Countdown to Christmas!
Here is some useful information on how Santa operates and form the Terms and Conditions of a Santa booking!
How Do I book?
You book by calling / texting 07803 710700 or emailing santa.sy@fastmail.co.uk or message via Facebook with details of your requirements etc, then I’ll get back to you with some questions and if required some form filling for party/event/family details etc so it all goes right on the day!
How do the Home visits work?
Well, all events can be individually customised but basically could follow this sort of path:-
Unlike a shopping centre grotto visit to Father Christmas, your visit will be far more personal and magical, with the flexibility to meet Santa when it fits in with your schedule. Father Christmas will appear at your front door (or small party venue), possibly to the sound of his sleigh bells and bring the traditional warmth and spirit of Christmas into your home/venue.
Everyone will gather round and Santa (with a little previous help from you) will know the children’s names, what they’ve been up to at school and what they received last year from him, plus any other relevant facts and trivia that will hopefully thrill and interest the children.
Every child will then be able to speak with Santa and tell him about their wish list – big kids and adults too if they’re up to it. (Don’t worry – Santa never, EVER promises anything). You are more than welcome to take as many photos or video throughout the visit, which means that all those magic moments will be captured forever.
What information do you need for a Home Visit booking?
Well, the info will depend on what event you are booking with Santa but a Home Visit will be personalised. It will certainly include the names of the children (or adults) involved, ages etc. Santa also brings some goodies – chocolate, sweets selection packs, or story book for young children, so it will be useful to know which is appropriate etc. Don’t worry though, when you book / or at confirm time, you will receive a request for info (address of event, numbers of people, children’s names, ages and some info to make the home visit magical etc).
How do Party Events work?
These are not as personalised as the home visits. But generally Santa will take sacks to allow your gifts to be put in (meet you outside the venue) so they can be handed out. Santa will do the tasks you want him to do (meet and greet, grotto type discussions with the children, read a story, pose for photos etc as required). These duties will be discussed with you on booking and confirmed nearer the event date.
Why choose Santa South Yorkshire?
If you live in South Yorkshire and you need a Santa or Father Christmas for your event, family, business etc, then give us a chance to show you how good we can be. Santa SY is reliable, local, own transport (car rather than the sledge !), with own quality Santa outfit to make the event you are involved in just that little bit more magical and festive. Value rates too!
Any rules on taking photos of Santa at events?
The event is yours and Santa is happy to pose for as many pictures as you might want or need! He can pose with children and adults alike to help secure those cherished memories forever. If you want professional photos taking of your event with Santa please ask about that as an additional option.
Are there any other costs involved?
If there are, they will be discussed with you at booking time, as no-one likes those sorts of surprises do they! The prices shown are the prices charged and apply to an event anywhere in South Yorkshire. The only additional costs might be (for example) holding an event in the middle of Sheffield, and a parking allowance may have to be added. Or if the event is outside South Yorkshire, there may be an additional travel charge. This will be confirmed when you book.
When do I pay? Up front or after the event?
Santa will not be best looked upon taking cash from people at the event, so for ease and for no disappointments, all payments will need to be fully complete at least 48 hours prior to the event start or the event will be cancelled and deposit lost. Deposit payments or full payment can be actioned up front (up to one month before Christmas when full payment required up front). Deposits (up to 25 Nov) are typically 25% of total booking cost or £15 (whichever is bigger). This will secure the date and time. And under some circumstances the deposit is not refundable – see below.
Payment may be made by Bank Transfer or via PayPal (no PayPal account required) or by card over the phone. A reminder re payment of any balance will be sent around 7-10 days before the event date. For commercial bookings full balance payment is due 7 days before the event and must be paid within 3 days of that balance notice. No payment can be made after the event date. If balance payment is not received within those 3 days following final notice, the event will be cancelled and the deposit lost.
What happens about bad weather or Santa getting sick…?
These things are not predictable. In the case of bad weather making the trip dangerous or impossible, a full refund will be given of ALL monies paid. Santa will obviously do his best to get to an event, but (ironically) snow/ice etc may stop play…!
If Santa is sick, there is a standby Santa available who may be available to cover these absences. If standby cover cannot be provided for any reason, a full refund will be given (maximum liability is what you’ve paid). Where possible a second visit may be able to be arranged.The above applies to both home visits, small parties, breakfasts with Santa and commercial contracts.
What happens if I cancel (non-commercial booking)?
If you cancel with 7 days or more to the event, there will be NO charge and any monies paid will be refunded. If less than 7 days and more than 3 days, 50% of the booking charge will be payable. If you cancel with less than 3 days or on the day, then I’m afraid no refund can be made and the full booking amount will be taken. For commercial bookings (eg. hotel / shop / corporate organised events etc) slightly different arrangements apply, please see below. If Covid (or similar pandemic) or any other Government restriction causes the cancellation ALL monies will be refunded.
What differences apply for commercial bookings?
Payment of the balance becomes due 7 days before the event. If not paid within 3 days of that reminder notice, the event booking will be cancelled and the deposit lost.
If you cancel the event with 14 days or more to the event, there will be NO charge and any monies paid will be refunded. If less than 14 days and more than 7 days, 50% of the booking charge will be payable. If less than 7 days before the event date or on the day itself, and the event is cancelled, the full amount will still be due. If Covid (or similar pandemic) or any other Government restriction causes the cancellation ALL monies will be refunded.
Does Santa have public liability and is he DBS checked?
Any Santa provided by Father Christmas SY (www.fatherchristmassy.co.uk) will be covered by the public liability of Just For You Photography (SY) Limited through Hiscox Insurance. Any Santa provided will also have a recent DBS certificate.
Who runs Father Christmas SY?
Father Christmas SY is part of Just For You Photography (SY) Limited based at Century Business Centre, Manvers Way, Rotherham S63 5DA.