Every year when I share images from my Santa minis, I get this question from other photographers:

“How do you pull this off so well?!”

And I get it! Running a Santa minis event has a whole lot of moving parts – it’s a whole production! Between engaging with kids, keeping parents in the know, set design, Santa himself, and staying on schedule, there are a lot of things to keep track of. 

But here’s the thing: when it’s done well, Santa minis can be one of the most magical parts of your year. Families walk away with a memory they’ll treasure, and you get to create something that’s not only fun but repeatable year after year.

So today I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing exactly how I prep for a successful Santa event, in hopes it helps you run your own.

Start with the Experience, Not Just the Photos

When families book Santa minis, they’re booking more than a photo session. They want a memory. That’s why I always start by asking myself:

What do I want families to feel the moment they walk in?

For me, that means creating a cozy space where kids can relax and enjoy their time with Santa. At my events, Santa is reading letters, laughing with kids, and even handing out little treats.

I believe, the more immersive you can make the experience, the smoother everything flows. Families relax, kids warm up faster, and the smiles you capture are the real deal – not the forced, “say cheese” kind.

Choose the Right Santa (It Matters More Than You Think)

I can’t stress this enough: the person you choose to play Santa can make or break your event.

You want someone who’s comfortable with kids (especially shy or nervous ones), who knows how to improvise, and who understands this isn’t about them but about the families.

A good Santa is warm, patient, and professional. He’ll know how to redirect a crying toddler, keep a 6-year-old engaged, and stay in character the entire time.

Pro tip: book your Santa early. The good ones get booked up fast. I usually secure mine 9 months in advance. I also like to have the same Santa every year for my families to help keep the magic alive. 

If you don’t know where to look for a great Santa in your area, check out Gigsalad. 

Timing Is Everything: Structuring Your Sessions

Santa minis move fast.

Last year, I ran mine in 10-minute slots. That gave families enough time to interact with Santa, settle in, enjoy a moment of magical snow, and capture a variety of images without it feeling rushed. For me, that sweet spot was:

• 10 minutes per family
• 2–3 minutes of transition/reset time in between
• A capped number of families per day so Santa and I didn’t burn out

Some photographers do 5-minute slots. Others stretch to 15. Honestly, it depends on your style and how much variety you want to deliver. My advice? Test it out on a small scale before launching big.

Communication Is Everything

One thing I’ve learned: if families aren’t prepped ahead of time, the event day gets stressful fast. A seamless client experience really starts the moment they book. I love using Session to book clients and send prep emails. In my emails I cover:

• What to wear (I give examples — holiday best or cozy pajamas, and why to avoid clashing red with Santa’s suit)
• What to expect (these are short and sweet sessions, not full family galleries)
• How to prep the kids (talk up Santa beforehand, bring their wish list, and schedule after naps/snacks if possible)
• Logistics (arrival time, parking, check-in, what happens if they’re late)

The more expectations you can set, the smoother your day will run. Parents love having a checklist.

Santa Minis Set Design: Keep It Simple but Magical

It’s easy to go overboard with props, but my philosophy is simple: less is more.

When you design your set, always keep the client experience in mind. Ask yourself: Can the chair I’m using for Santa comfortably fit a big sibling group? If Mrs. Claus is joining, is there enough space for two adults to sit side by side? Small details like this make a big difference in how natural and relaxed the session feels.

I focus on one intentional setup that feels timeless and cozy. Think simple trees, warm textures, and just enough sparkle to make it festive. The goal is to create a space that supports the story, not competes with it. After all, kids + Santa are already the real stars!

And for a little extra magic? I love surprising first-time families at the very end of each session by turning on the snow machine. It always brings out the BIGGEST smiles. This detail also gives the repeat kiddos and families something special to look forward to every year!

Build in the “Delight Factor”

The little extras are what turn a good Santa mini into a can’t-miss tradition.

Things to consider:

• Christmas music playing softly in the background
• A “nice list” at the front door with each child’s name
• A small gift or treat for each child (trinkets, candy canes, a Christmas bell)
• A cozy waiting spot for families with cocoa and cookies

These don’t have to be elaborate or expensive. But when families walk away feeling cared for, they’ll look forward to coming back year after year and happily tell their friends.

Gear & Workflow Tips

Here’s my quick list of things that save me every time:

• Backup everything: two cameras, multiple memory cards, extra batteries. Santa minis are too high-stakes for “oops.”
• Lighting: I have a back-up plan with off camera lighting if its a dark November day.
• Shot list: While I keep things candid, I do have 3–4 go-to prompts to anchor each session (child with Santa, sibling group, whole family, candid laugh moment).

Having that workflow in my back pocket keeps me on track even when a toddler melts down.

Marketing Your Santa Minis

One of the biggest questions I get from photographers is: How do you fill all those spots?

Here’s what works for me:

• Book early, promote early: I start talking about Santa minis months ahead to build anticipation. I like to launch in July. 
• Use past images: Families want to see the vibe – cozy PJs, big smiles, holiday magic.
• Lean into tradition: I market them as “the experience you’ll come back to every year.” It’s about more than photos; it’s about building a family ritual.
• Leverage the limited availability: Santa minis are limited. When they’re gone, they’re gone. This naturally creates urgency.

Pro tip: If you want to book faster, offer an early-bird booking window to past clients before you announce publicly. They’ll appreciate the VIP treatment.

On the Day of: Consider an Assistant

Running Santa minis isn’t just about shooting — you’re also stage-managing the whole experience.

Year 1, I managed it all myself! Year 2, I hired an assistant or “elf” to help with making sure the whole day ran smoothly. Whether it’s you or your helper, make sure you are:

• Greeting families the second they walk in
• Helping kids warm up to Santa 
• Keeping the session flowing while adding in variety
• Wrapping up on time so the next family can step in easily

If the idea of juggling it all feels overwhelming, you’ll thank yourself later for hiring your elf!

After the Event: Gallery Delivery

Parents are excited to get their hands on their pictures for cards, gifts, and sharing online. At booking I share my turnaround time so families can plan accordingly.

And don’t forget that you can offer products! Ornaments, prints, and holiday cards are a natural add-on for Santa minis. Parents are already in the holiday spirit, and many want those tangible keepsakes.

Final Thoughts

Running Santa minis is equal parts exhausting and exciting. But every year, when I see the wonder on kids’ faces and hear parents say, “This was the best Santa experience we’ve ever had,” I’m reminded why it’s worth it.

If you’ve been on the fence about hosting your own Santa minis, I hope this gives you a few takeaways to do it with confidence. Keep it simple, keep it magical, and most importantly — keep the focus on the families.

Because at the end of the day, Santa minis are all about creating joy. And when you get that right, everything else falls into place!

Want help ironing out the details for your own Santa minis?

In my coaching calls, I’ve worked with photographers to price their events for profitability, streamline logistics and their client experience, and build the confidence to host with ease. If you’re ready to make your Santa event a success, let’s chat.

✨ Love this post? You’ll also enjoy Santa Christmas Minis at Ren Space Studio in Edmond

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