Questions from Curious Families

Q: Does Santa have a real beard?
A: Absolutely — and it’s as soft and snowy as you’d imagine. No costume beards here! Our Santa is the real deal, complete with twinkle-in-his-eye energy and a laugh that fills the room.

​

Q: Will you deliver our letters to Canada Post?
A: Yes! Every letter dropped into Santa’s Mailbox is personally collected by his elves and delivered to the official North Pole postal route — through Canada Post’s Letters to Santa program. (You may even get a reply!)

​

Q: Can parents be in the photos too?
A: Of course! Family photos are encouraged — after all, the magic is for everyone. You can join your little ones for a few heartwarming shots, or let them shine solo with Santa.

​

Q: What if my child is scared or shy?
A: No worries at all — Santa’s been doing this for centuries! He and the elves are pros at creating a calm, welcoming atmosphere. Many shy kiddos end up chatting, smiling, or even laughing by the end of their visit.

​

Q: Will my family be the only ones visiting Santa during our time slot?
A: Yes! Every booking is private — no lineups, no rush, no crowds. Just your family, Santa, and the magic of Christmas.

​

Q: Is parking available?
A: Yes! Complimentary parking is available on-site for all guests. (The reindeer stalls are reserved, though 🦌😉.)

​

Q: How long until we get our photos?
A: Edited digital photos will arrive in your inbox within 5–7 days after your visit. Keep an eye on your email — and don’t forget to check your spam/junk folder, just in case an overzealous elf hides them there! If you've ordered the premium package which also comes with a digital Christmas Card, you'll also see that file within 5-7 days after your visit. 

​

Q: When will we find out our official time slot?
A: Once your booking form has been reviewed and approved by our elves, you’ll receive an official confirmation email and text message with your exact time slot. We typically send these out within 1 week of your booking. If after 1 week, you have not received your timeslot, please send us an email at elfoffice@interactwithsanta.ca

Please check your junk or spam folders (sometimes the elves hide there by accident!) and mark us as “Not Junk” so you don’t miss your confirmation.

​

Q: What should we bring with us?
A: Just your Christmas spirit! 🎄 We’ll have everything ready for you — including hot chocolate, cookies, and all supplies for activities. If your child has written a letter to Santa, bring it along to drop in our special North Pole Mailbox. 

​

Q: Can we bring our letters for Santa? 

A: Absolutely! Santa brings his official North Pole Mailbox with him to every session, and your children are invited to drop their letters directly inside before he heads back to the sleigh each night.

Important: To guarantee a reply from Santa through the Canada Post Letters to Santa program, your family’s letter must be placed in the mailbox no later than December 8, 2025 and include a complete mailing address. (The elves can’t write out addresses for you — they’re far too busy wrapping presents!)

Letters dropped during the first two weekends of the Interactive Santa Experience will be mailed in time for a return reply. Letters dropped after that date will still travel to the North Pole, but may not receive a written response before Christmas. **Parents, that will be your job to take care of!**

📝 Tip: Have your letter sealed and ready before your visit to keep things running smoothly — that way, your child can focus on the magic of handing it straight to Santa himself!

​

Q: Can we bring our Elf on the Shelf to meet Santa? 

A: Yes — and Santa loves seeing his Elves out in the world! Families are encouraged to bring their Elf along for the visit.

To keep your Elf safe and full of magic, Santa requests that they travel in a sealed container — a mason jar, ornament globe, or clear case works perfectly. Remember: unless Santa grants special permission, Elves cannot be touched!

​

🎅 Premium Package Bonus:
Families who’ve booked the VIP Experience will take part in Santa’s Official Elf Handling Ceremony — the one and only time of year where Santa temporarily lifts the “no touch” rule. Your child will get to hold and hug their Elf for the very first time, under Santa’s supervision, and will receive a Magic Handling Certificate as proof of their Elf’s restored Christmas magic.

​

It’s a moment families talk about all year long — and one your Elf will never forget!

​

Q: How early should we arrive?
A: Please plan to arrive 5–10 minutes before your scheduled time slot. This gives your family a moment to settle in, enjoy a cup of cocoa in the lobby, and take in the cozy scents of balsam and cedar before your experience begins.

​

Q: What should my child wear?
A: Dress in your festive best — cozy knits, Christmas pajamas, or classic holiday outfits all look beautiful in photos! Just keep in mind that Santa’s workshop is warm and welcoming, so no need to bundle up too much.

​

Q: Are pets allowed?
A: As much as Santa loves animals, we ask that furry friends stay home for this event (Rudolph’s nose gets jealous easily 😉).

​

Q: Can we take our own photos too?
A: You’re welcome to snap a few behind-the-scenes shots during your visit! However, our photographer will be capturing all the magical moments, so you can relax and enjoy the experience without worrying about missing anything.

​

Q: What if we’re running late?
A: Santa runs on a very tight schedule (there’s a lot of toy-making to do!), so please arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled timeslot. Remember: families have pre-scheduled their sessions so we cannot go into another family's time. Please plan accordingly. We cannot stress this enough.  We’ll do our best to fit you in — but we always have to stick to your designated timeslot. You may only be with Santa for 5 minutes if your arrival is not accurate.

​​

Q: What do we do when we arrive? 

A: The magic begins the moment you step through the entrance door! One of Santa's cheerful elves will be waiting to greet your family upon arrival. They'll guide you on where to hang your coats, where to wait, and what to expect next.

​

Enjoy the cozy scents of balsam and peppermint while you wait, and when it's your turn, your elf will personally escort your family into the studio for your private visit with Santa.

​

No lines, no confusion - just a smooth, magical start to your North Pole adventure!