The holiday season is here, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a visit to see Santa Claus! At SA Entertainment KC LLC, we work with some of the most magical real-bearded Santas, who have over 100 years of combined experience spreading holiday cheer.

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We recently asked our expert Santas what advice they’d give to parents about visiting Santa—what they wish parents would (or wouldn’t) do to make the experience special for everyone. Their insights will help make your visit as magical and stress-free as possible.

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1. Take It Slow

Some kids need time to warm up to Santa before they’re ready to take that iconic photo. Consider walking by Santa first, waving, or letting your child watch other guests interact with him. Give them the chance to get comfortable without rushing.

And remember—don’t expect perfect! Some of the best Santa photos are the ones you don’t plan for: the uncomfortable child, the child pulling Santa’s beard, or the one who refuses to turn around. While it might feel disappointing in the moment, these imperfect snapshots often become your most cherished holiday memories.

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2. Choose the Right Outfit

Dress your child in something comfortable and relaxed-fitting. While those fancy holiday outfits look adorable in pictures, they can leave little ones feeling stuffy or irritable. A comfortable child is a happy child—and that’s what makes for a great Santa experience.

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3. Let Santa Do His Thing

Santa knows how to manage that special moment with each child. Step back and let him lead the interaction. Our Santas are well-trained and have your child’s best interests at heart. Giving them space to connect creates a more magical and personal experience.

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4. Be Ready for Long Lines

Avoid the rush by visiting Santa early in the season. Weekdays are often less crowded than weekends, and morning visits tend to be quieter.

If there’s a long line, be prepared! Consider having another adult or older child hold your spot while you entertain the younger ones elsewhere. You can bring snacks, small toys, or books to keep them busy, or even have a friend or family member wait in line while you keep the other kids occupied with fun activities. This helps make the experience smoother for everyone.

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5. Come Prepared to Capture the Moment

If you’re taking photos yourself, check your phone or camera settings beforehand. Make sure your device is fully charged, and don’t forget to check the lighting. For those who hire professional photographers, let them handle the details while you enjoy the experience with your child.

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6. Timing Is Everything

A well-rested and well-fed child is much more likely to enjoy their visit with Santa. Schedule your visit after nap time or a meal to avoid unnecessary meltdowns. If things don’t go as planned, there will be other opportunities to meet Santa.

Check out our 2024 Santa Schedule!

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7. Don’t Force It

If your child is hesitant or afraid, don’t force the visit. Meeting Santa should be fun, not a source of stress. There will be other opportunities to create those special memories, and the last thing anyone wants is to leave your child feeling overwhelmed.

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8. Help Older Kids Stay Involved

If you have an older child who no longer believes in Santa, get them involved by asking them to be a helper. Encourage them to keep the magic alive for younger siblings or other children. After all, Santa’s magic isn’t just about believing—it’s about giving, helping, and spreading joy.

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9. Let Santa Know About Special Circumstances

If your child has specific needs, concerns, or preferences, let Santa know ahead of time. Our Santas are trained to handle a variety of situations and will do everything possible to make accommodations. We can even arrange for home visits if needed—just give us a call to make arrangements.

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10. Don’t Make Santa the Bad Guy

All of our Santas agree: Don’t make Santa a weapon. It’s tempting during the holidays to say, “If you don’t behave, Santa won’t bring you anything!” But this creates unnecessary anxiety for weeks in advance and casts Santa as the bad guy.

When the day finally comes, we expect the child to sit on his lap and be happy to see him, but mixed messages can make this hard. Keep Santa as a source of joy and excitement. Focus on the magic of the visit rather than using him as a disciplinary tool.

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11. Name Tags Make the Magic Even Better

For large family gatherings, name tags can make a huge difference. Santa meets a lot of children during the season, and name tags help him create a more personal experience.

If you’re planning for Santa to hand out gifts, make sure they’re clearly labeled and easy to read. These little touches make the visit feel seamless and magical for everyone involved.

12. Rethink the Crying Child Photo

Our Santas agree: They don’t enjoy crying child photos. While it might seem funny at the time, it’s not a pleasant experience for the child or Santa. If your little one is truly unhappy, many Santas will suggest an alternative: making a video instead.

Santa can tell your child, “I understand you didn’t want to sit on my lap this year, but I still love you and will bring you something special. When you’re ready, I’ll be so excited to see you!” This keeps the magic alive while respecting your child’s feelings.

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13. What About Santa’s Sleigh?

When Santa has to leave, many children ask, “Where’s your sleigh?” Santa likes to explain that he’s only allowed to use his sleigh on Christmas Eve after dark. Until then, he has to drive a car like everyone else. This simple explanation satisfies curious little ones while keeping the magic intact.

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14. Keep It Clean

Sticky, sweet, drippy, or messy food \can be a Santa’s worst nightmare. Our Santas invest a great deal of money in their custom-made suits, and nothing ruins the magic faster than sticky hands or wet clothes.

Before your child hops onto Santa’s lap, please take a moment to wipe them up. Check for sticky fingers, drippy snacks, or wet bottoms. Please check those diapers. It’s a small courtesy that goes a long way in keeping Santa clean and comfortable while ensuring every child has the best experience possible.

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By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll help ensure that your family’s visit to Santa is as magical and memorable as possible. After all, Santa’s magic is about more than just one night—it’s about creating moments of joy and wonder that last a lifetime.

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