On this page
- What times are available
- Start with a simple question
- Weekend mornings: the sweet spot for many families
- Weekday evenings: great for school-age kids, trickier for little ones
- Matching the slot to your child's age
- Think about the people on your side of the screen
- A mini checklist for the 30 minutes before
- What if the day goes sideways?
- Not sure a live slot will work?
- Frequently asked questions
The best time for a Santa call is when your child is fed, rested and curious, not when they are hungry, overtired or in the middle of a meltdown. That sounds obvious, yet it is the detail parents most often overlook. Here is how to read your child's rhythm and choose a slot that gives the call its best chance.
What times are available
Live calls run from November 28 to December 24, 2026. Times are limited: evenings on Tuesdays and Thursdays and weekend mornings, Pacific time. You choose from what is open when you book a live call. Because there is a limited menu, knowing your child's patterns helps you pick the slot that fits best.
If you are not sure what is open, see when to book a Santa video call for planning tips. If you are in a different time zone, work out the local time before you commit. A call that is "7 p.m." Pacific is 10 p.m. Eastern, which is far too late for many young children.
Start with a simple question
Think about the last three times your child was at their best. Was it right after breakfast? After a nap? Midmorning on a quiet weekend? Whatever pattern you see is your target.
Then think about the worst times. Most children have a rough patch: the hour before dinner, the minutes before bedtime or the first stretch after waking. Avoid those.
Weekend mornings: the sweet spot for many families
A weekend morning has a lot going for it.
Fresh energy
Many children are at their most talkative after a good night of sleep.
No school stress
There is no rush to get out the door.
Plenty of time to prepare
You can eat breakfast, get dressed and practice saying hello without a clock pressing on you.
Easy to follow up
After the call, you can spend the rest of the day celebrating.
Watch out for: children who wake up slowly. If your child needs an hour to get going, choose a later morning slot rather than the earliest one. Do not skip breakfast, and keep the screen time before the call to a minimum so the call feels special rather than like more of the same.
Weekday evenings: great for school-age kids, trickier for little ones
Evenings on Tuesdays and Thursdays fit around school and work. They also have a built-in cozy feel, with pajamas, lamps and a sense that the day is winding down.
Good for: school-age children who can handle a later time, and families where a parent works during weekend mornings.
Watch out for: the dinner and bedtime squeeze. A tired three-year-old at 6:45 p.m. is not at their best. If you choose an evening slot, try this routine.
- Eat dinner at least 30 minutes before the call, so no one is hungry.
- Bring the pajamas out early. A cozy child is a calmer child.
- Skip sugary desserts until afterward.
- Do a quiet activity, like a puzzle or a picture book, in the 15 minutes before the call.
- Plan an easy bedtime after, with a story and low light.
Matching the slot to your child's age
Toddlers (ages 2 to 3)
Toddlers do best when rested. Choose a time that is clearly after a nap or after a good night of sleep, and avoid anything near a nap. A morning slot is usually the easier choice. Read more in toddlers' first Santa call.
Preschoolers (ages 4 to 5)
This group can be wiggly and chatty. Mornings help, but an early evening works too if you keep the pre-call routine calm. A little movement beforehand, like a dance party, can release energy.
School-age children (ages 6 to 9)
They can usually manage either time. If they have homework or activities, pick the slot that leaves them relaxed rather than rushed. Mornings tend to be best before a sports game or other activity, not after.
Tweens (ages 10 and up)
Tweens can be moody about early wake-ups and late nights. Choose the time that lets them feel comfortable, and let them have a say in it. A little ownership goes a long way. See santa call ideas by age for more.
Think about the people on your side of the screen
The child is not the only one who needs to be at ease. Consider:
Siblings
If a younger sibling naps at the same time, you may have to choose a slot when they are awake and happy. Add siblings' names, ages and a wish or two in the fun facts box so Santa can greet them. The call is still 10 minutes total.
Other family members
Family may sit with the child at home. Choose a time when the people who matter most are in the room and settled.
Your own energy
If you are exhausted at 7 p.m., a morning might be better for you. A relaxed parent helps a nervous child.
A mini checklist for the 30 minutes before
- Everyone has eaten and used the bathroom.
- The device is charged and the Meet link is open. It arrives by email right after you book, and a reminder comes before the call.
- The room is quiet, with the TV off and phones silenced.
- A comfy seat is ready, with a favorite stuffed animal or blanket nearby.
- Your child has said hello out loud once or twice, just to warm up. For ideas, see prepare your child for a Santa call.
For a bigger list, use the Santa call checklist.
What if the day goes sideways?
Sometimes a child wakes up cranky, gets a cold or has a rough afternoon. If you need to change your booking, call 855-916-9921. And if your child is grumpy right before the call, do not force it. Offer a snack, a cuddle and a few quiet minutes. A child who comes to the screen willingly is more likely to enjoy it.
Not sure a live slot will work?
If the available times do not fit your child's rhythm, a personalized Santa video message is a simple alternative. It is about 30 seconds, $19, delivered starting December 10 and within 3 days after that, and you can play it whenever your child is in the mood. You can compare both options on our pricing page.
Frequently asked questions
Is morning or evening better for a Santa call?
It depends on your child. Many young children are happiest in the morning, while school-age kids can often manage an early evening. Pick the time when your child is usually fed, rested and cheerful.
What days and times are live calls offered?
Calls run from November 28 to December 24, 2026, in limited slots: evenings on Tuesdays and Thursdays and weekend mornings, Pacific time.
What should I do if my child is tired or upset right before the call?
Pause, offer a snack or a cuddle and give them a few quiet minutes. If you need to change your booking, call 855-916-9921.
Do I need to create an account to join?
No. The Meet link is emailed right after you book, and you simply click it at call time.