Where is the Magical Santa Experience located?
Currently we are located in Randolph, NJ, in Morris County. If you are looking for a NYC location please fill out the contact form and let us know (You can add it under number of children)
How can I contact you?
Please feel free to reach out via call/text at 718-701-5256
What should my child wear?
It is really important that you plan in advance for your child’s session. Having the right clothes will help create a timeless portrait. We highly discourage any clothing with patterns, characters, or text as they are distracting. We recommend solid colored Christmas Pajamas, deep reds and greens look great on our set. We love nightgowns, preferably white, for the girls and robes look darling on little boys, bare feet are preferred.
Feel free to check out our CLOTHING LINK www.passeranyc.com/santapjs
How should we prepare?
A few days before, gather everything you plan to bring. If you must cut your child’s hair, do so a week or two before the event. If possible, plan your session during a time that corresponds with your smallest child’s ‘best time.’ When you arrive, take a deep calming breath and trust us. We’ve been doing this a long time and we know what we’re doing. Our goal is to not only give you amazing artwork but a great experience. Just sit back and watch the magic unfold.
Is the session price per family or per child?
The session price is all inclusive for the immediate family. If you would like portraits of extended family, like a cousin's portrait for Grandma, we will happily book your two families back to back and at the end throw in a group shot at no additional charge. However, each family unit will need their own session.
How long is the Santa Claus Experience?
Our sessions are booked back to back, all day long. We have blocked off ninety minutes just for your family. Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your session, dressed and ready for your visit. Your session includes your visit with Santa immediately followed by your viewing session where you will place your memorable keepsake order.
What is your late policy?
You must be on time for your session or risk forfeiting it. Our sessions are booked back to back all day long and we operate at full capacity.
What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
All sessions are non-refundable. If you need to cancel your session for any reason you forfeit your session retainer fee. You may reschedule if there is a date available for a $75 rescheduling fee. Any reschedule requests must be done 30 days prior to your appointment.
PLEASE NOTE: We cannot accommodate moving appointments between months. The session must be scheduled within 3 weeks from the original session date.
Are you able to work with special needs children?
Yes, we are able to work with special needs children. We do have stairs on property so just take that into consideration.
Will you see our portraits the same day as the session?
You will view your portraits immediately following your session. Your ordering session is adults only. Often a grandparent or loved one will take the children home following the session but we do provide Santa’s helpers with holiday movies, books, puzzles and snacks to keep your children busy while you order.
What type of investment should I expect?
Although no purchase is necessary, most people fall in love with what we create and want to have these portraits as a keepsake to look back on forever…long after their children outgrow the magic of Santa. Our portraits start at $500 and our wall art begins at $800. Some families spend $500, others spend $5,000, a typical investment in our experience is $2,500. We’ll curate the order you desire and based on your needs.
How long will we spend with Santa?
25 minutes, but we have allotted 30 min just in case.
Can I get my digitals?
We are not a digital studio, we specialize in artwork and heirloom albums.
Do I have to purchase anything or can I just come for the experience?
There is no minimum investment required on sessions, however most people plan to invest in one of our storybook albums.
When can I expect my letter in the mail from Santa?
Your child’s letter will arrive 3 to 5 days prior to your session.
Do you allow pets?
We consider pets as part of the family, so feel free to bring them with you. All pets are required to be on a leash. We recommend bringing their favorite toy and some treats. Let us know in your questionnaire if you plan on bringing your pet.
What can I do if my child is afraid of Santa?
One of the benefits of having a private 20 minute session is that there is usually ample time for hesitant children to warm up to Santa. The photographers and Santa have several techniques that help children feel at ease. However, we suggest limiting the number of people that you bring to watch the session. If you are worried that your child might be scared, please let us know in the questionnaire in order for us to notify the photographer and Santa.
Can we take our own pictures or videos?
We do not allow any photography during your session.
Can Santa give my child a present?
If you want Santa to give your child a special present, we can gladly give your child the gift they always wanted at the session to help make the experience even better. Let us know on the questionnaire. so that one of the elves can secretly grab the gift during your arrival.
What’s Included?
At your private session with Santa your child(ren) will get to experience the magic of Christmas. Then you will have an adults only viewing session immediately following, where you will place your memorable keepsake order. Already included in your experience price is a private session with Santa Claus, our Hot Chocolate Bar complete with homemade hot chocolate, cookies, marshmallows, and more!
Wall art, storybooks, gift prints and other products are not included in your experience price but can be purchased at your ordering session immediately following your experience. All of your purchased art pieces will have full artistry and added “magic” to make each portrait come alive and transform into a true work of art. Our most popular items are our treasured storybook albums complete with a one of a kind Christmas poem, wall art, and Christmas cards. We also have gift prints, ornaments and more.
Can parents join the session?
Absolutely! We also encourage it for sessions with younger children. However if you are looking to create portraits of just the children and then also the whole family we recommend booking two back to back sessions since we won't have time to accommodate both.
What is your COVID policy?
If you or your child test positive for COVID please let us know asap so we can make other arrangements. Because we pay Santa for his time before the day of the session we will not be able to refund you but we will do everything we can to get you scheduled into another day.
Where will this take place?
Currently all sessions will take place in our wonderful home studio in Randolph, NJ about 45-60 minutes outside of the city.
What ages is this recommended for?
We encourage children and families of all ages and sizes. However, we do recommend that children be able to sit unassisted if they will be alone.
When will I receive my artwork?
Most of our sessions will allow for you to receive all artwork before Christmas. If you book a session in November or December we might require a rush fee to guarantee Christmas delivery.
