What to Ask Santa on a Video Call

First, a note on how the call works

On a live Santa video call, Santa is a real-beard Santa in a velvet suit, and the conversation happens in real time. You share your child's name, age, wish list and fun facts when you book, so Santa can start the chat himself. Your child does not have to carry it. Questions are a bonus that give children a way to take part.

Why questions help

Children often go quiet when they are put on the spot, and "Say something to Santa!" is a hard instruction. Specific questions are easier. "How do you get all the way around the world?" feels like a natural thing to ask. A question also makes a child feel like a participant, not a performer.

Questions about Santa's work

These suit most ages, and they pair well with the curiosity that children already have.

Questions about the reindeer

Reindeer questions almost never fail with young children.

• What are your reindeer's names?
• Which reindeer is the fastest?
• What do the reindeer like to eat?
• Do the reindeer get tired?
• Which reindeer is the funniest?

Questions about Christmas Eve

Questions about the wish list

Because you share the wish list with Santa when you book, he can bring it up. Your child can add to it or ask about it.

Questions about being good

Children love to hear what they are doing well. These open a warm moment:

If you want Santa to highlight a specific accomplishment, such as helping a sibling, mention it when you book.

Funny and silly questions

• Do you ever sneeze and blow your hat off?
• What is your favorite song?
• Do you like snow or sun?
• Do you have a favorite color?
• Can you do a big "ho ho ho"?

Silly questions are great for loosening up shy children and for getting a laugh from the whole family.

Questions for older kids

School-age children sometimes want a deeper conversation.

For more on how older children respond, see Santa call ideas by age.

How to help a child who is blank

When a child freezes, use a gentle prompt instead of a command.

1. 1

   Offer a choice

   "Do you want to tell Santa about your puppy or show him your drawing?"

2. 2

   Whisper a first word

   Starting the sentence often helps: "I wish for..."

3. 3

   Ask a yes or no

   "Do you want to ask about the reindeer?"

4. 4

   Say it for them, once

   "She loves the color purple." Then wait.

5. 5

   Let it be

   If they would rather listen, that counts.

Our guide to a Santa call for toddlers goes further for ages 2 to 4.

Make a mini script (but do not read it)

Write three questions on a sticky note and keep it out of the camera view. Here is a sample set:

1. "What are your reindeer's names?"
2. "What is your favorite cookie?"
3. "Can I tell you about my new puppy?"

Then let the conversation wander. Santa will follow your child's lead.

Questions parents might ask

Parents can also ask a question or two if it flows naturally. For example, "What would you tell kids about being patient?" or "What is your favorite holiday tradition?" Keep it short so your child has most of the airtime. A 10-minute call goes by quickly.

Before the call

After the call

Ask your child what Santa said. Write down their words, since they are charming and quickly forgotten. If they have more questions, a personalized Santa video message could extend the magic later in December.

One last tip

The best question is the one your child actually wants to ask. If they are curious about the sleigh, follow that. If they want to tell Santa about their dog, let them. The point is a warm moment, not a perfect script.