Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers about booking your Santa photo appointment, session details, policies and what to expect at Holiday Magic Studios.

I'm Having Trouble Logging Into My Account

If you've forgotten your password or are unable to access your account, you can reset your password. If you're still having difficulty, we encourage you to contact our Customer Care Team for further assistance.

How Do I Reset My Password?

If you've forgotten your password, you can reset your password. Please remember to check your spam folder for the password reset email.

How Do I Make An Appointment?

Scheduling an appointment is straightforward and takes about 2 minutes. To book, you must visit our website, as appointments cannot be made over the phone. After logging into your account, click the 'Book Appointment' tab on the left-hand side of the screen. You'll be guided through the process to select your preferred location, date, time, package, and then complete the payment. You'll receive a text message and an email receipt to confirm your booking. Don't forget to add your appointment to your calendar to ensure you remember it! If you have any questions regarding the booking process, please don't hesitate to contact our Customer Care Team.

How Many People Can Be In a Photo?

Our photo set is designed to accommodate 6-10 individuals comfortably, the exact number depending on the mix of children and adults. For optimal photo quality, we recommend limiting groups to no more than 6 people. Each family is required to book their own five-minute appointment slot. 'Session Sharing,' or multiple sets of parents or guardians joining a single session, is not allowed. Families attempting to share an appointment may either be refused entry or have their session automatically upgraded to 'Package A' upon arrival. For those wishing to have photos with another family, scheduling two back-to-back appointments is recommended.

Do You Accept "Walk-Ups"

Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate walk-up sessions at the moment. Appointments are necessary, but the good news is they're straightforward to book online! However, if the studio isn't fully booked for the day, you might have the chance to book an appointment on your phone and then walk in immediately.

How Long Is My Session?

Each photo session is 5 minutes long. For those seeking a longer session, you have the option to purchase back-to-back sessions on the website for a longer 10-minute session!

Is It Possible To Book A 10 Minute Session?

Yes it is! If you'd like a longer session, simply reserve two back-to-back sessions on the website!

How Do I Reschedule My Appointment

To reschedule your appointment, simply log-in to your account on the website. Upon logging in, you'll find your existing appointment details highlighted in a green section at the top of the page. Click on the "Reschedule Appointment" button and follow the prompts to choose a new date and time for your session. Rescheduling outside the 48-hour window prior to your appointment is completely free of charge. However, please be aware that if you need to reschedule within 48-hours of your appointment time, you will be charged a last minute rescheduling fee to secure your new reservation. Once you have successfully rescheduled your appointment, you will receive a text and email notification confirming the new date and time. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don't hesitate to contact our Customer Care Team.

What Happens If I Miss My Appointment?

Due to high demand, our 5-minute appointment slots at Holiday Magic Studios fill up quickly each day. When you book an appointment, you reserve a specific time exclusively for your family's photo session. If you do not show up, we miss the chance to offer that slot to another family. As a result, missing your appointment means you will lose your nonrefundable booking and credit card processing fees, but you may request a refund for any remaining balance. If you think you won't be able to make your scheduled time, please cancel or reschedule your appointment through our website at least 48-hours before your scheduled time. This not only makes the process easier for you but also might allow us to give your slot to another family. We truly value your understanding and cooperation, helping us accommodate as many families as we can.

What Happens If I'm Late To My Appointment?

If you're running behind for your appointment, it's crucial to contact our Customer Care Team as soon as possible. Due to the high demand for Holiday Magic Studios Photo Sessions, our schedule is often fully booked. To facilitate a seamless experience, we ask all customers to arrive and check in at the studio at least 5 minutes early. Given the peak holiday shopping season, please plan for extra time to park. Our team will do everything possible to accommodate late arrivals, depending on our current schedule. However, please be aware that if you fail to check in at the studio's front desk within 3 minutes of your appointment time, we cannot guarantee that you will be served.

What Is Your Cancellation Policy?

You have the flexibility to cancel your appointment at any point via your account on our website. If your cancellation occurs more than 48-hours before your scheduled appointment, you will be eligible for a full refund. However, if you cancel within 48-hours of your appointment time, you will forfeit your non-refundable booking fee. It's important to mention that the 2.9% credit card processing fee cannot be refunded for any cancellation regardless of timing. For assistance with cancellations or if you have any inquiries, please contact our Customer Care Team. We are dedicated to meeting our customers' needs while navigating the high demand for our photo sessions. Your understanding and cooperation are sincerely appreciated.

What If My Child Cries?

We prioritize the satisfaction and happiness of our customers and are committed to delivering high-quality products and services. If you encounter any issues with your photos due to errors made by our team or equipment malfunctions, or if your experience does not meet your expectations, please contact our Customer Care Team. Our team is dedicated to addressing and resolving your concerns to the best of their ability. Please note, however, that we cannot issue refunds for circumstances beyond our control, such as crying or uncooperative family members. We value your understanding and cooperation in these matters.

Are There Long Lines?

No, there are almost never long lines! We operate exclusively on an appointment-only basis.

Are Pets Allowed?

Absolutely! Furry family members are always welcome!

Can We Take Photos Without Santa?

Absolutely! During your private 5-minute photo session, our team will capture any specific photos or poses you desire. Just be sure to communicate your ideas and requests to the photographer at the beginning of the photo session. Our studios provide a fantastic backdrop for family portraits, with or without Santa!

How Long Does It Take For My Photos To Be Uploaded To My Account?

Typically, your images are uploaded to your account on the website instantly as they're taken! This means you should be able to view, download, or order prints almost immediately after leaving the studio. However, please be aware that rare internet outages or slowdowns can lead to delays. If your photos don't appear in your account right away, there's no need to worry. We maintain three backup copies of every photo we take, ensuring your memories are secure. If your photos are not visible in your account by the following morning, don't hesitate to contact our customer care team for an update.

Are Strollers Allowed?

Yes, strollers are absolutely allowed! You can keep them with you throughout the session.

How Long Until I Receive My Prints?

Once your print order is submitted online, it is typically printed and shipped the same day. You will receive a tracking code via email from Stamps.com once your order has shipped, allowing you to monitor its progress. Most customers receive their orders within two business days. However, delivery times may vary depending on your shipping address. Orders placed closer to Christmas may experience delays due to USPS shipping delays. We estimate that orders placed by December 17th will likely arrive by Christmas Eve. While we strive to meet this timeline, we cannot guarantee it, as final delivery is managed by the USPS. If you have any questions regarding your print order or its status, please contact our Customer Care Team.

Can I Pay With Cash?

We do not accept cash payments. We accept credit and debit cards for online bookings.

Where Are You Located?

Visit our locations page to find a studio near you! Use your zip code to locate your desired studio on the map. After selecting your studio, click on the "View Details" button. This action will direct you to the homepage for that particular studio's location. Here, you will find the studio's address, the name of the shopping center it's located in, and a detailed description of the studio's exact location.

What Are Your Hours of Operation?

The hours of operation for our studios differ based on location and the day of the week. Given that appointments are mandatory for all sessions, the most straightforward method to check the operating hours for your specific location is to log into your account. Once logged in, click the "Book Appointment" tab on the left hand side of your screen. You will be guided through the appointment booking process, allowing you to choose the day and time that best fits your schedule.

Can I Change My Child's Outfit During the Session?

Full outfit changes are not permitted, but small accessories like hats or scarves are allowed. Keep in mind that outfit changes may reduce your session time.

Can We Bring Our Own Props ( Santa Hats, etc...)?"

Yes, absolutely! Have some fun with it!

What Happens If It Is Raining or Cold Outside?

Our studio is fully weatherproof. Arrive 5 minutes early, wear warm clothing, and bring an umbrella if needed.

Can I Take Photos On My Phone?

Of course, you're welcome to use your cell phone to take photos or videos in the studio! We do ask that you avoid using flash photography, as it may interfere with our professional equipment. We also encourage parents to focus on capturing some video moments—after all, you've hired us to handle the photos!

What If I Can’t Find Parking?

If you're running behind for your appointment, it's crucial to contact our Customer Care Team as soon as possible. Our team will do everything possible to accommodate late arrivals, depending on our current schedule. However, please be aware that if you fail to check in at the studio's front desk within 3 minutes of your appointment time, your appintment may be skipped. Given the high demand, particularly on weekends and during the weeks leading up to Christmas, we recommend arriving at least 30-minutes early to ensure you have time to find parking. For location-specific parking advice, we suggest consulting the website of the shopping center where your session is scheduled.

Still Have Questions?

Send a message to our customer care team! We're here to help!