What to Expect

“This truly is the best Santa experience around. We were greeted by Santa’s elves Mike and Joannie (dressed in character) and both were so amazing with our kids. We then visited with Santa for an hour!

My husband and I sat there and watched the magic of being a child. Santa showed our children a globe and told stories about where he lives and traveling the world to deliver presents. We saw his magic Santa gift bag, had cookies and milk, read a story, and the kids even got to take home a small gift after finding their names on the nice list.

The kids have been asking if they can visit or call their friend Santa. It’s sure to be a treasure for our family.” – Michele V.

Joy

Laughter

Stress Free

Private session

No waiting in line

Interactive Experience

Unforgettable Memories

Amazing images with "Santa Magic"!

Stunning Christmas Storybooks

including…

Santa’s Magic Toy Bag

The Nice List!

Santa’s Magic Globe

A tug-of-war with Rudoph's Magic Sleigh Bells!

Santa's Magic Key

Milk and Cookies with Santa Claus

Santa's Magic Flying Sled!

Santa's Magic Book!

A Magic Snowball Fight!

Santa's Famous "Magic" Red Coat

Gift bag from Santa

Snack bar with cookies and goodies

and so much more!

Experience the Magic

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the magic and wonder of Christmas as seen through the eyes of your child.

Years ago, when we started The Best Santa Experience, it was is our goal to create a place where the Magic of Christmas really exists, where visiting with the real Santa Claus is possible, and we have done just that!

Many a happy tear has been shed as parents and grandparents look on with nostalgia while watching their kids and grandkids interact with Santa Claus. The excitement begins as your children enter our beautiful Christmas scene. Then, they present their very own personalized letters to Santa Claus himself!

Perhaps the most unique part of our experience can be credited to the fact that Santa talks with the children on a personal level, often chatting with them about their recent lost tooth, their dance recital, or a big win at T-Ball.

Travel from near and far

The Santa Claus Experience has become a family tradition for families all over Minnesota, western Wisconsin, the Dakotas, and Iowa.

Each year we have more and more demand, so don’t hesitate to schedule yours far in advance. Families travel from all over the Twin Cities area and beyond to experience The Magic of Santa Claus.

We’ve had families from Hudson, WI, Mankato, MN, Edina, MN, Shorewood, MN, Chaska, MN, Maple Grove, MN, Shakopee, MN, Fargo, ND, and beyond!

A little girl gets to peek in Santa's magic kaleidoscope at The Best Santa Experience in Mounds View, MN.

“We had such a wonderful time at this studio!! From the moment you walk in, you are welcomed by Santa’s elves. A beautiful, clean environment, with snacks, while you are waiting, then 45 minutes to spend with Santa!

This Santa was amazing!! His laugh was remarkable! We have a son with special needs and they were all very patient and accommodating with him. Santa was so great, he even sang my son’s favorite songs and played peek-a-boo with him! From start to finish, this was truly the best Santa experience we have ever had!! Thank you so much!!” – Imogene K.

A sweet five-year-old girl peeks into Santa's magic toy bag at The Best Santa Experience.

More than pictures, it’s an experience

Your child will receive his or her own private appointment with Santa, giving them a real chance to visit with the man in red. They will be in awe of Santa’s Magic Globe and excited to discover what’s in Santa’s Magic Toy Bag. Don’t forget to leave a Christmas list with the Jolly Old Soul, we bet that he’ll give you something in return!

Our entire experience is interactive and although we may subtly make changes in position or angle, most children leave with barely a recollection of ever having their picture taken. This is the beauty of this enchanting session.

It is all about the interaction, and like a fly on the wall, we capture it with stunning imagery that will forever fill your heart and your home with memories from such a small window of time where belief in the Magic of Christmas fills the heart of a child.

What’s included

At your private session, your children will get to experience the magic of Santa and then you will have an adult-only viewing session in the days afterward, where you will place your memorable keepsake order.

Included in your experience price is a private session with Santa Claus, a present bag from Santa Claus, and our snack bar complete with cookies, candy, juice boxes, and more!

Santa Wall Art, our beautiful custom-written Heirloom Christmas Storybooks, gift prints, and other products are not included in your experience price but may be purchased at your image viewing session. Please click on the Santa Prices link at the top of the page to view our complete product and price guide.

All of your ordered art pieces will have full artistry and added “Santa Magic” where appropriate, to make each picture come alive and transform into a true work of art.

Our most popular item is our treasured Christmas Storybooks complete with a custom-written story (that rhymes) for each image that you select. There’s also Santa Wall Art, Christmas Cards, gift prints, ornaments, and much, much more!

On top of all that, a portion of your purchase will be donated to Cystic Fibrosis by “Elves” Michael and Joannie! It’s a win-win!

Santa Will Return On November 4th, 5th, 11th & 12th, in 2023. Click Here To Schedule Your Visit Today!

Bring the whole family

No matter where you’re traveling from, be it Stacy, MN, Coon Rapids, MN or right down the road Blaine, MN, all of this is what awaits you at The Best Santa Experience. The Best Santa Experience Price is just $250 per family.

Be aware that Santa will always bring your whole group in for a photograph with Santa. So please consider wearing something that goes well with what your kids are wearing. After all, that photo will probably end up being your Christmas Card!

What about extended families? Our experience price is for one family only. However, we would be happy to schedule extended families back to back and capture a combined group photograph together at no extra charge.

Something Extra Special

Do you have an announcement you’d like to share with your family and friends that you’d like to incorporate into your session with Santa?

Perhaps you’d like to use your child’s Santa session to reveal that you’re expecting! Or maybe even a magical proposal to take place during a session! Just let us know in advance and we’ll work with you to create something very special!

Do you have a treasured family heirloom that you’d like to have your child pictured with during his/her session? Give us a call to talk about it. We’ll try and include it in your session with Santa Claus.

A whole family shares milk and cookies with Santa Claus at The Best Santa Experience in Mounds View, MN.

More than just pictures, this is Art

We are portrait photographers, yes, but more than that we are classically trained artists. It is our mission to provide you with more than just pictures with Santa. We want to give you an art piece that will serve as a family heirloom.

Many photographers can provide pictures to their clients, but far fewer can provide artwork that will stand the test of time. Your Santa pictures will be transformed into works of art. These images will be something that you’ll want to display year-round!

Your family and friends will be shocked to find that the Norman Rockwell Santa Photograph on the front of your Christmas card is actually of your children!

Yes, your Santa imagery will be that amazing!

Don't miss out! Click Here To Schedule Today!