How to Plan a Perfect Sleigh Ride with Santa – Even Without Snow
A sleigh ride with Father Christmas is one of the most enchanting experiences you can offer during the festive season. Whether you’re planning a school celebration, a community event, or a private gathering, seeing Santa arrive in his sleigh is a moment children and adults alike will never forget.
While the UK isn’t exactly known for reliable snowy weather, that doesn’t mean you can’t create a truly magical sleigh ride experience. With some careful planning, thoughtful touches, and a bit of imagination, you can deliver a safe and festive event that delights everyone – snow or no snow.
Here’s a practical guide to help you plan a sleigh ride that runs smoothly, looks magical, and keeps everyone safe and happy.
Why a Sleigh Ride is Still Magical Without Snow
Many people assume sleigh rides need crisp white snow to be magical. In reality, it’s not the snow that makes the moment – it’s the atmosphere. The anticipation, the music, the decorations, and the arrival of Father Christmas in his sleigh all contribute to a sense of wonder that doesn’t depend on the weather.
Over the years, we’ve helped create memorable sleigh ride experiences in parks, playgrounds, village greens, school fields, and even town centres – without a snowflake in sight.
Key Considerations When Planning a Sleigh Ride with Santa
1. Choose the Right Sleigh Setup
If you’re planning a moving sleigh ride, you’ll need a safe and visually impressive sleigh. This doesn’t have to be traditional or pulled by reindeer – there are plenty of creative and practical alternatives, including:
A wooden sleigh on wheels, towed slowly by a quad bike or vintage tractor
A decorated trailer transformed into a mobile grotto
A horse or pony-drawn carriage dressed in festive trimmings
A motorised float or small vehicle made up to resemble a sleigh
Alternatively, a static sleigh scene can be just as effective, especially for younger children or smaller venues. Santa can sit in a beautifully decorated sleigh while children visit for a chat, a gift, and a photo.
2. Ensure a Safe and Accessible Route
If your sleigh will be on the move, safety must come first. Consider:
Using a flat, even surface for the sleigh to travel on
Choosing a route that is short, slow, and well-monitored
Keeping the public at a safe distance with clear barriers or marshals
Avoiding sharp corners, slopes, or uneven terrain
Making sure the sleigh is easy to board (or provides a step or ramp, if needed)
It’s essential to complete a risk assessment and ensure that your sleigh is stable and secure at all times. Safety should never be compromised for spectacle.
3. Create a Festive Atmosphere
A sleigh ride is about more than just transport – it’s about atmosphere. Even without snow, you can create a winter wonderland feel using:
Fairy lights and lanterns
Evergreen garlands and decorations
Gentle Christmas music playing in the background
Staff dressed as elves handing out small treats or welcoming guests
Faux snow made from bubbles or biodegradable confetti
Encourage attendees to dress in warm festive clothes and scarves. Even if the weather is mild, it helps reinforce the Christmas feel and makes photos look great too.
Planning for Children’s Experience
Planning a sleigh ride means thinking carefully about the children taking part. Consider how to make the moment feel magical for them, rather than just something to watch from a distance.
Here are some ideas to enhance the experience:
Arrange for children to hand letters to Santa during the ride
Provide each child with a small gift from Father Christmas
Allow time for a photo with Santa in or near the sleigh
Have elves or helpers available to chat to children while they wait
Create a quiet or sensory-friendly area for children who may be overwhelmed
The more personal the experience feels, the more memorable it becomes.
Don’t Forget the Practicalities
Weather
Rain is far more likely than snow in December, so have a wet weather plan. This could include waterproof covers for the sleigh, umbrellas for elves, or moving parts of the event indoors if necessary.
Permissions
If you’re planning to use public land, roads, or parks, make sure you have the necessary permission from your local authority. You may also need to apply for a temporary event notice (TEN), especially if you plan to serve refreshments, use amplified music, or gather a large crowd.
First Aid
Always ensure there’s a first aider on site, particularly if your event involves moving vehicles, large numbers of children, or animals.
Frequently Asked Questions: Hiring a Professional Santa for a Sleigh Ride
Do I need to hire a professional Santa for this type of event?
It’s highly recommended. A professional Santa is trained to stay in character, engage with children of all ages, and handle large public events calmly and safely.
Are professional Santas DBS-checked?
Yes. At Hire a Santa, all of our Santas are DBS-checked and experienced in working with children and families.
What kind of sleigh can Santa ride on?
Santa can adapt to a wide range of sleigh styles, from towed trailers and floats to static displays. If you already have a sleigh or plan to build one, we’re happy to coordinate around that.
Can Santa hand out gifts or letters during the sleigh ride?
Absolutely. We can arrange for Santa to hand out small presents, sweets, or notes provided by you, during the ride or at a designated stopping point.
Do you provide the sleigh as part of the booking?
We work with a range of partners and suppliers and can sometimes help source a sleigh or float. However, in many cases, event organisers provide the sleigh or vehicle, and we provide the professional performers.
What happens if it rains?
We advise all clients to have a back-up plan. This could mean moving the event indoors, using waterproof canopies, or shortening the sleigh route to reduce exposure.
Bringing the Magic to Life, Whatever the Weather
A sleigh ride with Father Christmas is a highlight of the festive season – and it’s entirely possible to create a magical experience, even without a flake of snow. By focusing on safety, atmosphere, and personal touches, you can deliver a sleigh ride event that brings smiles to every face.
Whether you’re planning something small and personal or large and public, remember that the heart of the event is the joy it brings. With the right planning, you’ll create memories that last long beyond Christmas.
If you’re considering a sleigh ride event this year and need help with performers, planning advice, or logistics, we’re happy to offer guidance. At Hire a Santa, we support schools, councils, families, and event organisers across the UK in creating magical moments that work – rain or shine.
