Merry Christmas!

Frequently Asked Questions


Ho ho ho!

What about Santa and the flu or H1N1?

We have taken many steps to play our part in stopping the spread of flu: Our Santas have had or are planning on getting their flu shots before they start their seasons. We have also had special workshops and training just to address lessening the spread of the flu among Santas and Children. All of our Santas carry multiple pairs of gloves so they can change often and wash them between each event. Probably the best advice I could give someone who would want to see Santa but lessen the risk of sicknesses would be to seek out Santa at a local business or small event. Santa is then exposed to less children than at the malls, so your child is exposed to less germs. Or a GREAT alternative is to schedule an affordable private session at our studio in Marietta. Then your children are the ONLY ones around Santa.

Why should I hire a professional Santa? Why not Uncle George? Why not Joe Whitebeard?

Professional Santas have all the essentials: The groomed beard, the Nice suit, The training, the insurance and most importantly the CLEAN back ground check and work ethics. When Uncle George dons a rental suit 1 of two things is bound to happen: the kids recognize him, or they wonder where Uncle George is. Plus Uncle George has to work at the family gathering instead of enjoying the time together. If you do not book with us, we beg one thing of you: PLEASE do not hire a Santa with out a proper background check!! We’ve heard too many stories of someone asking Joe Whitebeard to play Santa: Just because he has a white beard and little round belly. Then when Mr. Whitebeard shows up he smells of alcohol, or acts inappropriately. All of our Santas are not only great professional Santas, but also family friends. If we don’t trust them with our kids, there’s no way we’d send them to your kids. ;)

What am I really paying for?

Unfortunately Santa has more expenses than just reindeer feed and Elf paychecks. This includes: Insurance, Hair and beard care, red-suit cleaning, transportation/gas (Unfortunately Santa’s reindeer are resting for the big day so he has to drive a car.), training and classes, background checks, etc. While there are never any hidden fees, when you hire a Santa from Atlanta’s Santas you are paying for a Well-groomed, cleaned suited, insured, well-trained Santa who’s professional, polite and trust worthy!

How can Santa help boost my holiday sales?

How many families do you know that get pictures with Santa each year? Better yet: How many families do you know that DO NOT get a picture with Santa each year: Very few I am sure. Nowadays parents are looking for alternatives to standing in line at the Malls. We offer a great package where Santa and a professional photographer will come to your business and offer Professional Kodak pictures in a festive holiday frame (with YOUR business name on them!!) to your clients. Included in the package are door posters for your business to advertise Santa’s arrival, advertising on our web sites, facebook page and events, and our Craig’s list postings. Each year we have several past clients who call and ask, "Where will Santa Ted/Michael/etc. be this year? We need to get our pictures taken" Wouldn’t it be great if we were referring them to YOUR business! Great for:

What kind of events does Santa do?

How long should I book Santa for?

Each event will be different depending on the size of the party, the ages and number of children. If you’d like to take photos, have a story read or if Mrs. Claus or an Elf will be joining the party. When you book your event we can discuss what will work best for you.

Do you offer Letters from Santa or phone calls from Santa?

Yes! Each letter is personally written. Each phone call is really Santa, not a recording ;)

Do you have Santas for media events or commercials?

Several of our Santas have done media events including: Magazine covers, commercials, radio, newspaper interviews, stage productions, and much More!!

Do you visit on Christmas Eve? Christmas Day?

Although Christmas Eve is Santa’s busiest day, he can always make a little extra time for a quick visit. However since a visit on Christmas Eve or Day requires Santa to stop time in China his rates are little more. Book early because the few spots Santa has open on these prime days go FAST!

Does Santa do visits through out the year?

YES!! Santa always looks forward to a break from the cold winds of the North Pole to visit Hotlanta: Anytime of the year!

What kind of Training has your Santas had?

All of our Santas have had some kind of Professional training. Please see each “Meet Santa” page to see individuals training.

What languages does Santa speak?

All of our Santas speak English. We do have a Santa who speaks some Spanish, and most of our Santas have had minimal Sign Language training.

Can I choose my Santa?

You are welcome to request a Santa. Requests will be honored based on availability.

How early can I book?

The earlier the better! By October Santa’s book is already filling up. This doesn’t mean we may not be able to squeeze you in the week of, but to guarantee Santa is available for YOU, when YOU want… Book early!

How far will Santa travel?

Santa will travel the world. If your event is more than 100 miles from Atlanta, GA there will be a travel fee.

Does Santa charge a travel fee?

Only for events OVER 100 miles from Atlanta.

Do you require deposits?

Regularly scheduled events: No! All we ask is that payment is made 2 week in advance, or at time of booking if made less than 2 weeks a head of time.

What is Santa’s rate?

This varies depending on the event and what is requested. The average event is $100-200/hr. There will never be any hidden fees, please call 404-825-4028 or E-mail visit@atlantassanta.com for more information.

What types of payment do you accept?

We accept Check, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. There is a 3% charge for Credit/Debit card payment.

What if I'd like to tip Santa?

Do not feel obligated to tip Santa, but any gratuity is allways appriciated. Please NEVER hand Santa cash. The best thing to do is give Santa a "Christmas Card" with the tip concealed within

What if I need to cancel?

Please call Elf Steph ASAP: 404-825-4028

How can I prepare for Santa’s Visit?

Have a chair available for Santa. Make sure if you’re going to take photos the chair has a nice backdrop like a solid wall or the Christmas tree. NEVER position Santa’s chair near a fireplace. Remember Santa is dressed for North Pole weather and a roaring fire is just too much heat. If it’s a family event consider having the children write their wish lists a head of time also have an idea who will take pictures and what kind of pictures you want to take: Individual, group, etc. If you’re having photos provided by us, please have a table and additional chair available as well as access to an electrical outlet.

Does Santa require Breaks?

If your event is 2 hours or more please allow Santa a short break to feed his reindeer. Remember sitting for that long is still very tiring

What will Santa Wear?

This depends on the event. Most events Santa will wear his tradition Red Suit. Some of our Santas have different dress outfits (See pictures). We even have an ‘Old World’ style Santa. If your event is in the Summer Santa will wear his vacation outfit (Generally Red Hawaiian Shirt). If you have a preference or special request, please let us know at the time of booking.

Is Santa’s beard real?

DEFINATLY!!

Will Santa "Promise" my child a certain gift?

Never! Santa loves to talk to children about what they want for Christmas, but will never guarantee a gift. This keeps the children hoping all through the season and allows the parents or gift giver to make the final choice.

Can Santa read a story to our group?

Absolutely! Just let us know you want a story when you set the appointment.

What stories are offered?

Santa can bring The Night Before Christmas or The Legend of Santa Claus (A Christian-based Story). If you have a story/book of your own you would like Santa to read at your event, just let us know.

What if my child is afraid of Santa?

Please remember, don’t force a child onto Santa’s lap. You may really want a picture, but it becomes a battle of wills and everyone loses. In addition, getting the perfect picture this year isn’t worth the memories it will leave on the child. Many things can scare the children; it can be the beard or the symbol of Santa and how they were told that Santa knows everything. Let the child ease their way up to Santa and let Santa talk softly with the child. Another helpful hint is to let the older children (or one that is not afraid) go to Santa first, it will help the younger children gain confidence. For smaller children, please hand the child to Santa. It is easier for a child to be passed to Santa then Santa trying to reach for the child. The reaching can also startle or scare the child.

Can Santa deliver gifts?

Santa is very experienced at delivering gifts, whether early on Christmas eve or even that one gift Santa ‘forgot’ and needs to deliver after Christmas.

Does Santa provide these gifts?

Santa can bring candy canes upon request. However any toys, cars, engagement rings, etc. need to be provided by you. Please let us know ahead of time if you plan on Santa handing out any gifts so we can make arrangements.

What does Mrs. Claus do?

Mrs. Claus can visit you with or without Mr. Claus. This is a fun option for daycares and schools during the week. Our Mrs. Clauses all enjoy the children. When Mrs. Claus comes with Santa she will help with the children while they are waiting in line to see Santa. Upon request and availability Mrs. Claus is available to read stories, lead the children in singing or playing Christmas carols with the hand bells, introduce the children to her puppet friends, face paint or give out balloon animals. While Mrs. Claus is there to entertain and help with the children she is NOT a baby sitter. Parents should always care for their children during any events.

Can I take my own pictures at an event?

Of course! We do offer professional photos taken by our professional photographers, but even if our photographer is at your event you’re still welcome to use your own camera.

What kind of Photos can I expect from you?

We only offer Profesional grade Dye Sublimation Kodak pictures. Or as Buba Claus says "Them real pictures that come out of the picture machines at Wal-mart." Pictures are available at your party, no need to wait.

Does Santa do pictures with Pets?

Santa loves Animal and Pets all of them from the large furry four legged to the scaly no-feets. Please let us know a head of time if a pet will be joining you for your event so Santa can be prepared.

Does Santa do private photo Sessions?

Most certainly. We have professional photographers that can come with Santa to your house/location, or you can make an appointment to come to our studio in Marietta. The great thing with a private photo session is if your child is unsure of Santa we can take the time for them to get to know Santa.

What is the rate for a Private Photo Session at your Marietta studio?

A 1 hour session is $100. This includes a package of 5 poses (with or without Santa). Each package includes:


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