Santa on the Square® & The Magic of Santa®
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I book a session for the Magic of Santa or Santa on the Square?
To book a session for either the Magic of Santa® or Santa on the Square®, visit our website and use our easy online booking system. You can also call our studio directly to reserve your time slot. We recommend booking early, especially for the Magic of Santa®, as sessions fill up quickly.
2. Do I need to reserve a time?
For Santa on the Square®, a reservation is encouraged to secure your spot, but we do allow walk-ups when available. For the Magic of Santa®, sessions are by reservation only. However, feel free to contact us, as we sometimes have last-minute openings.
3. What is the difference between the Magic of Santa and Santa on the Square?
The Magic of Santa® is our exclusive, private experience offering a 15 or 45-minute session where your child will embark on a magical journey, capturing award-winning images in a carefully crafted environment. Santa on the Square® provides a more traditional 5-minute session in the charming setting of Historic Downtown McKinney, perfect for quick, candid moments without the hustle of mall traffic.
4. What should my child wear for the session?
For the Magic of Santa®, we prefer traditional pajamas and encourage all family members to wear them for a cozy, festive feel. Pets are welcome but are not allowed on Santa’s lap to protect his suit. For Santa on the Square®, simple, comfortable clothing is perfect for capturing those quick, candid moments, and pets are also welcome to join the fun! If you're unsure, feel free to bring a couple of options, and our team can help you decide.
5. How long is each session, and what is included?
The Magic of Santa® offers 15 or 45-minute private sessions filled with magical activities and beautifully crafted images. Each session includes a selection of digital files and the option to purchase additional prints and products. Santa on the Square® provides a 5-minute session, including one printed image and a digital file, with upgrade options available after your session.
6. Can multiple families or cousins be photographed together?
Each session is designed to be an intimate experience for one family at a time. If you would like cousins or multiple families to be photographed together, we recommend booking separate sessions for each family to ensure everyone gets the attention they deserve.
7. What happens if we need to reschedule or cancel our session?
We understand that plans can change. If you need to reschedule or cancel, please contact us as soon as possible. We offer flexible rescheduling options, but cancellations may be subject to a fee depending on the timing. Please refer to our cancellation policy on the booking page for full details.
8. Are pets allowed in the photos?
Yes, pets are welcome for both the Magic of Santa® and Santa on the Square® sessions! However, to keep Santa’s suit pristine, pets in the Magic of Santa® sessions are not allowed on his lap.
9. What types of products are available after our session?
We offer a wide range of products to help you preserve and display your holiday memories, including wall portraits, custom albums, storybooks, memory boxes, and more. You’ll also receive low-resolution digital files for online sharing. Our team will guide you through the options to create the perfect keepsake.
10. Is there an option to upgrade our package after the session?
Absolutely! After your session, you’ll have the opportunity to view your images and choose from a variety of upgrade options, including additional prints, albums, and special holiday packages. Our team will assist you in customizing your order to ensure you get exactly what you want.
11. What if the weather is bad on the day of our outdoor session?
For outdoor sessions like Santa on the Square®, we closely monitor the weather and will notify you if we need to reschedule due to inclement conditions. Your safety and comfort are our top priorities. We’ll work with you to find an alternative date that suits your schedule.
12. Do you sell digital files?
Yes, we offer digital files as part of our Magic of Santa® experience. However, it’s important to understand that you’re investing in much more than just a digital product. The Magic of Santa® is an exclusive, award-winning experience developed over more than a decade, offering private sessions where every detail is meticulously crafted to create timeless holiday art. In addition to digital files, we also provide hand-crafted products personally selected by the artist to display and preserve the art that is created. When you choose the Magic of Santa®, you’re investing in the talent and skill of an artist, not just a simple file from a camera. For a more affordable option, we also offer Santa on the Square®, which provides quick, candid moments at a lower cost but doesn’t include the same level of artistic detail.
13. What are the Santa on the Square hours?
Santa on the Square begins Thursday December 5th
Thursday 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Fridays 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Saturday 10:00am-1:00pm
Saturday 1:00pm - 1:15pm Storytime with Santa Free for all
Saturday 2:00pm - 6:00pm
Sunday 10:00am-1:00pm
Sunday 1:00pm - 1:15pm Storytime with Santa Free for all
Sunday 2:00pm - 6:00pm
Santa on the Square begins Thursday December 5th
Thursday 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Fridays 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Saturday 10:00am-1:00pm
Saturday 1:00pm - 1:15pm Storytime with Santa Free for all
Saturday 2:00pm - 6:00pm
Sunday 10:00am-1:00pm
Sunday 1:00pm - 1:15pm Storytime with Santa Free for all
Sunday 2:00pm - 6:00pm