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1751 Riverside Dr., Suamico, WI  54173
(Located inside Vickery Village in Suamico, behind Chives Restaurant and Station 1 Brewing Company,
near the big pavilion in the back)


Before Arrival

  • Book your appointments early each season. Time does fill quickly!

  • To make your experience extra special, we ask that you fill out the Elf Report as soon as possible after booking your appointment. This gives Santa some fun details about your child—like their name, age, teacher’s name, and a recent accomplishment or event. Santa loves having these personal tidbits to share during your visit!

  • We also recommend stopping by the restroom before you arrive. Our charming 1890s Soo Line Caboose doesn't have a bathroom. We'd hate to have your visit cut short if nature calls. 

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Upon Arrival

  • Please try to park in the spots nearest the caboose so that Santa can see that you're here.

  • Please put on your hazard lights while you're waiting. It's sometimes hard to see if the family arrived when it's dark. 

  • Every visit to Santa's Christmas Caboose is a private, one-on-one experience just for your family. When you arrive, check the color of the traffic light in the far right window:

    • Red (top) light: Please stay in your vehicle and tune your radio to 103.5 to enjoy stories and jokes from Santa while you wait.

    • Green (bottom) light: It's your turn! Feel free to come in and enjoy your time with Santa.

  • We ask for a few minutes between visits for Santa to tidy up and reset everything for your family. This way, each visit feels fresh and personal!

  • Santa sanitizes the caboose between each visit, the sanitizer contains peppermint and vanilla essential oils. It leaves a lasting "candy cane" fragrance. If your family has allergies to those scents, please let Santa know in advance. 

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Time of Event​

  • To make the visit extra magical, please help Santa out with the details. He’s a bit on the older side and sometimes needs a reminder of names and special moments.

  • Santa loves it when you address your child by name during the visit—it adds to the magic! It also helps Santa identify twins or children that look similar, with similar ages. 

  • A quick note on touch: As we all know, times have changed, and everyone’s comfort with touch can vary. Santa will give the children a choice to sit on his lap, sit next to him or stand by him. He will never try to persuade the child to go beyond their comfort level. For younger children, you’ll be asked to lift them onto Santa’s lap. Older children can sit on their own, and everyone is encouraged to join in, even those who may be a little skeptical!

  • Don't be surprised if your child becomes abnormally quiet or shy. In a child's eyes Santa is the most famous person in the world. Imagine how you would feel if you were to meet your idol in person. Most children do come around. 

  • Photo time: We want you to capture all the magical moments! Please feel free to take as many photos and videos as you'd like. A few tips to help you get the best shots:

    • Charge your camera and clean your lenses before you arrive.

    • Consider a flash or fill light to make sure you get clear, beautiful photos in the caboose’s cozy lighting.

    • Use a tripod or phone mount (we provide these for your convenience!) for steady shots, though our mount may not fit larger tablets.

    • Take lots of pictures—digital space is plentiful, and those precious moments go by so quickly!

    • Many times the most precious photo is not posed, but a true interaction between Santa and children. Shoot constantly, you can always discard unwanted photos.

    • If your children do not cooperate, do not worry. Santa invented the photobomb and we can take a beautiful family photo.

  • Gifts: Santa loves to give out gifts to children, but there are a few things that can make it easier:

    • Please let Santa know in that you would like gifts given in advance of the visit.

    • Bring them wrapped in paper different than any that you have at home (Children have recognized that, ruining the moment).

    • Write the name directly on the paper (tags can fall off).

    • Place them in a black garbage bag. (For whatever reason, children generally ignore the black bag being carried in)

    • Discretely carry the gifts in with you when you arrive, you can place them under the desk. 

    • When Santa is distracting the children, place them under the tree.

    • Please put the nametag down so the children don't recognize their own name immediately. 

    • Please limit to only 1 gift per child, too many gifts add to the child's emotional overload. ​

    • Opening gifts will be the last activity that we do so they don't distract from the visit. 

  • Santa loves pets too: If you’d like to include your furry friend in the photos, please let Santa know ahead of time. Please bring a lap blanket to keep things neat and cozy. Santa visits with many children that may have allergies, he'd hate to have your pet stay with us for the next visitors. Remember that Santa is there for the children, sometimes pets can overtake the moment. If needed, Santa will focus much more on your children. They will remember the visit for a lifetime, pets not as much.

  • Help Santa stay on time, keep the children together, and respect the next customers about to visit Santa. 

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After The Event

  • When you leave, please scan the QR code by the door. It will lead you to our page to make posting testimonials to socials easier. It also has links to photobook manufacturers. I do try to arrange for discounts, but they do change frequently. Photo books make wonderful gifts!

  • We’d love to hear about your experience! Once you’ve made your memories, please consider sharing your visit on social media and tagging us. You can also leave a testimonial on our website at newsantaclaus.com to let others know how special your experience was.

  • If you're comfortable, feel free to send us some of your favorite photos! Santa would love to showcase them on his site to inspire other families. We will NEVER identify children's names online!

  • Please help Santa spread the word by telling friends about your experience. The personal individual appointment format is new to many people and they are not sure of the benefits over standing in line at the mall.

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Important Reminders!

  • N.E.W. Santa doesn’t believe in the "Naughty List" and will never tell a child they’re on it—he’s all about spreading kindness!

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Email Santa in advance of any special considerations: santa@newsantaclaus.com
 
*This list was inspired by other Santa's and services.

TIPS FOR A MAGICAL EXPERIENCE AT SANTA'S CHRISTMAS CABOOSE

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