FAQ

We are in Mayo Studios, located on the 3rd floor at 32-00 Skillman Avenue in Long Island City (Queens, NY).

• SUBWAY:

  • 7 train to 33rd St. Rawson (3 min walk)

  • E/M/R trains to Queens Plaza (10 min walk)

  • N/W to Queensboro Plaza (15 min walk)

  • G train to Court Square (20 min walk)

• BUS:

  • Q32 to Queens Blvd and 33rd Street (4 min walk)

  • Q60 to Queens Blvd and 33rd Street (4 min walk)

• CAR:

  • Google Maps: Mayo Studios

  • GPS: 32-00 Skillman Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101

Metered street parking is available on Skillman Avenue, 32nd Place, and Queens Boulevard. Please check signs for regulations.

SpotHero, BestParking, and ParkWhiz are platforms that can recommend garages in the area, based on rate and/or distance from the venue.

Please plan to arrive photo-ready no later than 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment.

Santa’s schedule is tight and every moment is packed with holiday magic! Please remember that the end time of your session remains the same; no matter when you arrive. If you’re late to start your visit, you’ll have less time to share your wishes with Santa. Sessions running more than 15 minutes behind schedule will sadly be forfeited. While refunds are not permitted, we will do our best to reschedule your session if a slot becomes available. To make the most of your magical moment, we highly recommend arriving photo-ready at least 15 minutes prior to your session.

There are no age limits at Santa’s Secret Workshop. Everyone from newborns to young adults and even Santa’s “big kids” are welcome!

A maximum of 7 people can join in the fun of your immersive holiday experience to ensure everyone gets plenty of attention from Santa's trusted elf.

Unfortunately, at this time, we are unable to accommodate more than 7 guests per session.

Your magical session lasts up to 25 minutes.

Our classically-trained actors personalize your immersive holiday experience based on the answers you provide on your All Knowing Santa Form prior to your session. Please complete and submit it at your earliest convenience after finalizing your booking.

After booking your appointment, be sure to complete and submit the All Knowing Santa Form prior to your session, style your family’s outfits, consider what you might need on hand the day of (see What should I bring?), and plan your route to ensure you arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your session.

Dress your little ones in holiday-themed outfits, cozy pajamas, or any attire that makes them feel festive!

Optional items you may want to consider bringing are a small makeup kit, hair brushes, or combs for self-touchups, light snacks for the children, and your diaper bag if relevant. 

*Please refrain from bringing food or drinks onto any of the sets.

There are bathrooms, but there are no changing facilities onsite. Please plan to arrive photo-ready no later than 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment.

Due to the limited number of sessions available, we are unable to offer cancellations or refunds once booked. After confirming your magical time with Santa, be sure to mark it on your calendar with a big, festive star! We encourage you to plan around this special moment—after all, we expect our sessions to be booked faster than Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve! While it’s unlikely that another slot will be available in the event of a change in your schedule, we will do our best to reschedule your session if a slot opens up. We truly appreciate your understanding and commitment to making your holiday experience with us as merry as possible!

If someone falls ill, please let us know immediately. We want everyone to have a joyful and healthy experience, so we can’t permit sick children to attend. Temperature checks may be conducted on arrival. If slots are available, we’ll try to reschedule your visit during the season.

We aim to allocate sufficient time for your little one to get comfortable; however, sometimes even with all the Christmas magic that Santa and his elves can offer, a child may still feel timid. If your child experiences that perfectly normal reaction, we suggest for parents or guardians to sit next to Santa with your child on your lap, or we have cozy stools where your child can sit right beside Santa, enabling the holiday spirit to feel safe, bright and warm.

Absolutely! We encourage parents to join in and be part of this unforgettable experience.

Only trained service animals are permitted at Santa’s Secret Workshop. Pets & emotional support animals are not permitted. This is to prioritize the safety of guests and members of our team with pet allergies.

We are offering a number of dog friendly sessions on select dates.

At this time, we only have dog sessions available with Black Santa.

We want you to present in every moment with your family, so please refrain from bringing your devices on on set. Santa’s elves will be taking photos of your immersive holiday experience, so you’ll have plenty of moments from which to make your final 8 selects for professional edits. Thank you for your understanding!

You’ll receive your watermarked photos within one week of your session, from which you’ll be advised to select 8 photos for final editing.

After you’ve selected your 8 favorite photos, you’ll receive your final edited selects within one week, ready to download and share!

Total turn-around from visit to receipt of photos is approximately two weeks.

Editing involves basic adjustments to enhance the overall quality of your photo, such as adjusting contrast and color balance. Retouching involves detailed enhancements such as removing blemishes and smoothing skin. However, please note that we focus on editing to keep your photos looking natural and festive. We do not offer retouching services.

Absolutely! You can add more holiday memories to your collection by purchasing additional edited photos for $25 each.

For now, we offer high-res digital photos for download, perfect for sharing, printing, framing, and spreading holiday cheer!

Each tour is guided by one of Santa’s trusted elves to ensure you experience the full wonder of the workshop.

Stay in the holiday spirit with us and sign up for updates! We’ll let you know the moment new time slots for our immersive holiday experience are added to the calendar. 
Don’t miss out; click here
to be the first to know!

No need to bring gifts! Santa has a special surprise for each child.