozy red cabins or modern suite apartments.

BestPark Arctic Circle Rovaniemi

A safe caravan park for camper vans and trailers next to Santa’s Village. All facilities needed included to the low parking fee; electricity, water, toilet, shower, waste disposal, terrace, barbecue area, sauna, etc..

Apukka Resort Rovaniemi

Apukka Resort: an Arctic wilderness resort hotel in the capital of Lapland, surrounded by lakes and magical nature, just 10 min drive from Santa Claus Village!

Delightful souvenirs

Rovaniemi Souvenirs Shop

Reindeer Horn Products Shop of Lahjatuote Markku Valkama is located in the historical Roosevelt Cottage next to Arctic Circle line at Santa Claus Village.

Souvenir and Gift Shop Sága Gifts

In shop you can find a wide selection of Lappish handicrafts, wool knitwear and high-quality souvenirs & gifts.

Maahisenkolo

Handcrafted Lapland drums, Viking jewelry, and other gift items from the store.

Watch the Santa Claus Village livestream!

Looking for more?

• Activities & Experiences
• Accommodation
• Eat & Drink

Plan your stay

How to get to the Santa Claus Village? What should you know before visiting? We’ve put together some useful tips for you!

Santa Claus Village on social media

A Storytelling, Singing, FUN Santa

Home visits.

• Virtual Visits
• Event Photos
• The Illuminated Santa

Home Parties and Visits

Our Christmas Season offerings include a hybrid of Live and Virtual visits (recorded video messages and live, interactive video calls). Everyone here at the North Pole wants to keep your family and friends healthy. Santa True is fully vaccinated and would be happy to be part of your safe seasonal events

With some thoughtful event preparation and planning, let’s make this a Christmas to be remembered!

Outline of an In-Person Visit

An In-Person Visit from Santa True starts at approximately 30 minutes at the location of your choosing (home, rec room, restaurant, office) . Santa makes a Grand Entrance , has a Meet and Greet time, then it’s time for some fun Photos . The children can Tell Santa what they want , there’s time for Question and Answer with Santa , and some Singing and Storytelling . Finally, if there are Gifts (provided by the hosts that Santa has hidden in his gift bag) , these are distributed at the end. Everyone does a Big Countdown and gifts are opened as Santa makes his exit. (This helps keep the children from running out to “see the reindeer.”)

To secure the visit, we put together an event contract with all the specifics of the visit. Your date and time has a “soft hold” on our calendar until the contract comes back by the contract deadline. A visit starts at $300, with $150 non-refundable retainer required to save the date/time on our calendar. (Longer events or Corporate events are priced differently.)

When we have received payment, then we will send you the event questionnaire. This is how you provide the secret information Santa would know, as well as any access information needed (like security code to come into a gate, restrictions about parking, or where the gifts for children will be hidden before Santa comes in).

Please email us at [email protected] if you’d like to find a day and time on our calendar for a Home Visit.

• Our 2022 Calendar is almost fully booked with weekends having the fewest options available.
• If you are open to a weekday visit, there are more options still remaining.
• There are no in-person visits available outside of Southern California

If an in-person visit cannot be scheduled, please take a look at our Virtual Visit options.

How To Make the Best Visit

Having Santa come to your home is a wondrous thing for young and old alike. Here are some quick tips to making this the very best party or visit possible.

• Make certain Santa has an assigned contact who will have their phone on (and charged), just in case. This contact person should check their phone regularly.
• If there are any pets who might be over-excited by a big guy in a fur-trimmed suit, it might be best for them to relax elsewhere, in a closed room.
• You will want to have all your cameras and devices ready and charged.
• Where should Santa sit for photos? Well, Santa’s suit is pretty warm, so not too close to fireplaces. It is also helpful to seat Santa away from large reflective surfaces (like mirrors and glass doors). We don’t want flash bounce to ruin your pictures.
• Santa will probably need a helper or two. Santa True will send you information on just how those assistants can help out.
• Any finances are best dealt with beforehand and “off stage.” But if there is any balance or payment due, the best way to handle this is to put the money into a Christmas Card and hand it to Santa, as he is leaving.
• Coordination is important. It could be awkward for Santa to show up in the middle of a meal or when someone has just run to the store for some more eggnog. Please have someone who will bring everyone together, to be ready when Santa shows up.
• In many people’s minds, Santa usually comes down the chimney. But if he’s arriving by car, you need to have a specially reserved parking spot for him. An easy way to do this is to have one of the cars in the driveway pulled all the way back (closest to the street). When Santa arrives, the Helper pulls this car forward and Santa pulls in behind him. Make certain Santa has all the security information, if you live in a gated community.
• Speaking of cars and reindeer, it’s not unusual for children to want to follow Santa out. Be ready to have a distraction to pull the kids away, after you hear him call out, “Happy Christmas to All, and to All a Good Night!”
• Seating is important. A sturdy, straight back, dining room chair will often do fine. You can decorate around it and even put it next to your Christmas Tree. But people will need to have easy access around it. And we don’t want any gifts to be trampled.
• If there are any people with Special Needs, make certain Santa knows. If someone is in a wheel chair or bedridden, Santa can easily go to them. Or he may need help if the person uses ASL, etc. When children are present, there must be an adult serving as the child wrangler remaining with Santa at all times.
• If Santa is handing out gifts for you, put them in a heavy-duty plastic trash bag. Santa True will transfer them into his own bag. Write the names in bold ink, on the wrapping paper itself. Tags fall off all the time. Santa will ask the helpers to help him hand out the presents, and to help pronounce the names if needed. If there are a lot of gifts, Santa may recruit some elves to bring them in. Please let Santa know if there are any special issues before he offers to hand out candy canes.

Santa Claus is coming to town!

A touch of magic brings the magic of santa claus to life in the twin cities.

Santa HOME Visits

Thinking about ways to make Christmas special this year?  We know your children are so excited for Santa to come, they can hardly wait...and then they hear something.  Could it be? Is SANTA here? 

Virtual Visit with Santa

Imagine your children's delight and astonishment that you have Santa Claus on speed dial!! Picture their excitement when he knows them personally and is taking the time to speak with them... live!

Custom-made Santa Video

You know that Naughty & Nice list? We can help your kids stay on the Nice list with a custom created video message from Santa Claus to YOUR Children, highlighting their strengths and including what they need to work on!

Santa for your Event

We would love to spread holiday cheer to your friends, colleagues and family this year by providing your group with our wildly popular holiday characters - Santa, Mrs. Claus and of course the Elves.  But book early! The Best Santas in Minnesota are in high demand!

photos by Creating Memories Forever   

Happy Holidays from our family to yours

We are not a national “Hire-a-Santa-near-me” company which dispatches local Santas. We ARE your local Santa Claus provider, and we have direct access to the REAL Santa Claus, (and the best Santa) direct from the North Pole (but vacationing in MN, in case your children ask!) :o) Oh yeah, and Mrs. Claus is available too! 

We are a family-owned and operated local St. Paul / Minneapolis, Minnesota based company, with over 30 years entertaining the Twin Cities. From our family to yours, we wish you the happiest of holidays!

Natural Beard Santa

Real Beard Santa

Designer Beard Santa

Why do you want one of our real santas.

• We make believers out of everyone! (Even that crabby Uncle of yours will come around.)
• We know how to talk to children. While it’s true that most people just want to take the photo, Santa spends time with each child, answering questions (about the North Pole, about Rudolph, about Mrs. Claus’ cookies… there is no question Santa can’t answer!)
• We’re funny! “Ho Ho Ho” isn’t what Santa Claus says … it’s the written way to represent Santa’s laughter . A real Santa is funny! He jovial! He laughs a lot! He makes jokes. He’s been around a long time, and that excitement and humor adds a wonderful element to any Christmas Party.
• We understand that some children are sensitive around animated characters (including Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, Clowns, Chuck E. Cheese, etc.). A REAL Santa is compassionate to those little nippers and can spot the fear before the child is in full-throttle meltdown. Santa can help you get that picture you want, without causing distress to the child. (We invented the “photobomb” over 30 years ago!)
• A REAL Santa gives you peace of mind that everything will go well… including a background check, professional training, liability insurance, 100% track record for reliability, good hygiene, clean & well-maintained costume, drug & alcohol-free. (Sorry… we have to mention those last three, because we hear complaints from people about their ‘last Santa’ who… (fill in the blank– “was tipsy”, “looked disheveled”, “smelled bad”.)  While price isn’t the only indication of quality, if you do find someone whose prices seem too good to be true, feel free to read this short article I wrote about the 4 Hidden Costs of Saving Money.
• You will look like a hero for pulling strings at the North Pole to get a REAL Santa Claus at your event! 

Hear from our customers about our Santa Videos. (Check Google for what they say about our live visits!)

“This is so fun I cannot wait to show it to my grandchildren!!! We laughed and cried as we watched it! And it was delivered so FAST! It was so much more than I hoped for!”

– Denise  Edina, MN

‘”TOO CUTE! This Santa ROCKS! My kids are going to be so excited to see their video after Thanksgiving! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!!  

– Joe & Cooper’s Mom Woodbury, MN

“Worth EVERY DOLLAR and then some.  Fabulous job, Santa. She got up and started picking up her toys before the video even ended!”

– Jessica’s Mom Oakdale, MN

Looking for something funny to get your group excited about your holiday party?

We can make you a custom video for your company like this., frequently asked santa claus questions for home visits:, what makes your santa visit different than the others.

We believe in the magic of Christmas! For home visits, we'll instruct you on how to make Santa magically appear! Then, we customize your visit with personal information on the family members. Santa will know things to ensure your children believe for a long time! Plus, he can deliver personal messages or gifts which you provide!

How much does it cost?

The cost varies, depending upon the location of the visit, the size of the group and the length of the visit. Most visits are between 15-20 minutes (which is a lot longer than it may seem), for an average family of up to 3 children. Visits run $229- $299 plus travel, where applicable. 

What if we want more time with Santa?

I know that 15-20 minutes doesn't seem like much, but I promise it is just right for the average family of up to 3 children. We want the visit to be long enough to be magical and special for each child, but not so long that the children get suspicious The longer he's there, the more questions your youngsters will ask, so it's best to leave while the impression is fresh and magical!

What happens if we go longer than scheduled?

Well, that depends if you're on the naughty or nice list. :o)  Seriously, though, a few minutes over the scheduled time is rarely a problem! But please keep in mind that Santa has a lot of families to visit, and we don't want them left waiting (just like you wouldn't want to be kept waiting)! We will work with you, however, to schedule the perfect time frame, so that everyone is present and ready.  If you have a larger family or anticipate needing a longer visit with Santa, we can schedule that for you in advance.

What if we have a large family?

For home visits with large families, you may wish to reserve two slots (especially if Santa is distributing your presents). Please remember that this isn't the Mall. In your home, Santa will take the time to spend with each child to make it a visit they will remember forever and ever. We don't want him (or the children) to feel rushed.

Does Santa deliver presents?

Yes! If you'd like. In most cases, Parents will leave wrapped presents in a garbage back outside the house (away from windows & doors), so that Santa can transfer them to his sack prior to entering.  We'll give you helpful hints on how to ensure each child gets the right present.

How do I schedule Santa's visit?​

In order to give impeccable customer service, we schedule our home visits by offering an arrival window. For example, if you want Santa after dinner, the arrival window might be 6:00pm-8:00pm, which means he'll arrive anywhere in that 2 hour window, ready to begin upon arrival. This allows for multiple visits and weather issues (The sleigh isn't used to Minnesota!) or other unforeseen delays. If you need Santa in a narrower window, it's available for an additional fee. And if you REALLY want to surprise your children, schedule the visit after they are in bed! Let them "catch" Santa putting the presents under the tree. Talk about MAGIC! You will treasure these photos and visits for a lifetime!

Does Santa come to parties, or just private family visits?

The Christmas Eve Home Visits are designed to be more about the magic of the holiday, and less about a "party entertainer" (though he IS quite entertaining!) If you are looking for Santa for a large party, give us a call, as we have special packages and pricing just for you.

Voted Best Entertainment in Minneapolis!

Looking for holiday entertainment for an event.

We would love to spread holiday cheer to your Minnesota friends, colleagues and family this year by providing our wildly popular holiday characters as well as our fast & fabulous balloon artists and face painters!

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Wish 4 Santa

• Santa's Schedule Fills Up Fast *

- A Real Santa Claus -

Real hair, real santa beard , real santa claus suit.

SANTA SHANE IS AVAILABLE FOR IN-PERSON VISITS  – OR – VIRTUAL VISITS – TO YOUR HOME, BUSINESS, OFFICE, OR ELSEWHERE – IN Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Madison, Wisconsin – Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

AND AREAS IN-BETWEEN

BESIDES AN IN PERSON VISIT TO LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT WISCONSIN

Alternatively, this virtual santa claus can schedule a zoom virtual christmas party with you, your children, and any number of your family members, co-workers spread across the country., you can schedule a virtual santa claus visit, a virtual santa claus greeting, in any city or state in the usa, don’t forget about santa for christmas in july.

Christmas is a magical time of year, filled with joy, wonder, and traditions. For many, the image of Santa Claus delivering gifts on Christmas Eve

Why you should book Santa Claus early

It’s never too early to start planning for the holiday season, especially when it comes to thinking ahead to book Santa Claus early for your

Santa Claus with a real beard

Santa Shane with his real beard When booking a Santa Claus for an in-person, or virtual visit, it is highly recommended to select a Santa

“I believe in Santa Claus” is something we have all said. How difficult is it to find a real Santa Claus?  Your search has ended!  Santa Shane – A real Santa Claus with his real Santa Claus Suit and his real Santa Claus Beard is ready to visit you! In-Person in Wisconsin or Virtually, anywhere in the USA.

Everybody’s wish in this Holiday season is a visit from a Real Santa Claus for Christmas.  Christmas memories are filled with a few things: children, Santa, presents, and presence.  Don’t miss out this year, book an in person or  virtual Santa visit today!  

When you schedule a visit from a Real Santa Claus, Santa will call his contact to let them know he is about to appear for your visit.  This allows time for you to get children and other guests inside and ready for the big arrival!  The Christmas magic begins as Santa enters the room with a big ho-ho-ho, jiggling his bells and accessing how the children are accepting him.  Santa does not like to approach children immediately if they are afraid.  The idea is to have children who are not afraid give Santa a hug, a high five or shake his hand.  This is good for the children who are afraid to see and get more comfortable.  Santa also likes to give special attention to senior adults, because Santa Claus brings back so many special memories for them. Santa Claus effects everybody in so many different ways.  Then, depending upon the group that is in attendance, Santa can pass out presents and pose with children, families, and guests for photographs, as Santa likes to interact with each person individually.  You might have read that Santa’s background was in childcare, and he has been doing this for more than a decade.

Santa knows what small children usually like, what tweens and teens don’t like (not to sit on Santa Claus’s lap), and of course, the senior adults – they love the Man in the red suit!  

Depending upon the time allotted, Santa can read the story  Twas the Night Before Christmas .  If you would like to print out song lyrics the group and Santa can sing along to some carols you have printed out. 

Christmas and Santa go together like macaroni and cheese. 

As a parent or guardian, you likely grew up with Christmas Santa visits. 

Santa Shane is available for in person visits – to your home, office, or elsewhere – in Wisconsin Dells – Madison –  Milwaukee and areas in-between. Alternatively, this virtual Santa can schedule a Zoom  Virtual Christmas Party with any number of your family members spread out across the world.  Are you unable to go visit Santa Claus in person with children?  This real Santa Claus is available to visit you virtually via Zoom!  Anybody can be a Santa Claus. This is not just a phone number to call real Santa Claus; this is a real Santa Claus interacting live with your children.  In person, or via Zoom.    Book your visit today!

If Grandparents or other family members live far away, they can join in on the video chat with Zoom.  How fun will it be for Grandma or Grandpa to see the excitement on your children’s faces when they see this real Santa Claus virtually?   They too can join in on the video call and watch as Santa visits your home virtually through Zoom .  

Santa Claus with a Real Beard travels from Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, to Madison, Wisconsin to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and areas in-between.

You know Santa Claus lives at the North Pole. This real Santa has a residence in Wisconsin .

While Santa Shane might not arrive in a real Santa Sleigh, you can be sure this Santa will arrive with his Santa real beard, and real Santa Claus suit.  That’s right; this is not a bad Santa Claus costume!  But an authentic Santa Claus suit. 

There is nothing more precious at Christmas time than Santa Claus with children. Santa home visits and corporate events are available again this upcoming Christmas season.  While Santa likes to visit homes in a car, and not a real Santa Sleigh (parking is so difficult with the sleigh!), Santa Shane comes to you with a real Santa Claus suit, and a real Santa beard.

A Real Santa Claus Suit

A real santa claus beard, a real santa claus, jolly reviews, {from real customers}.

• Angie L. • January 7, 2022
• Thomas M. • December 19, 2021
• Karin T. • December 19, 2021

wish 4 santa

Santa is ready to make you a believer.

Everybody’s wish in this Holiday season is a visit from a real Santa Claus for Christmas. Christmas memories are filled with a few things: children, Santa, presents, and presence. Don’t miss out this year, book an in person or virtual Santa visit today!

St Petersburg Santa Claus for Home Christmas Parties

Join Santa and Mrs. Claus for Elf training and Santa Claus Tryouts!

Become an elite member of santa’s elf team 6 and become a junior santa claus in training.

Attention Elves and those with Elfen Potential!   Learn to Dance, play the Kazoo, enjoy Flight Lessons for Junior Santas, Meet Santa and Mrs Claus, hear some great Santa Stories and Secrets about the North Pole. Learn How Rudolph Saved Christmas, see MAGIC, and have FUN!

Every Elf between the age of 3 and 10 will receive a Santa Beard, Santa Hat, Kazoo and Certificate to show they are Members of Elf Team 6 and they have achieved the status of “ Junior Santa.” Santa really likes to talk about being good. Let Santa Ken talk to your family about how great it can be to help out like an Elf and to be Good like Santa. Santa stands for Love, Giving, Generosity, and Compassion. Dont you want some helpful, loving children and grown ups at your house? Not only for Christmas, but all year long! The Santa Ken Santa Party is a full one hour event and specifically designed for kids from the ages of 3-10 years old. The maximum number of Elf Trainees is 25 per party. This is a great Party for your home, church, corporate event, country club, scout troop, banquet or anywhere else you can imagine. Bring a little North Pole to your event this year and create memories for years to come.  Be sure to take some time to get some Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus and your whole family. The pictures with the children in the Santa Hats with the Santa Beards are especially wonderful to share on your social media feed and to send to GrandParents and relatives the world over.

Home Visits  with Santa Claus in St Petersburg

Hire Santa Ken for your Home Visits today! (Please note the Covid 19 Safety Protocols above)

 If you are not comfortable with an in person Santa Visit, Click on the Virtual Appearances and Schedule a virtual visit today.

Home visits with Santa create cherished memories that will last forever. What could be more special than welcoming Santa Claus into your home at the holidays?

When Santa arrives for his 15 -30 minute visit to your home, he will wait at the front door. It is always best to have the children invite Santa in. Charles Howard, the original Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade Santa and Founder of the Charles Howard Santa School said it best. “One errs when they assume that Santa first enters through the Chimney. Santa enters first through the heart.”

Once inside your home, Santa can help light your Christmas Tree, listen to the children, share some original stories, read a few more and do a little bit of Christmas Magic. He can give toys to everyone, and pose for some fun family pictures. That can all be decided before Santa arrives. Santa Ken is an expert on North Pole facts! Ask him anything you want! He loves to talk about his magic bag, how he delivers toys in one night, how Rudolph Saved Christmas and he can tell you about his workshops. Have you ever wondered why a toy from Santa might say “Made in Canada” or any other country in the world? Ask Santa! Do you have a pre teen or tween child hoping for a cell phone? Santa has the answers!

Did you know that Santa Ken is a highly skilled, certified, Candy Cane Eating Instructor? Let Santa Ken teach your kids the art of eating a candy cane. They can also determine if they are on the NICE list just by tasting the Candy Cane!.

While there, be sure to ask Santa about the Nice List Meter! Santa Ken does not believe in shaming children. You are either on Santa’s Nice list, or you are still learning. (Be sure to tell Santa all about the behaviors you would like to praise and the ones you want to improve!) If you really want a good laugh, Santa will always put Dad and or Grandpa on the Naughty List! Dads and Grandpas or Uncles and Aunts have been around long enough to know better. During a home visit Santa might put some naughty grownups on the naughty list 3 or 4 times! But even the naughty adults can be redeemed when they apologize for doing things like stealing Santa’s cookies when the kids go to bed or peeking at the gifts before Christmas Morning.

Does your family or a specific member of your household want a new pet this year? Ask Santa! Santa has all the answers, especially when you share your thoughts with Santa upfront.

When it is time to go, Santa will ring his bells, sing a last song and back out of your home waving goodbye-for now-to your children. If you have a balance due of care to offer a gratuity to Santa, please put that into a Christmas Card and offer that to Santa as he goes.

Click the link above to schedule a Home visit or Santa Party above! Remember Santa Ken is also available for Virtual Visits!

or click here to fill in the form on the Contact Page

Please contact us for a personalized quote for your event.

Santa Ken is a Real Bearded Santa Claus for hire serving St Petersburg, Tierra Verde, Pass a Grill, St Pete Beach, Sarasota, Clearwater, Tampa, Bradenton, Gulfport, Madera Beach, Isla Del So and all surrounding areas.

Book Santa Claus for Live Visits

Hire santa claus in los angeles and orange counties.

A Real Bearded Santa Claus

Santa claus for hire in los angeles and orange counties.

House of Kringle offers a variety of experiences with Santa Claus throughout Los Angeles and Orange Counties . He is available to attend your party and events and adds magic to all your holiday entertainment. Our Santa Claus loves large community events and is requested back annually by Metro for the Tree-Lighting Ceremony at Union Station Los Angeles . When you need to hire Santa Claus for your next event and want an amazing experience, House of Kringle is here.

Live Visits

Anniversaries & weddings, birthday parties, breakfast with santa, caught santa, christmas eve, christmas in july.

Community Events

Corporate events, family photos, family reunions.

Fundraising Events

Holiday party, home visits, hospice or hospital visits, marketing promotions, professional photo shoots.

Special Deliveries

Special events, storytelling.

Trade Shows

Web/radio/print, a professional real bearded santa claus performer.

Whether for corporate events, Christmas parties, or community events, when you hire the perfect Santa Claus from House of Kringle, he’ll make your event unforgettable! A visit from Santa Claus isn’t just about Christmas. It’s about making memories that will last a lifetime. A Santa visit from the House of Kringle comes with years of experience. Whether holding an intimate home visit or a lavish Hollywood-style meet-and-greet, you’ll want a professional Santa that all the kids (from one to ninety-two) will love!

Plus, when you hire from House of Kringle, you’re not only getting one of the most highly sought-after Santa Claus performers in Southern California, you’re hiring one of the few professional Santas insured and with a background check ready to share with you!

Read what our past clients have to say about House of Kringle!

Testimonials

Frequently asked questions (faqs).

• You can request a visit by contacting us through our website, email, or phone. To help us expedite your request, we kindly request that you submit a Visit Request form through our website and provide us with all of the requested information.
• We recommend booking well in advance, especially during the holiday season.
• Our pricing varies depending on the type of event, duration, and specific requirements. Please contact us for a detailed quote.
• We recommend booking at least two months in advance. For peak holiday times, even earlier booking is advised.
• Our characters are perfect for a wide range of events, including private parties, corporate events, community celebrations, and school functions.
• A standard visit lasts about 30 minutes to an hour, but we can adjust the duration based on your event’s needs.
• In case of bad weather, it is the client’s responsibility to provide a suitable alternative venue. The alternate venue should be within a five-minute drive from the original location, considering typical traffic conditions. Our performers are unable to perform in inclement weather conditions.
• For extreme weather conditions, such as temperatures at or above 89 degrees F, the performance must be relocated to a climate-controlled space away from the heat.
• Our characters adhere to strict safety protocols, including regular health checks and maintaining appropriate interactions with guests.
• All our performers undergo thorough background checks and receive training to ensure the highest standards of safety and professionalism.
• Absolutely! We’re happy to work with you to customize the visit to fit the theme and style of your event.
• Any changes to the event date and/or start time may incur a rescheduling fee of fifty dollars ($50). Please note that rescheduling is subject to the availability of our performer(s) and cannot be guaranteed.
• If the event is canceled, the retainer will not be refunded.
• In the case of a cancellation within forty-eight (48) hours of the event, the full outstanding invoice balance will be due.

CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

The UK's No.1 Professional Santa 

There are only

until Christmas!

Santa Visit At Home 

With A  

Experience the magic of Santa in your very own home and let the UK's top professional Santa Claus, Chris Nicholas visit you!

Let The UK's No.1 Santa Claus Visit Your Home

Includes home show & singalong, one to one interaction, amazing photo opportunity.

This Christmas, experience the magic, fun, and laughter

of Santa in your home and create a Christmas memory to last a lifetime

with Chris Nicholas Santa Home Visits. 

The Magic Of Santa In Your Own Home

Santa chris nicholas,   home visit  , looking for santa home visits near me santa chris nicholas covers the whole of the uk & beyond..

VERY LIMITED AVAILABILITY!

All Bookings Are Subject To Our Terms & Conditions

Get In Touch

PLEASE NOTE:

Many of Santa Chris Nicholas' engagements are for celebrity, high profile, and high-security clients. We take the privacy of all of our clients very seriously and do not disclose details to any non-affiliated party. Security measures are taken to guard all information, particularly relating to high profile clients. 

Chris Nicholas is fully certified by The Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) formally known as the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB). He is also certified as having full public liability insurance. We are happy to send copies of these certificates to any client that has booked Chris Nicholas on request.

Please read our Terms and Conditions for more details.

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Lapland - Home of Santa Claus

Looking for the latest scoop on Santa, his history, home & how you can meet the Big Guy yourself? Here’s all the information you need to know about Big Red & his place in Lapland.

Maybe you’ve heard of him? Big guy, long white beard, has an affinity for the color red? Here you’ll find lots of information on the history of Santa Claus, how the modern version came about, Finnish Christmas traditions, where Santa lays his hat, how you can meet him, his favorite reindeer, how you can send the Big Guy a letter and more!

Who who who is Santa Claus?

Of course, we all know who Santa is, but through repeated tellings and alterations (and cola advertisements), the true story of Father Christmas can get a bit watered down. Ironic, considering the legend of Santa is a distillation of hundreds of stories, including historical figures like Saint Nicholas, myths like Father Christmas, Viejo Pascuero, Sinterklaas, Weihnachtsmann, Joulupukki, Pere Noel, and even Norse gods like Odin. For hundreds of years, these stories and more have been told to children in European and western countries when the days grow short and snowflakes fall like fairy dust over the land.

Many of the modern ideas about Santa Claus came from the famous poem, “’ Twas the Night Before Christmas .” Once this poem was published anonymously in a New York newspaper, every child in America (and soon much of the world) knew that Santa visited on Christmas Eve, on a sleigh pulled by flying reindeer, magicked himself up and down chimneys, and carried a sack full of all the gifts for all the children in the world.

With all this talk of stories, legends and gods, you might beg the question: is Santa Claus real? Perhaps no one has ever answered this question better than the New York Sun in 1897, in an editorial addressed to an 8-year-old girl named Virginia.

Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy.

Where does Santa Claus live?

If you grew up in America, you probably think Santa lives at the North Pole. But he’s not a polar bear, and besides … the North Pole is in the middle of an ocean! Unless Santa lives on a houseboat, he probably doesn’t live on an ocean. Across the Atlantic, though, everyone knows exactly where Father Christmas lives … Finnish Lapland!

For hundreds of years, Santa was content to keep himself and his work in Lapland a secret, but children and friends of Christmas all over the world wouldn’t let him. The son of Finnish and Swedish emigrants, Haddon Sundblom, painted Santa Claus in all his cola-loving glory in magazine advertisements in the 20th century. Eventually, the fervor reached such a pitch that the First Lady of the United States  Eleanor Roosevelt came to Lapland to see Santa in person. Not wanting to give away his secret workshop under Korvatunturi Mountain in Savukoski, Santa chose the Arctic Circle for his official office and met the First Lady there in 1950.

Santa and his reindeer

Separating Santa Claus from his reindeer is like taking painted eggs away from the Easter Bunny, or candy away from Halloween. Ever since the poem, “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” flying reindeer have been Santa’s preferred method of travel. Santa stumbled on the secret magical recipe for flight at an early age, and he experimented for many years to find the right animals to pull his sleigh. He tried horses, but they have a fear of heights. Husky dogs, which carry Santa speeding across the snow, get so excited by flying that it’s nearly impossible to bring them down again. Eventually, Santa discovered the best animal for magical flights around the world: wolverines.

Just kidding, it’s reindeer, of course. Unlike his fictional counterpart, though, Santa has many more than 9 reindeer. With over 200,000 in Finnish Lapland, he has his pick of the smartest and heartiest reindeer. It’s not uncommon to see him considering and cheering on the fastest reindeer at annual reindeer races across Lapland.

If Santa’s reindeer  aren’t the storied Dasher, Dancer and friends, then what are their names? Well, reindeer are just like people—they all have their own names. Sometimes they’re called Valko, which means  white in Finnish, or they’re named Salama ( lightning in Finnish). They have as many names as we do.

How to write a letter to Santa Claus

Writing a letter to Santa is almost as old a tradition as the jolly old elf himself. At Santa Claus Village, there’s a post office named after Big Red, and sending your letters here is the best way to give your greetings, wishes and Christmas cheer to Father Christmas.

Here’s the address:

Santa Claus Santa Claus’ Main Post Office Tähtikuja 1 96930 Arctic Circle Finland

For more info on sending letters to Santa, what happens after, and even how you can get a letter back from the Big Guy, check out our article on How to Write a Letter to Santa .

Santa Claus & Christmas Traditions

There are as many traditions associated with Santa as there are stories about him! Perhaps the most well-known tradition is writing a letter to Santa. Children all over the world send their wishlists, Christmas greetings and questions to Santa. In fact, the Santa Claus Main Post Office  receives hundreds of thousands of letters every year!

Santa is also known for having a list and checking it twice. This endless scroll of names places every child in the world in one of two columns: naughty or nice. Luckily for us, Santa is pretty forgiving when it comes to naughtiness. After all, he was once an ornery young elf himself.

In America, the UK, Italy and other countries, Santa visits in the night between Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. But in Finland and many other European countries, the presents are waiting for the children on the morning of Christmas Eve.

In Finland, children call Santa Claus on Christmas Eve morning. And now, you can talk to Santa directly too, from all over the world. Check out the Santa Hotline to see if your country and language are available.

Every year, Santa leaves from Santa Claus Village on his journey—first to his secret workshop to get the gifts, and then onward to the rest of the world to deliver Christmas cheer. You can always watch Santa begin his travels from Santa Claus Village. And Google gets in on the fun with their annual Santa Tracker , which is full of fun every December.

Santa Claus F.A.Q.

Anyone who has spent any time at all talking about Santa with a six-year-old will know the fixed stare and the barrage of questions that comes from a tiny mind trying to grapple with the cosmic magic that is Father Christmas. So we’ve put together a handy list of answers that may help you during your next encounter.

Want more winter fun?

• Santa & Snowmen – Your Christmas Bucket List
• Your winter bucket list
• Best Reasons for a Winter Break

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Related posts

Hear the sounds of lapland – your scapes bucket list, anything but quiet - lapland's silence festival, the sámi, indigenous people of the arctic, taste of northern nature - local food from lapland, don’t miss these 8 hidden gems in lapland, the hottest saunas in lapland, do the social.

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NUTCRACKER! TICKETS

Nutcracker magical christmas ballet, palace theatre albany, 518.465.3335.

December 3rd | 7pm

Albuquerque, NM

Kiva auditorium, 505.768.4575.

November 29th | 3pm

November 29th | 7pm

Asheville, NC

Thomas wolfe auditorium, 828.259.5736.

December 18th | 7pm

Atlanta, GA

Atlanta fox theatre, 855.285.8499.

December 19th | 7pm

December 20th | 3pm

December 20th | 7pm

Augusta, GA

Miller theater, 706.842.4080.

November 15th | 7pm

Bakersfield, CA

Bakersfield fox theatre, 661.324.1369.

December 14th | 3pm

December 14th | 7pm

Baltimore, MD

410.837.7400.

December 16th | 7pm

December 17th | 7pm

Bethesda, MD

301.581.5100.

November 30th | 1pm

November 30th | 5pm

Binghamton, NY

Broome county forum theatre, (607) 778-2480.

November 6th | 7pm

Birmingham, AL

Alabama theatre, 205.252.2262.

November 16th | 1pm

Egyptian Theatre

208.387.1273.

November 20th | 7pm

Boch Center Wang Theatre

617.482.9393.

December 5th | 7pm

Bowling Green, KY

270.904.1880.

November 25th | 7pm

Ford Wyoming Center

(307) 577-3030, charlotte, nc, ovens auditorium, 704.372.3600.

December 15th | 4pm

December 15th | 12pm

Charlottesville, VA

Paramount theater, 434.979.1333.

November 12th | 7pm

November 13th | 7pm

Chattanooga, TN

Soldiers & sailors memorial auditorium, 423.757.5580.

December 23rd | 4pm

December 23rd | 12pm

Cheyenne, WY

Cheyenne civic center, (307) 637-6363.

December 2nd | 7pm

Cleveland, OH

216.348.2211.

December 7th | 3pm

Columbia, MO

Jesse theater, 573.882.3781.

December 9th | 7pm

Corvallis, OR

Lasells stewart center, 541.737.2402, music hall fair park, 1.800.745.3000.

November 23rd | 3pm

November 23rd | 7pm

Paramount Theatre

303.623.0106.

November 30th | 3pm

November 30th | 7pm

December 1st | 1pm

December 1st | 5pm

Detroit, MI

Detroit fox theatre, 313.471.7000.

December 8th | 4pm

December 8th | 8pm

December 8th | 12pm

Durham Performing Arts Center

919.680.2787.

December 24th | 1pm

December 24th | 5pm

State Theatre

1.800.999.7828.

December 6th | 7pm

Eau Claire, WI

Pablo center at the confluence, 715.832.2787, el paso, tx, plaza theater, 915.231.1100.

December 23rd | 3pm

December 23rd | 7pm

December 24th | 12pm

Fayetteville, NC

Crown theatre, (910) 438-4100.

November 14th | 7pm

Ft Myers, FL

Barbara b mann performing arts center, 239.481.4849.

November 17th | 5pm

Grand Junction, CO

Avalon theatre, 970.263.5757.

November 26th | 7pm

November 27th | 7pm

Great Falls, MT

Mansfield theatre, 406.455.8514.

November 22nd | 7pm

Houston, TX

Smart financial centre, 281.207.6278.

December 29th | 3pm

Idaho Falls, ID

Colonial theatre, 208.522.0471.

November 21st | 7pm

Indianapolis, IN

Murat theatre, 317.231.0000.

December 12th | 7pm

Jacksonville, FL

Florida theatre, 904.355.2787.

December 26th | 3pm

December 26th | 7pm

Johnson City, TN

Etsu martin center for the arts, (423) 439-2787, kalamazoo, mi, james w. miller auditorium, (269) 387-2300, knoxville, tn, tennessee theatre, 865.684.1200.

December 21st | 4pm

December 21st | 8pm

December 21st | 12pm

Lakeland, FL

Rp funding center, (213) 388-1400.

December 31st | 1pm

Lexington, KY

Singletary center for the arts, 859.257.4929.

December 11th | 7pm

Little Rock, AR

Robinson center, 501.255.3300.

December 31st | 5pm

Lockport, NY

Historic palace theatre, (716) 438-1130.

November 7th | 7pm

Longview, TX

Letourneau u. belcher center, 903.233.3080, los angeles, ca, 213.388.1400.

December 21st | 1pm

December 21st | 5pm

Louisville, KY

Louisville palace theatre, (502) 583-4555.

December 10th | 7pm

Manhattan, NY

United palace, (212) 568-6700.

December 4th | 7pm

McAllen, TX

Mcallen performing arts center, 956.681.3800, medford, or, craterian theater, 541.779.3000.

November 16th | TBD

The Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater

305.673.7300.

December 30th | 3pm

Midland, TX

Wagner noel performing arts center, 432.552.4435, minneapolis, mn, orpheum theatre, 612.339.7007.

December 7th | 1pm

December 7th | 5pm

Missoula, MT

Dennison theatre, 406.243.4051.

November 24th | 1pm

Monterey, CA

Golden state theatre, (831) 649-1070, nashville, tn, fisher center for the performing arts, 615.889.3060.

December 13th | 7pm

New Orleans, LA

Saenger theatre, 504.525.1052.

December 30th | 7pm

North Charleston, SC

N charleston coliseum pac, 843.529.5000.

December 14th | 4pm

December 14th | 8pm

Palm Desert, CA

Mccallum theatre, (760) 340-2787, pasadena, ca, pasadena civic auditorium, 626.449.7360.

December 13th | 4pm

December 13th | 8pm

Phoenix, AZ

Arizona financial theatre, (602) 379-2888.

December 22nd | 3pm

Rapid City, SD

The monument, (605) 394-4115, redding, ca, redding civic auditorium, 530.229.0022.

November 10th | 3pm

Rochester, NY

Auditorium theatre, 585.222.5000.

November 9th | 3pm

Rosemont, IL

Rosemont theatre, 847.671.5100.

December 8th | 2pm

December 8th | 6pm

San Antonio, TX

Majestic theatre, 210.226.5700.

December 27th | 7pm

December 28th | 4pm

December 28th | 8pm

December 28th | 12pm

San Diego, CA

Jacobs music center, (619) 235-0804, santa rosa, ca, luther burbank center, 707.546.3600, sarasota, fl, van wezel performing arts hall, 941.263.6799.

December 27th | 3pm

Seattle, WA

Moore theatre, 206.682.1414.

November 17th | 1pm

Shreveport, LA

The strand theatre, 318.226.8555.

November 19th | 7pm

Sioux Falls, SD

Washington pavilion, (605) 367-6000, somerville, nj, raritan valley pac, 908.725.3420.

November 29th | 4pm

November 29th | 8pm

Spokane, WA

First interstate center, 509.279.7000, springfield, mo, gillioz center for arts & entertainment, (417) 863-9491.

November 24th | 4pm

St Louis, MO

Fabulous fox theatre, 314.534.1678.

December 22nd | 2pm

December 22nd | 6:30pm

St Petersburg, FL

Mahaffey theater, 727.892.5767.

December 28th | 3pm

December 28th | 7pm

December 29th | 1pm

December 29th | 5pm

Stockton, CA

Bob hope theatre, 209.373.1400.

November 9th | 7pm

Syracuse, NY

Landmark theatre, 315.475.7979.

November 10th | 1pm

Centennial Hall

520.621.3341, capital one hall, 703.343.7651, virginia beach, va, sandler center for the performing arts, 757.385.2787.

November 27th | 3pm

Visalia, CA

Visalia fox theatre, 559.625.1369.

December 15th | 1pm

December 15th | 5pm

Wallingford, CT

Toyota presents oakdale theatre, 203.265.1501.

November 8th | 7pm

Wheeling, WV

The capitol theatre, (304) 233-4407.

November 11th | 7pm

Wichita, KS

(316) 263-0884, wilkes barre, pa, fm kirby center for the performing arts, 570.826.1100, capitol theatre, 509.853.2787.

November 18th | 7pm

Learn more about Nutcracker near Chichester, England ! Not your area? Select your location here .

America’s Nutcracker!

Give the gift of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet ! to the whole family. Celebrate America’s favorite Christmas tradition with an international all-star cast that blends world-class ballet with whimsical puppets, lavish costumes, and stunning acrobatics! Share the tradition of pure Holiday magic and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score with friends and family of all ages. Don’t miss this chance to create memories of a lifetime. Get tickets now!

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THE PRINCIPALS

NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet features gifted artists from around the world with Principal artists from Ukraine, Japan, Turkey and beyond. Our cast of Principal dancers are trained at the top institutions of Europe to create a classical aesthetic that audiences have come to expect from international level productions. These men and women embody our belief that dance and performing arts are the way to build cultural bridges and create unity across oceans and among our own communities. Learn more about our principals and their stories here.

Hot ticket…magnetic sense of theater

New York Times

Technically supreme dancing, dazzling… authentically opulent…

Technical prowess was…truly “great”…whimsical sets and giant animal stick puppets and colorful costumes … stellar arabian variation…breathtaking, “christmas cheer…virtuosity…bravura expertise”, “commitment to the theme of love and peace”, “hot ticket…knockout… kids wide-eyed”, “few pack the punch”, nutcracker in the community.

Youth participation is at the heart of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet.  Every performance features a children’s cast, lovingly included to bring an irreplaceable spark of energy to the performances. Community engagement is critical for the success of the fine arts and the cities NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas visits annually. From the Girls Scouts to elementary school immersion days to University level arts program collaborations, for communities to thrive, we need the connection the performing arts provide.

Select Your Location

Journey to magical Moscow for the holidays

Experience festive events and frosty fun in Russia’s world-class capital city

Blanketed in snow, Moscow is a wintry wonderland waiting to be explored. Add a dazzling line-up of free events at the city’s colossal Journey to Christmas festival, and Moscow ticks all the right boxes for a joyous winter getaway. Here’s a sampling of some of our favorite ways to celebrate the season in Moscow. Some activities are long-standing traditions, others are lesser-known, and all are guaranteed to help make your holidays merry and bright.

Snowboard by the Kremlin

Only at the Journey to Christmas festival can you snowboard down a giant slope near the walls of Russia’s iconic Kremlin. Snowboarding is the featured sporting event at this year’s festival, and a temporary, 130-foot-long, snow-covered slope will be at the center of all the big-thrill action. Moscow’s festivals are famous for their amazing sports venues, such as wakeboarding and surfing pools in summer and rock-climbing and zip-lining sites at previous winter events.

Glide, slide, and play outside

Moscow is one of the world’s northernmost national capitals, so the holiday season here almost certainly means sub-zero temperatures and lots of snow. Instead of hibernating, jump feet first into winter by bundling up and venturing outside. Lace up a pair of rental skates to glide across the ice in Red Square or on Europe’s second-largest skating rink at VDNKh. Hurtle down gigantic ice slides, play ice hockey, and take free curling classes at various Journey to Christmas venues. If you’d prefer to stay on the sidelines, watch an amazing performance by world-class figure skating champions at the festival’s open-air Magic Ice Theater on Novopushkinsky Square.

See artists from the world-famous Bolshoi Theatre for free

Visiting Moscow during the Journey to Christmas festival offers the rare opportunity to watch a free performance by dancers of the legendary Bolshoi Theatre. Several Bolshoi artists are participating in the festival, as are performers from some of Russia’s finest theatres and artistic companies. All performances are free and will be staged at various Journey to Christmas venues.

Join Moscow’s colossal New Year’s Eve party

Mark the start of 2019 Moscow style by counting down to midnight with the cheerful crowds gathered in the historic center city. On New Year’s Eve, Moscow’s central Tverskaya Street is closed to traffic, creating a car-free space to accommodate the city’s largest outdoor New Year’s party. Be amazed by the spectacular fireworks displays and illuminations. Dance and celebrate to the sounds of the live bands playing until 3 a.m.

Marvel at Moscow’s amazing street performers

No translation is required to appreciate the artistry and athleticism of Moscow’s talented buskers. See amazing stunts performed by some of Russia’s top circus acts, choreographed dance routines, mimes, and a mix of musical acts —such as classical, jazz, punk, and rock— at outdoor Journey to Christmas venues. Warm up between acts with a cup of hot tea or traditional Russian Sbiten (a honey-based beverage made with or without brandy) in one of Moscow’s cozy cafes.

Snap a selfie with a rocket

Moscow’s festival venues regularly feature elaborate decorations and art installations, such as the replica Salyut-7 orbital station created for the city’s 870th birthday celebration in September 2017. The cosmonaut vibe continues this holiday season with a festive Tverskaya Street Christmas tree adorned with space-themed decorations. Fuel your social media feed with a selection of Moscow’s out-of-this-world backdrops, including the 16-story high, replica Vostok rocket, at the Cosmonautics and Aviation Centre at VDNKh . Opened in April 2018, the massive space museum is a treasure trove of space and flight memorabilia and artifacts, including more than 120 aircraft and spacecraft exhibits, game simulators, and a full-sensory 5-D theater.

Join a parade of Snow Maidens

Experience a uniquely Moscow Christmas tradition, the joyous Snow Maiden parade. Unlike most holiday parades, the stars of this procession are Father Frost (Russia’s version of Santa Claus) and his granddaughter, the Snow Maiden, who typically is portrayed as a young girl wearing in a bright-blue fur coat. During the Journey to Christmas festival, hundreds of participants dress up as Snow Maidens and cheerfully march around the central venues accompanied by a festive band.

Taste your way around Russia

While strolling around the festival venues, dig into a smorgasbord of taste-tempting Russian specialties, such as dumplings from Siberia, the Urals, and Buryatia; sweet treats from Tatarstan; hearty meat dishes from the Caucasus; seafood from the Russian Far East; and gourmet cheeses from regional Moscow farmers. Warm up with traditional winter favorites like blini (buckwheat pancakes) with caviar, mulled wine, and meat- or cabbage-filled, pirozhki (small pastry pies). Don’t miss the oh-so-cherished Russian tradition of drinking steaming hot tea brewed in a traditional samovar (heated metal container). Pair your tea or the local favorite Raf (a sweet coffee drink made with espresso, cream, plain sugar, and vanilla sugar) with a slice of Moskva , Moscow’s signature red-glazed, nut cake.

Discover Moscow’s creatively cool spaces

While Moscow’s classic art museums are legendary, the city also is a hotspot for all things modern. Embrace the capital’s cool arty vibes in places like Krasny Oktyabr, or Red October, a former chocolate factory reborn as hip arts and entertainment venue. Cornerstone of the hip Red October district, the red-brick complex houses galleries, trendy bars and cafes, design studios, and the Strelka Institute for Media, Architecture and Design. A former tea factory is the site of ArtPlay, a collection of restaurants, shops, galleries, and studios spanning an entire city block. Another urban artistic hive is Flacon, a repurposed glassworks factory that buzzes with creativity. Meander through the complex to admire the street art adorning the walls and to visit Flacon’s artisan cafes, galleries, and craft shops.

Shop for uniquely Russian holiday gifts

Find the perfect gift for everyone on your Christmas list at the Journey to Christmas festival. Retail stalls in and around the main venues are packed with unique Russian keepsakes, fine crafts, and winter clothing, such as fur hats, traditional (and super-warm) wool felt boots called valenki , and colorful head scarfs. Browse the vintage items to discover one-of-a-kind retro finds like antique Christmas decorations, Soviet-era vinyl records, and 19th-century books and postcards.

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Russia Travel

“Russia is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.”

Winston Churchill’s observation is as pertinent today as it was in the mid-20th-century. Russia is as intriguing as it ever was. Stubbornly standing its ground as a country which will bow down to no conventions-refusing to be classified as either European or Asian-Russia is still Russia.

While the country has modernised in leaps and bounds since the fall of the USSR, the culture remains ever defiant in its distinctness to western norms. Stirring ballets and operas, not soppy musicals, fill the playbills and sincerity, which is often mistaken for seriousness, i s valued over shows of pleasantries.

Apart from the allure of the enigmatic Russian soul, there are countless other reasons to visit the world’s largest country. Its pristine forests are ripe territory for explorers thirsty for adventure and eye-opening vistas. Villages and cities alike are treasure-troves for history-fanatics. And, since the collapse of the Soviet Union, both art and religion have blossomed — reviving the rich legacy left by the Russian Empire.

Should you already have your heart set on Russia and simply need guidance on the practicalities of visiting this magnificent country, please see our Russia travel tips page.

Your Guide to Russia by a Local Travel Expert

• 1. What is Russia Famous for?
• 2. Is Russia Safe to Visit?
• 3. Top Destinations
• 4. Top Experiences
• 5. Visa Matters
• 6. Russia Travel Seasons
• 7. Russia Travel Map
• 8. Holidays and Festivals
• 9. Curious about Russian Cuisine?
• 10. Dos and Don’ts in Russia
• 11. Speak the Language
• 12. Virtual Russia Travel Guide: Further Reading
• 13. At Your Service

What is Russia Famous for?

R oyal residences: The Romanov family possessed one of the greatest fortunes in their times, most of which they used in building the most extraordinary palaces and parks.

O rthodox religion: The golden cupolas of Orthodox Churches have brightened up Russia’s villages and cities for almost half a millennial. Submerge yourself in the history and traditions of this ancient religion.

S oviet history: In all of Russia’s cities, the Red forces left their indelible mark. Though the gargantuan concrete structures may seem oppressing even today, they are a must-see for anyone hoping to understand Russia’s history.

S cenery: Being the largest country on earth, Russia has no shortage of sights to take your breath away. Any enthusiast of the great-outdoors should see Lake Baikal, Mt. Elbrus and the Siberian Taiga.

I zbas: Far away from civilisation, deep in the depths of Russia’s forests, villages made up of traditional izbas (log houses) seem to come out of a distinctly Russified version of Handsel and Gretel.

Y uletide: Russia is special in any season. But for those who brave the cold and come in December, something more than just special awaits.

A rt: Ballet, poetry, architecture, landscape: Russians have mastered the language of the heart better than any other nation. Experience the crème-de-la-crème of Russian art from the glittering balconies of the Mariinsky and Bolshoi and delve into its history down the marble corridors of the Hermitage and the Tretyakov Gallery.

Is Russia Safe to Visit?

Despite the political jostling between the West and Russia, Russia is as safe for tourists as any other European destination. Since the wild '90s, a lot has changed. Russian cities now have lower crime rates than some of their counterparts in America and corruption in the police force is no longer the norm. Though only a third of Russians speak English, foreigners are met with enthusiasm (and rounds of vodka) in almost all regions of Russia. There are less savoury locations in the south of Russia, but these regions are far from the tourist trails. The only danger that could pose an actual threat to visitors is Russians’ infamously reckless driving. Only taking licensed taxis and crossing roads with care easily solves that issue.

Top destinations

Discover the real Russia — feel the force of history on the Red Square and be dazzled by the best of Russian culture at the Bolshoi — while having all the comforts and conveniences of big city life at your fingertips. Centuries-old royal estates like Tsaritsyno, haunts of the soviet-era — such as Lenin’s Mausoleum and the Seven Sisters — along with the high-rises of Moscow City and high-tech of Star City paint a vivid picture of Russia’s history; from its beginnings as a princedom to the capital of a world superpower. There’s no better place to start your journey into Russia than the sprawling, roaring, yet always welcoming capital that is Moscow: Europe’s biggest city.

Saint Petersburg

See Russia from the vantage point of one of the world’s most cultured cities: Saint Petersburg. Far away from the buzz of Moscow, time seems to stand still. Reflections of baroque palaces glitter in canals and the golden domes of neo-classical cathedrals dominate the skyline unblighted by high-rises. The Hermitage, Peterhof and the Mariinsky — bastions of prestige — are complemented by hidden gems such as the Alexander Nevsky Monastery and Pavlovsk Palace. In Russia’s Imperial capital, culture, history and architecture intertwine to form a city so romantic that it would make a poet’s heart sing.

Dive deep into Slavic culture in the land of the taiga, Ural Mountains and Lake Baikal in Russia’s largest region: Siberia. See how generations of Siberians have braved the extreme climate in historic towns like Tobolsk and marvel at the forces of nature in the boundless wilderness of Siberia’s forests.

Off the beaten-track destinations

On the banks of the Volga, east meets west in the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan: Kazan. Having been founded more than a millennial ago by the Mongols, the city still retains the pompous aura befitting for a key city of the Golden Horde. Elements of Orthodoxy and Imperialism, however, diluted the Oriental influences during the five hundred year Russian rule. See Russia’s lesser-known side, uncover its ties to both Arabia and Asia and meet Russians of many faiths and faces: like a matryoshka doll, Kazan is full of surprises.

Nizhny Novgorod

As the largest closed city in the Soviet Union, this historic hub of industry still remains unknown to most tourists. Yet, according to UNESCO, its collection of medieval cathedrals merits it a place in the top 100 cities of the world. Sail the 300 mile journey from Moscow up the Volga or catch the overnight train to have ancient Rus’ treasures almost all to yourself.

Veliky Ustyug

In the northerly Vologda region, in forests deep and dark, a land of mythical creatures beckons those who are young at heart. Ded Moroz (Father Frost — the Russian Santa Claus) welcomes thousands of guests to his official residence on the outskirts of this small town. Within his whimsically carved wooden palace, Russia’s oldest fairytales are brought to life with the help of the ghastly Baba Yaga and gorgeous Snegurochka. Veliky Ustyug itself is delightfully quaint — being one of the few towns in Russia with almost all its pre-revolution architecture intact. In tsarist times, it was famed for its craftsmen who produced religious iconography — examples of which can be admired in the town’s Museum of Iconography.

Top Experiences

Visa Matters

Tourist visas for visits of 30 days or less can be obtained through Russian consulates, official visa centres or via tour operators like us. The requirements are literally as easy as 1-2-3 to meet. A visa application form, passport and letter of invitation are all that is needed. But, while in theory it may be smooth sailing, the practicalities of applying for a visa in a Russian consulate can make the process rather daunting. Worldwide, dreadful queues and waiting lists served with the typical lack of courtesy characterise Russian consulates. The fees official visa centres or tour operators charge are almost always more palatable than the ordeal that is an appointment at a Russian consulate. While US citizens must apply for a visa via one of the ways listed above, some nationalities can avoid the queues and fees entirely. Lucky nationals of Israel, South Africa, Qatar and the UAE among a few others can visit Russia for up to 90 days without any visa. While citizens of other countries like the EU, China, Norway, Switzerland, India, Mexico, Saudi Arabia and Turkey can also skip consulate queues by applying for a free, 8-day e-visa when going to designated tourist areas like Saint Petersburg.

For further information or assistance please visit our page dedicated to visa applications .

Best Time to Visit Russia

It is difficult to generalise when speaking about a country as vast as Russia. With regards to weather, this is especially true. While certain parts of Russia are indeed formidably freezing, down south the flocks of Russian holidaymakers on picture-perfect beaches gleefully disprove the stereotype that Russia is miserably cold. That being said, the majority of foreigners only visit north-western cities like Saint Petersburg and Moscow and hence the climate most tourists need to prepare for can be characterised as moderately cold European weather. To read about the climate of other Russian regions click here or take look at our travel map below.

When to visit the North-West of Russia:

Spring: Winds of change, fresh and vibrant, fill the air with excitement as crowds bustle in the streets to celebrate the end of winter with an endless stream of public holidays. Defender of the Fatherland Day, Women’s Day, Maslenitsa (blini week), May Day and Victory Day all make for perfect excuses to visit Russia in spring, as do the bargain prices. But though Russians may mark the beginning of spring with much ado in March, snow, ice and knuckle-freezing temperatures are all possible till mid-May.

Summer: Russia isn’t known for its warm summers but, in fact, the period from mid-May to August is almost always pleasant, if not a little too pleasant (temperatures can shoot to 30c and over in cities like Moscow). Prices rise with the temperature as tourists stream in to marvel at the sprawling royal estates in full bloom and the enchanting White Nights in Saint Petersburg. While the main ballet troupes embark on international tours during the summer down season, outdoor festivals like Scarlet Sails take centre stage and enthral crowds till the wee hours of the morning.

Autumn: Affectionately known as Babye Leto (Indian summer), the first few weeks of Russian autumn are often just as golden as the leaves on the parkland trees. As the 20c temperatures plunge towards the end of September, locals replace their weekend strolls with days in the near-empty museums and warm up during the crisp evenings in cozy jazz bars or lavishly-decorated theatres for the start of the ballet season.

Winter: There is no view more quintessentially Russian than that of a church’s onion domes bulging out under a quilt of snow. Nor is there a season that reflects the character of the Russian people better. For those prepared to wrap up warm, a whole month of merriment and heart-warming sincerity during the New Year celebrations awaits as do a multiplicity of traditional and daredevil winter sports.

Russia Travel Map

Use the Russia Map to locate the country’s main cities and find out what each one has to offer:

Holidays and Festivals

Organise your travels to Russia around one of these celebrations:

New Year Season (December to January 8th) – Undoubtedly the nation’s best-loved holiday, Russia’s legendary New Year’s celebrations officially last a whole week. Unofficially, Russians usually pop open the champagne and start turning the music up by the middle of December when New Year’s bazaars, outdoor ice-rinks and ice festivals are in full swing. Uniquely in Russia, one can see in the New Year twice. The splendour of the fireworks, feasts, family-gatherings and fun in the snow are repeated yet again on January 14th — New Year according to Russia’s pre-revolutionary, Julian calendar. Best place to celebrate: Moscow or Saint Petersburg

International Woman’s Day (8th March) – “International Woman’s Day” is a bit of a misnomer. While the day is most certainly feminine (chocolates and flowers are the symbols of this holiday), only ex-Soviet states and their allies actually celebrate Women’s Day in a meaningful way. Along with appreciating mothers, grandmothers, sisters and aunties, this holiday also doubles as a Russian alternative to Valentines Day. This combination of feminism, family and romance may be unorthodox, but somehow it all merges together to form something really special. Best place to celebrate: Moscow

Maslenitsa (Late February-Early March) – This holiday is the perfect excuse to indulge in all the delights of the Russian cuisine. While often translated as “Shrovetide”, Maslenitsa differs starkly from Pancake Day. For starters, the pancake flipping lasts an entire week and the resulting mountains of buttery golden, paper-thin discs are quite unlike western pancakes. In Russia, pancakes or blinis are a meal in themselves. Caviar, fried mince, potatoes, condensed milk and sour cream are just some of the delights stuffed within blinis. Best place to celebrate: Moscow and the Golden Ring

• Siberian Maslenitsa Tour

Victory Day (9th May) – Russia may well be an enigma, but it can become that bit more comprehensible if one learns some of its history. Each spring, on the anniversary of the surrender of Nazi Germany, Russia’s sorrowful history is relived with great passion and pride. The grand parades, solemn ceremonies and nation-wide exhibitions provide the perfect opportunity for foreigners to peer into the Russian national psyche. Arrive a few days earlier on May 1st to see the equally grand May Day celebrations which hark back to the communist parades, with their red banners and mega-floats, banging the drum for workers’ rights. Best place to celebrate: Moscow or Saint Petersburg

White Nights Festival (June) – From May 26th to July 16th, Saint Petersburg becomes the only city in the world with a population of over 1 million to be plunged into the endless days of the polar summer. Strolling under a frothy-pink sky at midnight is a mesmerising experience in itself but, in typical Saint Petersburg fashion, even the seemingly perfect is improved upon and taken to new heights. With the bright-sky as a backdrop, Saint Petersburg’s renowned performing arts troupes take to the streets and wow audiences with pirouettes, arias and rock concerts. The festivities peak at the height of June with the other-worldly high-school graduation celebration, Scarlet Sails; a recreation of a romantic Russian fairytale with a nautical twist. Best place to celebrate: This festival is only held in Saint Petersburg

Spasskaya Tower International Military Music Festival (Late August – Early September) – Fighting for the love and admiration of the audience with the clamouring beat of drums and bellow of trombones, the annual military tattoo in Moscow is a ‘battle of the bands’ in the truest sense of the word. Army bands from the world over come to the Red Square for the chance to march past the monumental walls of the Kremlin in an annual show of musical and military prowess. The harmonious combination of military, classical, folk and pop music, parades and light shows makes this festival one of the brightest and most memorable events of the year. Best place to celebrate: This festival is only held in Moscow

Curious about Russian Cuisine?

The Top Best Dishes to taste while in Russia:

Refined Tastes of Saint Petersburg

Finely sliced beef sautéed in sour cream and forest mushrooms served on a bed of either rice or pasta. This immensely popular dish was dreamed up in the 19th century by French chefs for the ageing Count Stroganov who couldn’t chew tough meat.

As soon as the ice on the Neva melts, quaint fishermen’s boats sail through the centre of Saint Petersburg to catch bucket-loads of silvery smelt. On corner cafes and streets stands, dozens of these finger-sized fish are battered and fried to a crisp. Locals sometimes call these fish “cucumbers” because of their peculiarly fresh, cucumber smell.

Many of Russia’s most elaborate dishes can be traced to the royal scullery of the Hermitage. Comprising of dozens of crisp, caramelised layers of honey biscuit slathered in whipped crème-fraiche, even Empress Elizabeth — who detested honey — was wowed over by the floral notes and luscious creaminess of this cake. Medovik is one of many delectable desserts created by the confectioners of the Romanov court that are still enjoyed by Russians.

Hearty Slavic Foods in Moscow

Piping-hot, puffy and bite-sized, Russian piroshki are worlds-apart from flat american-pies or flaky cornish-pasties. They are an integral part of the Russian diet — the original Slavic fast food — and are especially popular in Moscow. Fillings range from savoury to sweet and change with the seasons: berries or fresh cottage cheese for summer and wild mushrooms, potatoes or baked pumpkin for winter.

The humble blini rules supreme as the ultimate culinary achievement of Russia. The difference between a pancake and a blin may just be a pinch of yeast, a teaspoon of caviar and a dollop of cream, but these small alterations make all the difference. In Moscow’s ritzy restaurants, one can savour the most sumptuous renditions of this classic Slavic dish.

Invented in 1978 by a confectioner in Moscow’s Praga restaurant, the unique combination of the cake’s airy vanilla mousse, entrapped in a thin layer of crisp chocolate and cushioned by a fragrant sponge is simply beyond belief. Hence, the cake’s unusual name. It’s so delicious it seems too good to be true — a little like mythical birds’ milk.

Rib-Sticking, Fiery Siberian Dishes

Stuffed with satiating fillings and served simmering hot with a spoon of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, Siberian pelmeni were made for firing up bellies in the harshest of winters. Throughout the ex-USSR, renditions of these petite dumplings abound. The Ukrainians have varenyiki, the Poles pierogi, but none come close to rivalling the original, meaty, umami-spiced pelmeni of the Siberian hunters.

From the seemingly boundless waters of the Baikal, fishermen haul in copious stocks of fish. The most prodigious species of fish in Baikal, the Omul, is preserved through an age-old curing process. Long lines of these semi-desiccated fish can be seen drying in between windows, trees, market stalls and even bus stops throughout Siberia. These salted fish are then shipped throughout Russia where they are considered a delicacy.

Check out our Russia Travel Guidebook for Food for an in-depth look at:

• Russian National Cuisine

Dos and Don’ts in Russia

• Carry your passport and visa with you at all times. The police sometimes ask foreigners, especially men, to present their IDs.
• Dress modestly, take off your hat and cover your hair with a scarf (if female) when visiting religious sites.
• Be prepared for very cold weather in winter and sweltering days in summer.
• Contact your bank in advance to notify them of your travels to Russia so as to ensure your card payments aren’t subject to undue security restrictions in Russia.
• Carry at least 2000 roubles in cash — card readers aren’t universal. Also, American Express and Discover customers should bear in mind that these sort of cards aren’t usually accepted as a means of payment.
• Use taxi hailing apps or licensed cab companies to get around: it’s easy and avoids the risks that could come with flagging down a ride.
• Look twice when crossing the road, even when crossing on green.
• Drink alcohol outside on the streets or anywhere that isn’t a bar or a restaurant — it could be against the law.
• Buy alcohol or cigarettes from unlicensed buyers.
• Drink unfiltered tap water.
• Purchase antiques of value without procuring an export certificate from the seller.
• Be scared to ask for help. Most Russians understand English, even if they’re too embarrassed to speak it.
• Accept free drinks (foreigners are often targets for drink spiking) or invites to clubs or even museums by strangers on the street.

Speak the Language

Knowing a few basic phrases in the local language will endear you to people and open up doors for friendship and connection during your travels in Russia. Some words and sayings that may come in handy:

Virtual Russia Travel Guide: Further Reading

• Russia Travel Tips
• Russia Tours Page

At Your Service

Whether you’re visiting Russia for the first or hundredth time, a little help and expertise from our passionate team in Moscow will go the way to making sure your trip to Russia is perfect from touch-down to take-off.

Our Russia travel services include:

RUSSIA GUIDE

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Rites and Customs
• Russian Customs
• Russian Cuisine
• Russian Food
• Russian Dishes
• Circum-Baikal Railway
• Exhibitions & Events

RUSSIA TRAVEL

• Travel Restrictions - Covid-19
• Best Time to Visit

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