FAQs
Why do you say sessions are approximately 15 minutes?
Every Santa Experience is a little different because every child is different!
Our sessions are scheduled in approximately 15-minute time slots. Some children are ready to chat with Santa the moment they arrive, while others may need a little time to warm up. We allow the experience to unfold naturally while still keeping our sessions running on schedule for all of our families.
Your session may include time to visit with Santa, share Christmas wishes, interact with the set and, of course, capture those magical photographs.
Our goal isn't to watch the clock — it's to create a relaxed, memorable Santa Experience within your scheduled session time.
Can we take group or extended family photos?
Your Santa Photography Session is reserved for your immediate family only. Grandparents are always welcome to join your family for photos with Santa.
If you would like photos with cousins, friends, multiple households or other extended family members, each family must book their own individual session.
This allows every family to enjoy their own Santa Experience without feeling rushed and ensures we can keep our sessions running on schedule.
If families would like photos together, we recommend booking consecutive sessions, and we will do our best to capture a group photo during that time.
Can we bring our dog?
Yes! Well-behaved dogs are welcome to join your Santa Experience with prior approval.
Dogs must be comfortable around people, children and the activity of a photography studio, and must remain under the control of their owner at all times.
Please let our team know in advance if you plan to bring your dog so we can make sure we're prepared for their visit.
Why is there a 3% credit card processing fee?
A 3% processing fee applies to payments made by credit card. This fee helps cover the transaction costs charged by our payment processor for accepting credit card payments.
The processing fee is separate from the price of your Santa Experience and is displayed during checkout before your purchase is completed.
What is the Advance Booking Rate?
We reward families who plan their Christmas magic early!
Our Santa Photography pricing is based on when you book, not the date of your photography session. Booking earlier gives you access to our best pricing and the greatest selection of available session times.
As the season approaches and availability becomes more limited, our rates increase.
Booking early means better pricing, better availability and one less thing to worry about when the busy Christmas season arrives.
Is there an in-season booking fee?
For holiday entertainment bookings, reserve by October 31 to secure our standard seasonal rates.
Bookings made from November 1 through December 24 are subject to an additional $100 in-season booking fee.
Our busiest weeks require significantly more last-minute coordination, scheduling and administration. The in-season booking fee reflects the additional work required to secure and coordinate professional entertainers once our peak operating season is underway.
Whenever possible, we recommend booking early for the best availability and pricing.
Rescheduling Your Appointment
We understand that plans can change! You may reschedule your Santa Photography Session up to 48 hours before your scheduled appointment, for any reason, including illness.
To reschedule, simply click CHANGE/CANCEL APPOINTMENT at the bottom of your confirmation email and select another available session date and time.
All rescheduling is subject to current availability. Appointments cannot be rescheduled within 48 hours of your scheduled session.
Refund Policy
Cancellations made more than 48 hours prior to your scheduled Santa Photography Session are eligible for a refund, less a $50 cancellation fee.
Cancellations made within 48 hours of your scheduled session, for any reason, are eligible for a 50% refund of the session fee.
No-shows are non-refundable.
All refunds will be returned to the original method of payment.
Late Arrival Policy
To ensure every family receives their full Santa Experience, our sessions are scheduled back-to-back and we kindly ask that you arrive on time and ready for your appointment.
If you arrive late, your session will still end at its originally scheduled time, and the amount of time you are late will be deducted from your session.
Unfortunately, we are unable to rearrange appointments or extend sessions when a family arrives late, as doing so would impact the families scheduled after you.
If an opportunity becomes available to adjust your session due to a gap in our schedule or another family arriving early, our team will automatically accommodate you whenever possible. There is no need to call or email if you are running late.
We appreciate your understanding and your help in keeping the Christmas magic running on time for every family!
Illness Policy
The health and safety of Santa, our team and all of the families visiting us is incredibly important.
If anyone attending your session is feeling unwell, please do not attend your scheduled appointment. Santa interacts with hundreds of families throughout the holiday season, and we greatly appreciate your help in keeping him healthy.
If you need to cancel due to illness within 48 hours of your appointment, our standard cancellation policy applies and you will receive a 50% refund of your session fee.
Due to the limited number of appointments available during the holiday season, we are unable to reschedule sessions cancelled within 48 hours due to illness. If you would still like to visit Santa once everyone is feeling better, you are welcome to book a new session through our website based on current availability.
We understand how disappointing it can be to miss your Santa Experience, especially when little ones are involved. This policy allows us to protect Santa and our team while also keeping our limited holiday appointments available to as many families as possible.
Please note: Ultimate Santa reserves the right to decline or end a session if a guest arrives visibly unwell. In this situation, our illness cancellation policy will apply.
Thank you for helping us keep Santa healthy and the Christmas magic going all season long!
Why can’t I click on a date to book?
If a date cannot be selected on our booking calendar, it means that date is sold out and no appointments are currently available.
Our Santa Photography Sessions have limited availability and popular dates can fill quickly, especially as we get closer to Christmas.
We recommend booking an available date as soon as possible to avoid missing out.
Do you have a waitlist or cancellation list?
We do not currently offer a waitlist or cancellation list for sold-out Santa Photography Sessions.
When a cancellation occurs, the appointment is automatically released back onto our online booking calendar and becomes available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellations do happen throughout the season, particularly due to illness, so we recommend checking our booking calendar regularly if you're hoping for a specific date.
Unfortunately, we are unable to hold cancelled appointments or contact families individually when a session becomes available.
I haven’t received my confirmation email. What should I do?
Your confirmation email is sent automatically after your booking is completed.
If you don't see it in your inbox, please check your junk or spam folder first.
Still can't find it? Please email hello@calgaryultimatesanta.com and our team will be happy to resend your confirmation.
We recommend locating your confirmation email before your session, as it contains important appointment information and the link you'll need if you need to make changes to your booking.
How do I book a Santa Photography Session?
Booking your Santa Experience is easy!
Select your preferred date from the available options and you'll be taken to our online booking calendar.
Choose an available session time, complete your booking information and submit your payment to secure your appointment.
Your session is not reserved until payment has been completed. Once your booking is confirmed, you'll receive a confirmation email with all the details you'll need for your visit.
Sessions are booked on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be held without payment.
What time should I arrive for my session?
Please plan to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled session. This gives you plenty of time to park, find Santa's location, get everyone settled and be ready when it's your turn to experience the magic.
Our Santa Photography Sessions are scheduled closely together, so your session will begin and end at its scheduled time.
If you arrive late, we will accommodate you whenever possible; however, the time you are late will be deducted from your session. If you miss your scheduled session entirely, we are unable to guarantee another appointment and no refund will be provided for missed sessions.
We recommend giving yourself a little extra time during the busy holiday season so you can arrive relaxed and ready to enjoy your Santa Experience!
What if my child cries or is nervous around Santa?
It happens, and that's completely okay! Meeting Santa can feel like a very big moment for little ones.
Our team will take a gentle, child-led approach and give your child an opportunity to become comfortable with Santa at their own pace. We may start with a little distance, use one of the toys or props on our set, or have your child sit beside Santa rather than directly with him.
Parents may also be asked to join the photo while holding or sitting with their child, so we recommend dressing photo-ready too!
Our priority is creating a positive Santa Experience. We will never force a child to sit with Santa or continue an interaction when they are clearly uncomfortable.
And sometimes those uncertain little faces, cautious waves and even a few Santa tears become some of the most treasured Christmas photos.
Do you do anything special for Baby’s First Christmas?
Absolutely! A baby's first Christmas is an extra-special milestone, and we love being part of it.
Babies celebrating their very first Christmas will receive a special keepsake gift from Santa during their Santa Photography Experience.
It's our little way of helping you remember their first Christmas with Santa for years to come.
What is included in my Santa Photography Session?
Your Santa Photography Session is designed to be much more than simply taking a photo with Santa. It's a personalized Christmas experience for your family.
Your session includes approximately 15 minutes with Santa, giving your children time to visit, share their Christmas wishes, laugh, interact and enjoy the magic while our professional photographer captures the experience.
Your session includes:
A private Santa Experience for your immediate family
Approximately 15 minutes with Santa
Professional photography throughout your experience
A variety of posed and candid images
Individual and sibling photos, as time allows
Family photos with Santa
Grandparents are welcome to join
A professionally edited online gallery
A special keepsake for babies celebrating their First Christmas
Because every child and family interacts with Santa differently, no two sessions are exactly the same. Our goal is to capture the experience, not just the pose.
Can I take my own photos or videos during our session?
Absolutely! It’s your Santa Experience, and you’re welcome to capture your own photos and videos on your phone throughout your session.
We simply ask that you allow our professional photographer the space they need to capture your images. Please avoid stepping in front of the photographer, blocking their view or stepping in front of or interfering with the studio lighting and equipment.
Behind-the-scenes videos, reactions and those little candid moments can be wonderful memories, so feel free to capture the magic — just be mindful of our photographer while they work.
What should we wear for our Santa Photography Session?
There is no required dress code. We want your family to look and feel like you!
Christmas dresses, cozy sweaters, matching pajamas, holiday colours or your favourite family outfits all photograph beautifully. We recommend choosing clothing that you're comfortable in and avoiding anything that may distract from your family in the photographs.
Parents, please come photo-ready too! Even if you're planning for the photos to be all about the kids, little ones sometimes feel more comfortable with Mom or Dad joining them for a few photos with Santa.
Most importantly, wear something that makes your family feel comfortable, confident and ready to enjoy the magic!
How many people can attend one Santa Photography Session?
Each Santa Photography Session is designed for one immediate family/household so we can give your family the time and attention needed to enjoy the full experience.
Grandparents are always welcome to join your session and be included in your family photos with Santa.
If you would like to include cousins, friends, multiple families or separate households, each family will need to book their own individual session. We recommend booking consecutive sessions if you would also like the opportunity to capture a group photo together.
This helps ensure every family receives their own special time with Santa without feeling rushed.
Will you take individual, sibling and family photos?
Absolutely! Every Santa Photography Session is designed to capture a variety of images for your family.
During your session, our photographer will capture:
Individual photos of each child with Santa
Sibling photos together
Family photos with Santa
Candid moments and interactions throughout your Santa Experience
Grandparents are also welcome to join in for family photos.
Every session unfolds a little differently, especially with younger children, but our photographer will work to capture a beautiful variety of images while allowing your family to enjoy the experience rather than simply rushing from pose to pose.
Are pets allowed during Santa Photography Sessions?
Yes! Well-behaved dogs are welcome to join your family for your Santa Photography Session with prior approval.
Dogs must be comfortable around children, other people, Santa and a photography studio environment. They must remain under the control of their owner at all times.
Please let our team know in advance if you plan to bring your dog so we can be prepared for their visit.
For the safety of Santa, our team and other guests, we reserve the right to decline participation if a dog is showing signs of aggression or is unable to be safely managed during the session.
Which Santa will be at my photography session?
Our 2026 Santa Photography Sessions currently feature Santa Dale, the heart behind Ultimate Santa and a beloved Santa for many of our returning families.
We may be adding select photography sessions with Santa Mike in mid-December on some of Santa Dale's days off.
If you're hoping to experience a session with Santa Mike, stay tuned and check our website regularly as any additional dates and sessions will be added to our booking calendar once confirmed.
All available sessions will clearly identify which Santa your family will be visiting.
What happens if Santa or our photographer becomes ill?
Even the North Pole team can get sick! If Santa or our photographer becomes unexpectedly ill, our first priority will be to keep your Santa Experience running as scheduled whenever possible.
As a professional holiday entertainment agency, we have access to experienced backup Santas and photographers and will make every reasonable effort to provide a qualified replacement.
If Santa Dale is unable to attend, we understand that some families may have specifically booked their session to see him. We will communicate any change with affected families as soon as possible and provide the options available.
In the rare event that Ultimate Santa must cancel your session and we are unable to provide a suitable replacement, you will have the option to move to another available session or receive a full refund.
While we can't always control when someone gets sick, we can promise that we'll do everything we reasonably can to keep the Christmas magic going.
Are your Santa Photography Sessions sensory-friendly and accessible?
Yes! All of our Santa Photography Sessions are sensory-friendly. We understand that every child experiences Santa differently, and our team is happy to adapt the experience to your child's individual needs.
We can take things slowly, reduce pressure, allow extra space and follow your child's cues. We will never force an interaction with Santa. If there is anything we can do to help your child feel more comfortable, please let us know before your session.
While our experiences are always sensory-friendly, not all of our photography locations are wheelchair accessible.Accessibility can vary depending on the venue being used for your session.
If wheelchair accessibility or another physical accommodation is required, please contact us before booking so we can confirm whether the location you are considering will meet your family's needs.
Our goal is for every child to have a positive and magical experience with Santa.
Do you offer Gift Certificates?
Yes! Give the gift of Christmas magic with an Ultimate Santa Photography Gift Certificate.
Gift certificates can be purchased online and used toward a Santa Photography Session, making them a wonderful gift for children, grandchildren and families who would rather receive an experience and memories than more things.
Gift certificates are redeemed through our online booking system and are subject to current session availability and pricing at the time of booking.
Please note: A gift certificate does not reserve a specific date or session time. We recommend booking early for the best selection of available appointments.
Are Santa Photography Session prices subject to GST?
Yes. All Santa Photography Session prices are subject to 5% GST, which will be added to your session price at checkout.
Any applicable fees will also be clearly displayed before you complete your booking.
There are no surprise charges — you'll be able to review your total before submitting payment.
Why does the price change depending on when I book?
Our Santa Photography Sessions use Advance Booking Pricing, which means your session price is based on when you book, not the date your photography session takes place.
Families who plan ahead receive our best rates and the greatest selection of available dates and times. As we get closer to the Christmas season and availability becomes more limited, session prices increase.
No matter when you book, you're receiving the same magical Santa Experience — booking early simply rewards you for planning ahead!
Book early for the best price and the best availability.
Can I transfer my Santa Photography Session to someone else?
Yes! If you're unable to attend your scheduled Santa Photography Session, you may transfer your appointment to another family rather than cancelling.
Please contact our team before the scheduled session with the name and contact information of the family who will be attending so we can update the booking.
The appointment will remain on the originally booked date and time and is subject to the same terms and conditions as the original booking.
Any payment arrangements between you and the family receiving your session are your responsibility. Ultimate Santa will not facilitate the resale or reimbursement of transferred sessions.
What happens if there is severe winter weather?
We live in Alberta, and winter weather is part of the Christmas season! Santa Photography Sessions will continue as scheduled during normal winter weather conditions, including snow and cold temperatures.
Please check the road conditions before leaving, allow yourself extra travel time and drive safely so you can arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled session.
Our regular late arrival and cancellation policies will still apply during winter weather.
In the extremely rare event that Ultimate Santa determines it is unsafe to operate and cancels photography sessions, affected families will be contacted directly with further information and available options.