Santa Ted

02/06/2024

02/06/2024

You will definitely be on the Naughty List if you don't book Santa in time.

He's a very busy man and the Elves are finalising his tour of Events, Light Switch Ons, Grottos and Home Visits.

Don't leave it too late to book.

17/05/2024

CHRISTMAS

I have just answered a query on another page and thought it worth sharing here too.

They were asking advice about how to improve the Grotto they had last year, whether it was too early to start booking and generally requesting advice.

Similar applies re HALLOWEEN, some Bank Holiday weekends and end of Summer Term events.

I am based in the NE but travel all over the UK. I'm usually booked at least a year in advance; either solo or with my Mrs Santa or Elves.
The supporting cast are very important and can make or break the experience. A large part of their role is ensuring lines move smoothly and without being noticed relaying info to & from Santa. A good efficient team are priceless.

Booking now is leaving things late. Most bookings are made at least a year ahead or at the latest during January & February; particularly if you want high demand dates. With a mix of Home Visits, Parties and Commercial events I only have a few dates and times remaining.

There are a lot of people who will don a red suit and fake beard but if you want to build a good reputation you really must invest in a proper professional Santa. We are not cheap to hire but the experience that kids and adults leave with is worth every penny as the reviews and increased demand will prove.

Each year there are growing numbers of social media posts about disappointing experiences. Many will raise lack-lustre decorations but most are about poor Santas, cheap costumes and inappropriate comments or behaviour as well as long queues.

There are only so many years when youngsters are fully into the Magic of Christmas and as with weddings, those memories are worth investing in as they will be lifelong.
Can you settle for a karaoke or want a professional.

Spend on the parts that will get kept & shared. Start with the main man and work outwards. £20+ an hour may get you a bloke in a fake beard who's willing to just sit there. An appearance by a professional will be significantly more, especially if you also want them to work a Grotto too. They need time to keep refreshed & hydrated too. It can be very hot and exhausting.

Consider the option of professional photographers rather than parents, grandparents etc with their mobiles. It will ensure quality pictures, slicker operation and allow everyone to be in the pictures.

You will find that most Entertainment Agencies will offer their services but be aware that they will also be searching for the perfect Santas and his team. They may have popular regulars but they will probably already have been assigned to favoured or early bookers.

Most of my work comes by way of personal referrals or people asking clients at previous events I've performed at. You would not believe the amount of attempted Santa poaching that goes on!!!

Depending upon how many guests you expect consider timed ticketing or even dual Grottos (one entrance & exit) and additional activities and distractions whilst families wait for the main event.

One place I work offers a full show and food alongside the Grotto. I also have a few unique add-ons that help make the experience extra special and keep waits more manageable. Also think about offering visits tailored to special needs - quieter, no queues, sign language, easy access etc.

Christmas is for children but don't forget it is the adults who are paying so ensure they get more than the smiles & laughter from their kids. We love to give the parents an unexpected surprise - usually courtesy of Mrs Claus or the Elves but a little gift that they were not expecting goes a very long way towards making a visit memorable and a talking point.

13/05/2024

I took a stroll through West Park over the weekend and two little girls identified me immediately; "Look, it's Santa!"

Smile, knowing wink and finger to lips as walked on. ;)

25/12/2023

Until Next Year.
I hope you loved everything you received this Christmas but above all enjoyed the memories made with friends & family.

It was a joy to visit and see so many of you before the Big Day.

Bookings are already coming in to do the same next year but for now Mrs C. and I are going to sit back, relax and let a delicious meal settle while the Elfs are at play. Maybe something a little stronger this evening - for medicinal reasons of course.

HO HO HO

24/12/2023

Last home of the year!
That's all from me, 2023!
Got to fly!

24/12/2023

Santa Ted took this photo a few years ago when he was flying over Hartlepool!
Ho Ho Hope it snows! 🎅 ❄

23/12/2023

Mrs Claus here! 🤶
Well what lovely children there are in
Think I will sleep we tonight!
Please share videos, photos of your memorable time with Santa Ted on here!

22/12/2023

Abi Anderson
You performed brilliantly! So clever. Above and beyond what other santas do and we will be booking you always in future.

22/12/2023

Leanne Hinchcliffe
I would just like to say this gentleman was absolutely heart warning and amazing he’s the best Santa I’ve seen and heard by far he interacted with my children amazing they certainly thought he was the real deal and their eyes lit up.. what a lovely fella thank you so much for making my kiddies day xx

22/12/2023

Santa TED
Teesside & Co Durham

Premiere deluxe Santa Ted
5 Star Reviews

Magical Father Christmas
Real Beard
Professional
Equity Member
Public Liability Insurance
Risk Assessed
DBS

HOME VISITS
Grottos
Full Christmas Experience
Stories
Music
Fun & Games
Gifts

22/12/2023

Santa TEESSIDE & Co DURHAM

Personalised HOME VISITS

No long queues
Times to suit
Santa Ted or accompanied by Mrs Claus and his Elves

Gifts, Music, Games
Loads of Fun & Laughter

22/12/2023

HOME VISITS throughout
TEESSIDE and Co DURHAM
as well as Grottos

Guaranteed Christmas Magic

22/12/2023

Santa made a very special visit to this young lady tonight to invite her to visit him in Lapland tomorrow...
Surprised and Excited doesn't even begin to say how happy she was; even before discovering Father Christmas had some extra gifts.

22/12/2023

Welcome to our brand new page! It is for all those who love Christmas who live in Teesside and East Durham! aka Santa Ted!
Please 'like' and SHARE the love!