Bringing Holiday Cheer, One Live Visit at a Time!

Live Visit FAQs: Your Guide to an Enchanting Encounter!

Step into a world of holiday magic right at your event! Our Santa Claus & Holiday Characters Live Visit service invites Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves, and more to your celebration, creating a festive atmosphere filled with joy and merriment. Curious about how it all works? Our FAQs are here to help! Dive into our comprehensive sections below to discover everything you need for a flawless and memorable live visit experience with the House of Kringle. From initial booking, event preparations, to making the most of your special day, we ensure a magical journey every step of the way!

Experience the Wonders of the North Pole, Right Where You Are!

Welcome to the House of Kringle’s Santa Claus & Holiday Characters Live Visit FAQs! In an era where personal experiences create lasting memories, we bring the enchantment of Santa Claus and his merry entourage directly to your celebration. Our live visits provide an immersive and personalized encounter with Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, elves, and other holiday characters, crafting unforgettable moments for all.

Embarking on this festive journey does require a bit of planning. Our extensive FAQ section is here to navigate you through every aspect of this wondrous experience. From booking details, event preparations, to the special moments during the visit, we’ve meticulously covered everything to ensure a smooth and joyous experience for you and your guests.

Browse through our FAQ sections to find answers to common queries, prepare for your event, and maximize the magic of this unique experience. Our live visit service is not just an event—it’s a portal to a world of holiday cheer, enchantment, and the heartwarming spirit of the season!

Let the holiday magic unfold, and the merry adventure begin!

Booking and Pricing

Learn about booking our enchanting characters, including detailed pricing, flexible payment options, and straightforward cancellation policies for your ease and convenience.

Event Details

Discover the types of events we enhance with our presence, necessary preparations, and timings to ensure a magical and smoothly run experience tailored to your needs.

During the Visit

Explore the range of engaging activities and heartfelt interactions offered during our visit, accommodating special requests and prioritizing the comfort of all guests.

Safety & Logistics

Understand the thorough safety measures, professional background of our performers, and logistical details that contribute to a secure and well-organized event.

Character Authenticity Discover the authenticity of our characters, emphasized through their training, exquisite costumes, and a commitment to culturally sensitive and engaging portrayals.

Booking and Pricing

How do I request a visit?
- To request a visit, please contact us through our website, email, or phone. For faster processing, we recommend submitting a Visit Request form and providing all the requested information.
- We advise booking well in advance, especially during the holiday season.
What are the costs involved?
- Our pricing varies based on the type of event, duration, and specific requirements. For a detailed quote, please contact us directly.
Do prices vary based on the date or time of the event?
- Yes. Off-season pricing applies from January 1 through the weekend before Thanksgiving. Peak-season rates begin on Monday, November 24 and continue through the 12th Day of Christmas (January 6).
- Higher rates also apply to weekends, evenings, and holidays such as Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Are there any discounts available for non-profit organizations or educational institutions?
- Yes. We offer special pricing for non-profits and schools. Please contact us to discuss your event and eligibility.
Do you offer packages with multiple characters, and how does that affect pricing?
- Yes! We offer packages featuring Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and Elves.
- A $50 discount is applied for each additional character added to a booking, making multi-character visits more affordable and even more magical.
Is a deposit required and is it refundable?
- Yes. A 50% non-refundable retainer is required to secure your requested date and time.
- Your visit is not considered booked until the retainer is received.
- The remaining balance is due at least one business day before the scheduled appearance, unless other arrangements are made at the time of booking. No exceptions.
Are travel expenses included in the price?
- Travel expenses are included for locations within 30 miles of Long Beach, CA.
- Additional fees may apply for extended distances or high-traffic zones.
Is there an additional fee for special requests or custom activities?
- Yes. Requests such as gift distribution, script participation, elf-led games, or custom storytelling may require additional planning and incur extra charges. Let us know your ideas—we’ll do our best to accommodate!
What forms of payment do you accept?
- We accept most major credit cards and electronic bank transfers.
- If booking through GigSalad, payment is processed through their platform.
What is the policy and fee for rescheduling an event?
- Changes to your event’s date, start time, or location are subject to a $75 rescheduling fee, and availability is not guaranteed. Please provide as much notice as possible.
What if we need to change the day, time, or location and you are unable to accommodate?
- If we are unable to accommodate the changes and the original event cannot proceed, the event will be considered canceled.
- The retainer remains non-refundable, and if the change is made within 7 days of the event, the full balance will be due.
What is the cancellation policy?
- If your event is canceled for any reason:
  - The retainer is non-refundable
  - If canceled within 7 days of the scheduled date, the full balance is due.
Why is the cancellation policy so strict for holiday performers?
- Unlike other entertainers who can be booked year-round, Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and other holiday characters are in high demand for a very short window each year.
- If a client cancels close to the event date, it’s often impossible to rebook that time, and after the holiday season, there are no opportunities to resell that date — even at a discount.
- Because of this, we require a 50% non-refundable retainer to secure your date, and cancellations made within seven (7) days of the event require full payment. This policy ensures we can maintain fairness to all clients and stability for our seasonal performers.

Event Details

What types of events can Santa and other characters attend?
- Our characters are perfect for a wide range of events, including private parties, corporate events, community celebrations, and school functions.
How far in advance do I need to book the visit?
- We recommend booking at least two months in advance. For peak holiday times, even earlier booking is advised.
How far in advance can I book a visit?
- For large events with extended hours and multiple events, we book starting in January of the same year. For home visits and company Christmas parties, our booking calendar opens in late July.
Can the characters perform outdoors or in unique venues?
- Yes, our characters can perform in various settings, including outdoors. We adapt to fit the venue’s specific needs.
What happens in the event of bad weather?
- In case of bad weather, it is the client’s responsibility to provide a suitable alternative venue. The alternate venue should be within a five-minute drive from the original location, considering typical traffic conditions. Our performers are unable to perform in inclement weather conditions.
- For extreme weather conditions, such as temperatures at or above 89 degrees F, the performance must be relocated to a climate-controlled space away from the heat.
How long does a visit last?
- A standard visit lasts about 30 minutes to an hour, but we can adjust the duration based on your event’s needs.
Is there a minimum booking time for each character?
- Yes. Each character type has its own minimum booking duration based on the nature of the visit and logistics involved.
- Santa Claus: 30-minute minimum (booked in 30-minute increments).
- Mrs. Claus & Elves: Typically booked for a minimum of 1 hour for standalone appearances.
- Multi-character appearances may have different minimums. Please inquire for specifics based on your event type.
What kind of space or setup is required for the visit?
- A small staging area or a comfortable seat for Santa is ideal. If additional activities are planned, space requirements may vary.
Are there any age restrictions for attendees?
- Our events are suitable for all ages, but we tailor the experience to best suit the age group present.
Can the experience be customized?
- Absolutely! We’re happy to work with you to customize the visit to fit the theme and style of your event.

During the Visit

What activities are included in a visit?
- Activities often include storytelling, singing holiday songs, photo opportunities, and joyful interactions with guests. Additional activities can be arranged upon request.
How do the characters interact with guests?
- Our characters engage guests through warm conversation, storytelling, singing, and playful interactions—ensuring each person feels included and immersed in the holiday magic.
Can guests make special requests during the visit?
- Yes! We welcome special requests. Please let us know ahead of time so we can plan accordingly and provide the best experience possible.
What if a child is afraid or hesitant to interact with the characters?
- We understand that some children may be shy or unsure. Our characters are trained to read social cues and will gently adjust their approach to ensure every child feels safe and respected.
Are the characters able to accommodate guests with special needs?
- Absolutely. We strive to make every event inclusive and memorable. Please share any specific needs with us ahead of time so we can tailor the experience accordingly.
What safety measures do the characters follow during the visit?
- All of our performers follow professional standards and safety protocols. This includes regular health checks and maintaining appropriate, respectful interactions with guests of all ages.
Is photography allowed during the visit?
- Of course! We encourage you to take photos and capture the joy of the season. These visits are meant to create lasting memories.
Can Santa, Mrs. Claus, or the elves bring gifts?
- Yes, they can distribute gifts that you provide. Please coordinate this with us before the event so we can ensure smooth delivery and magical presentation.

Safety & Logistics

Do you follow event-specific safety protocols?
- Please inform us of any safety protocols required by your venue or organization. We are happy to comply with reasonable guidelines to ensure a smooth and respectful experience for all involved.
- Your comfort, confidence, and safety are our top priorities. We strive to make every appearance feel magical, professional, and secure—for children, families, guests, and hosts alike.
What qualifications or background checks do the performers undergo?
- All performers undergo comprehensive background checks and are trained to uphold the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and child-friendly performance etiquette.
Do you have liability insurance for your services?
- Yes. We are fully insured, providing peace of mind for venues, organizations, and private clients alike.
- Our insurance policies typically renew on October 1st and are valid through September 30th of the following year. If your event occurs during a renewal window, there may be a brief delay in issuing required documentation.
What are the transportation arrangements for the characters?
- Our performers arrange their own transportation. If there are access limitations, gate codes, or specific parking instructions, please let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly.
How is the privacy and data of clients handled?
- Your privacy is important to us. All personal data is securely stored and used solely to coordinate and deliver your event. We never sell or share your information.
What happens in the event of bad weather?
- For outdoor events, we ask that you prepare an indoor backup location. Our performers are unable to appear in inclement weather or extreme temperatures (e.g., 89°F or higher) unless proper accommodations are made.
What geographical areas do you serve?
- We serve Los Angeles and Orange Counties and are happy to travel beyond our local area. Additional travel fees may apply for extended distances.
What is the policy on pets during the visit?
- We are pet-friendly and enjoy including furry companions in the magic. Please let us know in advance if pets will be present so we can ensure everyone’s safety and comfort.
- If you would like Santa or other characters to hold or interact closely with a pet, this must be approved in advance. Costumes that come into contact with pets require special cleaning before being used again, and we want to ensure a safe, seamless experience for all clients.
Can performers arrive in costume?
- Yes. Our performers typically arrive in full costume, ready to begin. If you’d prefer they arrive incognito and change on-site, just let us know ahead of time so we can make arrangements.
What if my venue requires a Certificate of Insurance (COI)?
- We’re happy to provide a COI upon request. Please allow at least one week to process the documentation, especially during peak season. If your venue has specific requirements, such as being named as an additional insured, let us know early in the process.

Character Authenticity

How do you ensure the authenticity of the characters?
- Our performers are professional entertainers — many with backgrounds in stage, television, film, and theme parks. They bring years of experience, charisma, and professionalism to every event, ensuring your guests enjoy a truly magical experience.
- Each character is brought to life with a high-quality costume, carefully maintained props, and performance standards that reflect the spirit and tradition of the holiday season.
How are the characters trained to stay in character?
- All performers receive ongoing training to maintain consistency, improvise appropriately, and fully embody the traits, mannerisms, and personality of their characters throughout each appearance.
What kind of costumes and props do the characters use?
- We use professionally designed, performance-grade costumes and accessories. Items are cleaned, maintained, and updated regularly to ensure both authenticity and safety.
Can you accommodate specific cultural or regional variations of the characters?
- Yes. We are committed to cultural inclusivity and can adapt appearances to reflect regional customs, storytelling traditions, or themed experiences upon request.
How do you update the characters’ portrayal to stay relevant and engaging?
- We continuously assess audience feedback and holiday trends to refine our characters and interactions — ensuring they remain both timeless and engaging for modern audiences.
Is your Santa Claus a real-bearded Santa?
- Yes. There is only one Santa Claus at the House of Kringle, and he is a real-bearded, professionally trained Santa performer.
- We do not book multiple Santas or substitute performers — when you book Santa through the House of Kringle, you’re getting the real deal.

Ready to Experience the Magic in Person?

Welcome the holiday spirit into your event with a live visit from Santa Claus and his festive companions! Step into a delightful world of joy, enchantment, and heartwarming cheer. Click the button below to schedule your unforgettable encounter. Your magical, memorable visit with Santa and friends is just a moment away!