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Parents often ask the same first question: "Is this a Zoom call? A FaceTime call?" The answer is neither. Our live Santa call runs on Google Meet, and it works a lot like the video calls you may already use for work or school. This guide walks through what that means in practice so nothing about the tech surprises you on the day.
The short version
- You book a live video call with Santa and pay $39 in full at booking.
- A Google Meet link arrives in your email right away, and you get a reminder before the call.
- At call time, you click the link. No account is needed to join.
- Santa appears on your screen for a 10 minute, one-on-one conversation with your child.
That is the whole flow. There is nothing to download if you are using a modern browser or a phone that already has the app.
Why Google Meet instead of FaceTime or Zoom
Think about what a Santa call needs. The link should work on whatever device a family happens to own. It should not require your child to have an account, and it should not need a particular brand of phone. Google Meet joins from a link, in a browser, on a laptop, tablet, phone or smart display with a camera, whether you use Apple or Android.
FaceTime, by contrast, is built around Apple devices. A call that only works for some families is not a good fit for a Santa booking page that anyone can use. And you should not need to learn a new meeting tool just to say hello to Santa. If you have ever clicked a link to join a school meeting, you already know how this works.
Which device is best?
Any device with a working camera, microphone and speaker will do. Here is how the common choices compare.
Laptop or desktop
Best for: a big, clear picture of Santa and a steady camera.
- Prop it on a table at your child's eye level.
- Open the link in an up-to-date browser such as Chrome.
- Keep the charger plugged in.
Tablet
Best for: younger kids who like to hold things.
- Use a stand or lean it against a stack of books so it does not wobble.
- Turn on Do Not Disturb so notifications do not pop up mid-call.
Phone
Best for: a backup or a quick setup.
- Use landscape mode so Santa fills the screen.
- Plug it in. Video drains a battery faster than people expect.
- A phone works, but a small screen can feel distant to a little one.
Smart TV
If your TV has a built-in way to cast or open a browser, a bigger screen can feel magical. Test it earlier in the week, because TV setups vary a lot.
A five-minute tech check
Do this a few days before your call, not five minutes before.
- Open your confirmation email and find the Google Meet link. Search your inbox for the booking email if it is buried, and check the spam folder if you cannot find it.
- Click the link on the device you plan to use. You should see a preview of your camera.
- Allow camera and microphone access when your browser asks.
- Check that you can hear sound at a comfortable volume.
- Close it, and put the link somewhere easy, such as a pinned email or a note on your phone.
The link is for your specific booking, so there is no need to practice with Santa himself. You are only confirming that your device cooperates.
On the day
About 15 minutes before your slot, do this:
- Plug in the device and close other apps and browser tabs.
- Move to your Santa spot. If you have not picked one, read how to set up a Santa call corner at home.
- Turn off other video streaming in the house if you can, since a busy network can make video stutter.
- Click the link a couple of minutes early, so you are ready when Santa joins.
If your child gets nervous, let them watch from a parent's lap. Families are welcome to sit with the child at home during the call.
Troubleshooting common snags
"I cannot hear Santa." Check that your device is not muted and that the browser has permission to use the speaker. Try raising the volume on the device, not just in the call window.
"Santa cannot see us." Look for the camera icon in the call controls. If it has a line through it, click it once to turn the camera on. Also check that no other app is using the camera.
"The picture is frozen or blurry." Move closer to your router, or switch from Wi-Fi to a wired connection if you have one. Closing other tabs often helps too.
"The link will not open." Try copying and pasting it into a different browser. If you are still stuck, call us at 855-916-9921 and we will help.
What about changing your plans?
If your plans change before the call, you can reach us at 855-916-9921 to change your booking. The call dates run from Nov 28 to Dec 24, 2026, with limited times, mainly evenings on Tuesday and Thursday and weekend mornings, Pacific time. Our how it works page lays out the full booking steps.
Is a live call worth the tech setup?
A live call takes a few minutes of planning, and in return your child gets a real, responsive conversation. Santa can react to what your child says. That is the biggest difference from a pre-recorded Santa video. If you want the simpler route, a personalized Santa video message needs no link and no scheduling. It is about 30 seconds and costs $19.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Santa call on Zoom or FaceTime?
No. It runs on Google Meet, and you join by clicking a link. You do not need an account, and it works on Apple and Android devices.
Do I need to download anything?
Usually not. A modern browser on a laptop, tablet or phone is enough, though some phones may prompt you to use the Meet app.
When do I get the link?
The Google Meet link is emailed right after you book, and you get a reminder before the call. Check spam if you cannot find it.
Can my child use their own tablet?
Yes, as long as it has a camera, microphone and speaker. Most families find it easier to prop a device up and sit beside their child.