Ho ho ho! Every year, my sleigh gets so incredibly full of invitations that I sadly have to turn down well over a hundred requests for visits. I know firsthand how challenging it can be to find the perfect Santa for your family gathering, corporate party, or community event. Finding a person in a red suit might be easy, but finding a truly wonderful, high-quality Santa is the real magic of the season. I want to share a little North Pole wisdom from Santa Edmonton to help you choose the right jolly old elf for your celebration, ensuring your memories are merry and bright.
Safety
The absolute first thing to look for is safety and peace of mind. Any professional Santa should be more than happy to provide a current vulnerable sector check from their local police department. When you are trusting someone to create magical, lasting memories with children and families, this level of professionalism and security is simply non-negotiable.
Authenticity
Next, take a very close look at their photos. Does he look genuinely jolly? Is he smiling with that famous, warm twinkle in his eye? Does he have a white beard with no darker streaks? You want to hire someone who truly embodies the magical character of Santa Claus at just a glance. Look closely at the details of his costuming as well. Do his belt and boots look authentic, like real leather or cheap vinyl? Is he wearing clean white gloves that cover beyond his wrists so no bare arm is exposed? Is the fur trim narrow and thin or thick and plush? There is a vast world of difference between an inexpensive, thin party store costume and the beautiful, handmade custom suits that seasoned professionals wear. A high-quality suit and accessories shows a deep dedication to the magic and respect for the character.
Experience
It is also vital to find out how much experience this Santa has and whether they have done any formal training. It is important to realize that just being a sweet older gentleman with a real white beard does not necessarily make a good Santa. This is a live performance! It takes a skilled, dedicated actor to properly portray this beloved mythical character and keep the magic alive for believers of all ages.
Skills
Professional Santas continuously increase their skills and train year after year. There are many incredible resources in this realm, and dedicated performers attend places like the Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School or the Christmas Performer’s Workshop to perfect their craft. We study everything from answering difficult questions from children to the history of St. Nicholas, all to ensure the magic is as real as can be.
Reviews
Always look for references or reviews from others before making your final choice. It would be quite challenging to hire someone with confidence if they do not have any reviews or a track record of spreading joy. If this is their very first year in the red suit, carefully consider what kind of experience and interaction you can realistically expect. A seasoned professional knows exactly how to handle a crying toddler, a skeptical ten-year-old, and a room full of energetic believers.
Keep the holiday spirit alive!
If you are searching and just cannot find someone who meets these standards, or if someone isn’t really up to par, it is honestly better to pass on them than to hire somebody you might later regret. A disappointing visit can break the magic of the season. I wish you lots of success and joy in finding a wonderful Santa Claus performer! Realize that if you just can’t find somebody who you feel confident can do a really amazing job portraying this character, then maybe it would be better to keep the magic in your hearts this season, think about next year, and plan on booking a little bit earlier. Have a beautifully magical and joyous Christmas!