Santa George & Friends

1: Ensure your cameras and cell phones are ready to go. Confirm you have sufficient memory for all desired photos, and that all devices are fully charged.

2: To ensure Santa and Mrs. Claus are comfortable and ready to bring joy, please reserve a parking spot as close as possible to their appearance location. They wear heavy suits, which can get quite warm, even in December.

For home visits, leave an opening at the end of your driveway, using a temporary barrier like a box, chair, or sawhorse, and display a sign that says "Reserved for Santa & Mrs. Claus!"

For events at company facilities, office buildings, or hotels, arrange for parking in a valet or loading area, and mark the space with a fun sign. This helps them stay fresh and energized for your guests.

3. Please have your gifts prepared. Santa can carry one bag of presents for the children or guests. Ensure they are clearly labeled; we recommend using a large black marker directly on the gifts, as tags can easily detach. All packages combined should fit within the volume of a 35-gallon trash bag. Anything larger might be too heavy or cumbersome for him to bring in. We all know of Santa’s “Magic Bag,” but that only works its magic on Christmas Eve!

If you have more than one bag, please check with Santa beforehand to see if there's a way to have the gifts near his chair before he arrives, or if he can arrange for "helpers" to bring in the extra presents.

4: Ensure everyone is gathered before Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive, as timing is crucial. They may only be there for a limited time, and being scattered wastes valuable moments. Santa and Mrs. Claus will call approximately 10 minutes before arrival; this is your signal to gather everyone and have someone greet them outside. If Santa is bringing presents, the greeter can assist in filling the bag. At the opportune moment, Santa and Mrs. Claus can enter. Assign someone to be their helper to coordinate the children's visit order.

5: Provide sturdy chairs for Santa and Mrs. Claus. Folding chairs, low chairs, or those you sink into are not suitable. They prefer chairs that are sturdy and stable, like a good, straight-back dining chair. Santa needs to be able to sit upright or on the edge of the chair comfortably, with space for a child on each knee.

6: Position the chair near a Christmas tree or in a festive setting, such as in front of a fireplace (unlit is best) with stockings, or any other holiday backdrop. Backgrounds with a festive look will make your photos more impactful. Enhance the scene with a wreath, some Christmas cards, or your children's drawings on the wall. Leave a foot or two between the chair and the tree or wall to allow space for group photos.

7. Audiences can expect fun photo opportunities with Santa and his friends! While some teenagers might be hesitant, Santa is happy to pose for "buddy" photos. Families will love pictures of Santa with Grandma and Grandpa, maybe even a hug or two. And who doesn't love Santa asking Grandpa if he's been good?

8: Hiring Santa George & Friends guarantees a joyful and memorable occasion for your attendees! As your dedicated Santa and Mrs. Claus, we bring the true holiday ambiance to your event. We usually offer traditional, enjoyable treats like well-loved candy canes and refreshing Starlight Mints. While we love these classic choices, we're also happy to cater to specific sweet preferences provided by you for your event. To ensure everyone can partake in the perfect treats, please inform us of any dietary restrictions or alternative options in advance. This helps us to design a truly special and unforgettable event for all.

We have been portraying Santa and Mrs. Claus for approximately 15 years. We are members of IBRBS (International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas) and are active within the Santa community. We attend gatherings throughout the year that include seminars on beard care, dealing with difficult subjects (IE death, divorce, terminal illness), story telling, information on groups that provide pro bono Santa visits for children who are homebound or in hospitals, and we actually teach a class on the business of Santa.