Last November, I received a message from a mom asking if I had any Santa sessions left.
Sadly, I had to tell her no.
Every appointment had already been reserved, and the families who booked early were already counting down the days to their Santa session. I felt terrible because I knew how disappointed she was.
That conversation is exactly why I start talking about Santa in the summer and why we book Christmas in July!
If pictures with Santa are part of your family’s Christmas tradition, the best time to book isn’t November. It’s much earlier than most parents think.
Families searching for pictures with Santa in Houston are often surprised by how early Santa sessions sell out.
When Should I Actually Book My Santa Session?
The short answer is as soon as dates are released.
My Santa calendar opens on July 1st, but VIP families and waitlist members receive access before dates are released publicly.
For 2026, Santa will visit the studio on:
- November 13
- November 14
- November 21
I offer only 15 Santa sessions each year, and they typically sell out on opening day.
Many parents assume they’ll book in October or November, but by then, availability is usually fully booked.
The families who reserve session dates are usually the families who joined the waitlist months earlier. They receive the VIP email before dates are announced publicly and have the opportunity to reserve their session before everyone else.
What families often don’t realize is that by the time Santa dates are posted on social media, many of the most desirable appointment times have already been claimed.
If Santa is a tradition in your family, the best thing you can do right now is join the waitlist. It takes less than a minute, and you’ll be first to know when dates become available.
What Does the Best Time Slot Actually Mean?
Not every Santa session time works equally well for every child.
For babies and toddlers, I often recommend earlier appointment times when little ones are rested, fed, and happy.
Children who are a little older often do well in mid-morning appointments when they’ve had time to wake up slowly and settle into their day (if you have teenagers like I do – then you know what I’m talking about).
Because many families have busy school and activity schedules, I offer both weekend sessions and one weekday option. The weekday session tends to be especially popular with families who have younger children not yet in school.
If you’re bringing multiple children with different ages and personalities, choosing the right appointment time becomes even more important. A great time slot can make the entire experience feel relaxed and enjoyable.
If I were booking for my own children, I’d always choose the appointment time that works best with naps and meal schedules. Happy children almost always create the best Santa memories.
How Do Santa Photos Fit Into the Christmas Card Timeline?
This is one of the biggest reasons I encourage families to book early.
Most parents think about Christmas cards sometime around Thanksgiving.
Professional photographers are thinking about them much earlier.
After your Santa session, you’ll need time to choose your favorite portraits, order Christmas cards, approve designs, print them, address envelopes, and get everything mailed before the holiday rush begins.
Families who book early have plenty of breathing room.
Families who wait until the last minute often find themselves scrambling.
That’s one reason most photographers stop accepting Santa sessions in early December. We need time to edit galleries, deliver images, and help families order artwork, albums, ornaments, and gifts before Christmas arrives.
The Holiday To-Dos That Get Easier Once Your Gallery Arrives
The earlier your gallery arrives, the easier the rest of the holiday season becomes.
Christmas cards can be ordered.
Grandparent gifts can be wrapped.
Ornaments can be hung on the tree.
Albums can be designed.
Wall portraits can be displayed before holiday guests arrive.
One of my favorite things to see each year is how families use their Santa portraits. Some create Christmas cards. Others order keepsake albums. Many choose ornaments or framed artwork that come out year after year as part of their holiday traditions.
The families who seem the most relaxed in December are usually the families who already have their portraits finished.
Instead of saying, “We still need Santa pictures,” they’re enjoying the season.
When Should I Actually Pick Outfits for a Santa Photoshoot?
Much earlier than most parents think.
When you’re coordinating outfits for multiple children, shopping, exchanging sizes, and making sure everything works together, the process takes time.
Booking your Santa session early gives you plenty of time to find pieces you love without feeling rushed.
I provide styling guidance to help families choose outfits that photograph beautifully and fit the overall look of the Santa set.
The biggest mistake I see is waiting until the week before the session to start planning.
The families who enjoy the process most are usually the ones who spread it out over several weeks.
I always tell parents, plan to be in the pictures too, because your littles may need you to hold them while they warm up to Santa.
Does It Really Feel Too Early to Book in July?
Absolutely!
Every year I hear parents laugh and say, “Christmas? Already?”
And every year those same parents thank me later.
Booking in July doesn’t mean you’re celebrating Christmas early. It simply means you’re securing one of the limited appointments before they’re gone.
The families who feel the calmest in December are usually the families who planned ahead.
What Happens If I Wait Until October to Book?
Because I offer only 15 Santa sessions each year, availability is usually limited.
By October, many of the most popular appointment times are already reserved.
By November, Santa sessions are often completely sold out.
I actually have several families who missed out one year and joined the waitlist immediately afterward. The next year, they booked the moment VIP access opened because they didn’t want to miss out again.
What a Santa Photo Session Looks Like When You Work With Me
I want to create an experience your children will always remember.
When you inquire, I’ll walk you through the available dates and help you choose the appointment that works best for your family.
On session day, children spend time talking with Santa, checking the Nice List, checking on the reindeer, enjoying cookies with milk and a little Christmas magic!
After your session, I’ll help you select your favorite portraits and choose how you’d like to enjoy them… whether that’s Christmas cards, ornaments, albums, prints, or framed artwork for your home.
Most families tell me they expected beautiful pictures, but that they didn’t expect was how much their children would love the experience so much!
Book Your Santa Photoshoot Before Sessions Sell Out
Booking Santa photos between July and October isn’t about being early for the sake of being early. Its all about:
Choosing the dates and times that work best for your family.
Getting your portraits ready for Christmas cards and gifts.
Enjoying a December where you can enjoy all of the magic and not worry about rushing to plan last minute.
After years of photographing Santa sessions, I’ve learned that the families who feel the most relaxed during the holidays are almost always the ones who planned ahead.
If you’re a new mom wondering when to start thinking about your child’s first Santa session, my answer is simple:
Future you will be so grateful you did!
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I book a Santa photoshoot?
As soon as dates are released. My Santa calendar opens July 1st, and VIP families receive access before the public release date.
How early is too early to book a Santa session?
There really isn’t such a thing as too early. Joining the waitlist before dates are released is the best way to secure a spot.
Can I still book a Santa photoshoot in November?
Sometimes, but many years Santa sessions are already sold out by then. I recommend joining the waitlist well before July.
Why don’t photographers do Santa sessions in mid to late December?
Galleries need time for editing, ordering, printing, and delivery before Christmas arrives.
When will I get my Santa photoshoot gallery back?
You’ll receive your gallery in plenty of time to order Christmas cards, gifts, artwork, and holiday keepsakes.
Can I order Christmas cards, prints, and gifts through you?
Yes! Families order artwork, albums, ornaments, prints, and Christmas gifts directly through the studio.
Ready to Reserve Your Santa Session?
VIP families receive early access before Santa dates are released publicly on July 1st.
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