Nothing spreads Christmas cheer quite like a visit from Santa. However, booking him isn’t quite as simple as sticking a red hat and fuzzy beard on Uncle Dave (or the head of marketing!) and hoping for the best! If you really want to bring the magic of Christmas to your party, corporate gathering or community event, you need a Santa who delivers. Which begs the question: how do you set about finding the perfect Santa?
>> Book a Santa
Well, we recommend taking a leaf out of the bearded gent’s own book; it’s that time of year when Santa is extremely busy making a list and checking it twice, which is exactly what you should be doing!
Your list will, however, need to be a tad more complicated than Santa’s (which, we’re led to believe, focuses heavily on behavioural status). But don’t stress, we’ve got you covered with our helpful step-by-step guide. Just keep reading!
Event type
Start by thinking about the type of event you’re hosting:
Family party – You’ll want a warm, personable Santa who can interact well with children, especially those who may be a little shy.
Corporate party – A professional Santa who can manage a crowd and keep the energy high is key to your event’s success.
Community event – Look for an experienced Santa who’s comfortable with large audiences, photo sessions, and possibly a microphone.
Matching Santa’s skills to your event is critical to its success.
Santa’s CV
If you’re hiring, you’ll need to check the Man in Red’s credentials:
- Does he have any experience?
- Has he worked with children / corporate groups / senior citizens before?
- Can he answer appropriately if children ask for super-expensive gifts?
- Check his authenticity rating – how would he respond to awkward questions about multiple gift deliveries / what elves do for the rest of the year / how he manages houses without chimneys?
- Does he have public speaking experience?
- Does he have public liability insurance?
- If Santa is required to work with children or vulnerable adults, does he possess a current DBS certificate?
We strongly recommend conducting a formal check on Santa’s suitability by taking up references from previous employers – this information is usually available on event booking sites, social media and Santa’s own website. Additionally, we understand that Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer is happy to provide a glowing character reference!
Did you know, you can book your perfect Santa right here on the PartyWizz website?
Santa’s appearance
In the case of Santa Claus, appearance really does matter! A great Santa doesn’t just wear the suit; he embodies the spirit of St. Nick from head to toe. As a minimum, you should carry out these checks:
- The beard test – a bona fide Santa’s beard should pass the tug test. Whether it’s natural or expertly applied, it should be snowy-white, soft and definitely not attached with elastic straps!
- Jelly belly – Whether genuine or well-padded, Santa just isn’t Santa without a rotund tummy.
- Dress code – Santa’s suit should be red plush with a crisp, snow-white trim. A cheap, thin suit just won’t cut the mustard; it should look regal enough to match the magic.
- Small details – wire-rimmed glasses perched low on the nose, a wide, black belt and shiny boots transform a red-suited man into the real-deal Santa Claus. It’s little touches like these that turn a good impersonation into an unforgettable one.
Remember that while appearance matters, it’s not everything; look for someone who not only looks the part but who can be Santa – warm, engaging and ready with a hearty “Ho, ho, ho!” to light up the room.
Book the best Santa – Ask about extras
The very best Santas, however, usually offer much more than a friendly “Ho, ho, ho!”. Questions you might want to ask Santa include:
- Will you have an elf with you?
- Can you read a story to a group of young children?
- Are you happy to pose for photos?
- Do you hand out secret Santa gifts?
- I’m having a sing-along / party games; can you lead them?
- Can you judge the Christmas jumper competition?
While most Santas are happy to offer extras, do check well in advance if there’s something specific you require. Children’s stories, for example, may need shortening, while an accompanying elf involves one of Santa’s main challenges – rejigging the elf workshop rota!
Book the best Santa early
You don’t need us to tell you that Santa is in high demand during December. However, you may not be aware that the best often get booked months in advance. So, while we certainly don’t advocate booking the first Santa you interview, we do advise booking ASAP once you’ve determined your specific requirements.
Santa visit checklist – things to double-check before the big day
Santa likes things to run smoothly, so here are some key details to confirm before your visit:
- Deposit & balance – make sure you know how much is due upfront and when the final payment is needed. Nobody wants Santa chasing invoices instead of reindeer!
- Arrival time – check what date and time Santa is expected to arrive (and how long he’ll stay).
- Venue details – ensure Santa has the correct address, parking info and any directions he may need.
- Contact number – give Santa your mobile number just in case he needs extra directions or there’s an unexpected delay.
- Payment method – whether it’s cash on the day, bank transfer, or card payment, it’s best to know in advance.
- Special requests – if Santa is bringing gifts, let him know names and ages beforehand so he doesn’t mix them up.
- Set-up needs – does Santa need a chair, a grotto corner etc? A little preparation will ensure everything runs smoothly.
Having clear expectations means fewer surprises and a smooth-running event.
>> Book a Santa
Booking the best Santa for your party isn’t just about finding someone in a red suit, it’s about choosing a performer who can bring the holiday spirit to life for your guests. Do your research, ask the right questions, and book early. With the right Santa, your party will be one to remember for years to come.
PartyWizz helps you book the best Christmas entertainers and party services in the UK and Ireland. From magicians and Santas to DJs and photographers, you’ll find everything you need on our easy-to-use platform. Whether you’re planning a kids’ Christmas party, a festive corporate celebration or a family gathering, go to PartyWizz to find the perfect service providers and make your holiday season truly magical!
