Early Bird Special - Book your private sitting for October and pay 2024 prices - that's a saving of $35.
Valid until 31st October 2025 the new price structure applies from 1st November.
About Hunter Valley Santa
Santa isn’t just a costume here in the Hunter Valley — he’s the real deal. With his snowy white real beard, twinkling eyes, and jolly laugh, our Santa is as authentic as they come. Children instantly believe in the magic, and parents love the genuine smiles this brings out. Families return year after year because the experience feels truly special.
Santa has been bringing Christmas joy to folks in the Hunter Valley for over 15 years. With warmth, kindness, and a touch of holiday sparkle, he has created magical memories for countless children and parents who treasure these moments for years to come .
Behind the scenes, Santa is supported by a dedicated team who ensure each session runs smoothly. From creating a festive set to helping families feel comfortable, our staff work hard to make the experience relaxed, organised, and filled with fun.
It is an honour for Santa to be trusted by so many returning families. Each season, he welcomes back familiar faces — children who have grown up in front of the camera, parents who continue the tradition, and new little ones beginning theirs. For Santa, the greatest gift is being part of these cherished family memories.
15 Years
Serving The Hunter Valley
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hunter Valley Santa?
A Christmas photography business located in East Maitland.
How can I book a session?
Bookings can be made online via a links on this site and on our socials, a deposit will be taken via our integrated Square system.
Bookings will be released weekly on a Sunday Evening at 7.30pm for the week ahead.
What makes this Santa special?
Our Santa features a real beard, providing an authentic and magical experience for family and children's photos.
Do you always get great photos?
No, we focus solely on Children, Babies and Families.
Where are the photos taken?
All sessions are conducted indoors, in a festive, themed setting to enhance the magical experience.
Do you offer pet photography?
I would say 95% yes but the majority of two year olds are notorious for being scared of Santa. Then we have the shy children. Our team does their best to capture great photos but sometimes we may need the parents help to distract the child.
At the discretion of Santa, on occasion we may have to re-book your session and try again.
When will bookings be available?
The first bookings will be released on Sunday 29th September for 1st - 5th October inclusive.
You will not be able to book more than seven (7) days ahead.
What days is Santa working in 2025?
Santa will be working Wednesday through to Sunday inclusive. Unless otherwise advised.
How long are the sittings?
The sittings are strictly 15 minutes duration.
We advise arriving 10 minutes before your appointment so the children can settle and catch their breath before seeing Santa. It also helps for the little ones to observe Santa.
What if I am late?
Unfortunately if you are late, your session will be shortened so as not to inconvenience the next appointment.
Why can't I get a weekend Booking?
Like yourself, nearly everyone wants a weekend booking. These are the first to go and they go quickly as do after school spots. If your child is not of school age, you are likely to be more successful if you try for the middle of the week.
Is there a deposit required?
Yes, a non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking, with the balance paid in cash on the day of the photos.
When I secure a spot on the booking page how long do I have to finalise it?
You will have 15 minutes to enter you payment details and secure the booking. If you haven't finalised it by this time, the appointment time will go back into the system.
What are the photo session types?
We focus exclusively on family, babies and children's Santa photos, so no pet photography is available.
What ages do you see?
Our youngest customer was four hours old and our oldest was 103 years old so no limit to age or ability.
My child has special needs?
All of our children are special in their own individual way, we run private sittings for this very reason. We are more than aware that many shopping centre Santas will not see children with special needs as they take too much time. Weekend bookings go extremely fast so try for a weekday they go much slower.
Can I bring my pets?
Unfortunately no! We offer family, babies and children's Santa photo sessions only, ensuring a magical experience for everyone.
I want to buy photo frames ready for my photos what size do I need?
The photo sizes that we print are 6x8 inch and 4x6 inch. The only photos that will be in the portrait orientation are those taken in the chair. Both of the other sets will be in landscape orientation.
What is the booking process?
All bookings are made online, we do not make bookings for you, we have no control over who books what day or time.
You can easily book online through our website, with a deposit taken via Square.
Where are we?
Shop 9&10, 116 High St
East Maitland
We are in the same location as last year.
116 High Street East Maitland
NOT
High Street Maitland
