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The short answer: book earlier than you think you need to. Live Santa calls run from November 28 to December 24, 2026, and times are limited. Here is how to think about timing so you land the slot your family actually wants.
What the live call schedule looks like
A live Santa video call is 10 minutes, one-on-one, on Google Meet. Calls are offered in the Pacific time zone during a limited set of times: evenings on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and weekend mornings. That means the choices are shaped around when children are usually home and awake.
The price is $39, paid in full at booking. You can see the details on the pricing page.
Because the windows are limited, popular times can fill. We will not guess which days those are, but a good rule is that the closer a date is to Christmas, the more families want it.
Step one: pick your season
Think about the whole stretch from late November to Christmas Eve. Each part has its own feel.
Late November to early December
Good for: families who want the call to kick off the season, children who love a long countdown, and anyone with a busy December.
Upside: calendars are looser, and Santa's list of wishes is still fresh. Your child has weeks left to think about what they said.
Watch for: a child may change their wish list by Christmas. That is normal and part of the fun.
Mid-December
Good for: families with a school break not yet started, or who want the call close enough to Christmas to feel like a real moment in the countdown.
Upside: excitement is building, and a call here can be a highlight of the week.
Watch for: it is also the busiest stretch for school plays, travel and parties. Check your schedule before choosing.
The days right before Christmas
Good for: families who love a "just in time" feeling or who are around home during the break.
Upside: the anticipation is at its peak.
Watch for: fewer choices, travel plans and overtired children. If you are traveling, check time zones, since the call times are in Pacific time.
Step two: pick the day
Match the day to your child's rhythm, not just your calendar.
- 1
Weekend morning
Great for toddlers and preschoolers who tend to be bright early. See best time of day for a Santa call.
- 2
Tuesday or Thursday evening
Works for school-age children who are busy on weekends or whose parents work during the day. Choose a night without a late practice or homework crunch.
- 3
Avoid back-to-back events
Do not stack the call between a party and a long drive.
Try asking yourself: "When is my child happiest and most talkative?" Book for that.
Step three: think about who is on the call
Only one child's name, age, wish list and fun facts go on the booking form. Siblings are welcome to join, and you can add their names, ages and a wish or two in the fun facts box. The call is still 10 minutes total, so with more children, each gets a smaller slice.
If your children are very different ages, check out keeping the magic for younger siblings.
Family can sit with the child at home. If it is a first call or your child is on the shy side, having a parent close is a good idea. See what Santa says to shy kids.
A simple timeline
Now
decide whether a live call suits your family, and compare it with the personalized video message.
A few weeks ahead
look at your calendar for school events, travel and bedtimes, then pick two or three possible days.
When you book
choose the best slot, fill in the details and watch for your email.
After booking
the Google Meet link is emailed immediately, and a reminder follows before the call. Add the time to your calendar right away.
A week before
run through the Santa call checklist.
What if you miss a slot?
If the time you wanted is gone, you have good options.
Look at a different day type
A weekend morning might be open when a Thursday evening is not.
Consider a Santa video message
It is about 30 seconds, $19, paid at order. Orders are open now, delivery starts December 10 and is within 3 days after that, and the last order date is December 21. You get a private link to watch and download. Our post on a last-minute Christmas surprise covers it.
Do both
Some families order a message for a morning surprise and book a live call for another day.
If your plans change
Life happens, especially in December. If you need to adjust your booking, call 855-916-9921.
A quick decision guide
You like to plan
pick a date in early to mid season and book now.
Your child gets overtired
go with a morning, and avoid the last-minute rush.
Your calendar is packed
choose the evening that is least busy and put it in your phone immediately.
You want a Christmas Eve feel
read about a Christmas Eve call from Santa.
Frequently asked questions
When can the live calls take place?
Live Santa video calls run from November 28 to December 24, 2026, at limited times, mainly evenings on Tuesdays and Thursdays and weekend mornings, Pacific time.
How long does the call last?
Each call is 10 minutes and one-on-one with Santa.
When do I pay?
The live call is $39, paid in full at booking.
When do I get the link?
The Google Meet link is emailed right after booking, with a reminder before the call. You do not need an account to click it.