Every year after sessions, I sit down and think about what went well with the experience and how it could be even better. I rely on my client’s feedback to improve our experience and provide the most precious lifelong memories.
While this post covers a lot, it may miss answering some of your questions. Check out our FAQ page to fully answer your questions.
Santa Session Options for the 2026 Upstate Santa Experience
This year we are offering three different sessions!
Santa’s Kitchen Mini Sessions
Santa’s Kitchen 15 minute Mini Sessions take place in a cozy Christmas kitchen where children can bake with Santa, help with simple tasks, peek at the Nice List, and ease into the experience through play.
These sessions are a great fit for:
- younger children
- first-time Santa visits
- children who feel more comfortable when their hands are busy
Even though these are shorter sessions, they are intentionally paced. Children aren’t rushed through moments just to stay on a clock — the interaction is allowed to unfold naturally.
Santa’s Library Mini Sessions
The Library is quieter, calmer, and more storybook in feeling. These sessions focus on story telling, conversation, and gentle interaction with Santa.
Library Minis often work especially well for:
- children who love books and storytelling
- children who prefer a calmer, quieter introduction to Santa
- children who enjoy conversation, reading, and imaginative play
The Full Upstate Santa Experience (Private Santa Session)
The Full Upstate Santa Experience is a 30-minute, private Santa visit designed for families who want time, space, and deeper storytelling.
During a full session, families move through both Santa’s Kitchen and Santa’s Library. Children have time to warm up, explore, ask questions, and settle into the moment without feeling hurried or watched. Children also have time to create a recipe in Santa’s Kitchen (true recipe creation is done in the experience but not in the mini session).
These sessions are great for families who:
- want longer interaction with Santa
- value unposed, natural moments
- want the experience to feel like a story unfolding
It’s not about doing more — it’s about allowing real moments to happen.
2026 Santa Session Booking Dates & Early Access
- November 14 – Kitchen Minis
- November 21 – Library Minis
- December 11 – Full Experience
Keepsakes & Custom Christmas Memories
The heart of the experience will always be the time your child spends with Santa. For 2026, the keepsake options are designed to help that story live on after the session ends.
Depending on the session type, families may have the option to add:
- Santa’s Cookbook from the Kitchen sessions
- personalized, story-driven prints
- handwritten notes from Santa
- custom Christmas keepsakes
Nothing is required. Everything is optional. These pieces are meant to add to your child’s story with Santa whether you choose a mini session or the full experience.
What Makes the Upstate Santa Experience Different
Some things are non-negotiable — and they won’t ever change.
- Children are never rushed
- Shy, cautious, or quiet children are always welcome
- Santa follows the child’s lead, not the other way around
- Parents are never asked to force smiles or reactions
- Real moments matter more than perfect ones
The goal has never been to get a photo of a child with Santa.
The goal is to create a moment they believe in.
What to Expect Next for the 2026 Santa Experience
Over the coming months, I’ll be sharing more detailed posts about:
- how to prepare your child for meeting Santa
- what to wear for Santa photos
- what actually happens during a session
- how families use their Santa photos year after year
If you’d like early access when booking opens, the waitlist is the best place to start.
Interested in The Upstate Santa Experience?
Joining the email ensures you’re the first to know when dates are released as well as any special upcoming announcements and fun extras.
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