What to Expect at a Breakfast or Tea with Santa Event

There’s something truly magical about the idea of sharing a meal with Father Christmas himself. For children, it’s a chance to spend quality time with the big man in red, away from the rush of shopping centres or long queues at a grotto. For parents and organisers, a breakfast or tea with Santa event is a brilliant way to combine festive fun with delicious food.

If you’re considering attending or hosting one of these events this year, here’s a guide to what you can expect — from the atmosphere to the activities, and how to make the most of the experience.

A Warm Welcome and a Festive Setting

The first thing you’ll notice when you arrive at a breakfast or tea with Santa event is the atmosphere. Venues are usually dressed with Christmas decorations — twinkling lights, tinsel, baubles, and maybe even a Christmas tree or two. Background carols set the mood, and staff or elves are often on hand to greet families.

Children usually receive a warm welcome from Santa’s helpers as they’re shown to their tables. Some events include small festive activities while you wait for the meal to be served, such as colouring sheets, crackers, or even a Christmas quiz. This helps build excitement before Santa makes his big entrance.

A Visit from Santa Himself

Of course, the highlight of the event is Santa. Unlike a busy grotto, a breakfast or tea with Santa allows for a more relaxed, personal interaction.

Typically, Santa arrives partway through the meal, welcomed by the sound of bells, applause, or a round of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” He’ll walk around the room greeting families, stopping to chat with each child at their table.

What makes this format special is the time children get with Santa. Instead of a hurried moment on a chair, they can talk to him while enjoying their food, ask questions about the North Pole, or share what’s on their Christmas list. Professional Santas are experienced at handling both excited chatter and shy smiles, making each child feel seen and included.

Food and Festive Treats

Breakfast or tea with Santa events vary from venue to venue, but the food is always part of the fun.

For breakfast events, you might expect:

Pancakes with festive toppings

Cooked breakfasts or continental selections

Hot chocolate with marshmallows

Fresh fruit, pastries, or cereal options for children

For afternoon tea events, popular choices include:

Finger sandwiches with classic fillings

Scones with jam and cream

Festive biscuits and cakes

Seasonal drinks such as mulled apple juice or spiced hot chocolate

Menus are usually family-friendly, and some venues offer themed children’s meals, complete with gingerbread or candy cane treats.

Activities and Entertainment

To keep the festive spirit flowing, many breakfast or tea with Santa events include fun activities before or after the meal. Depending on the venue, you might find:

Storytelling sessions: Santa or Mrs Claus reading a Christmas tale

Sing-alongs: Traditional carols or children’s Christmas songs led by Santa’s elves

Craft corners: Making decorations, writing letters to Santa, or creating reindeer food

Games and quizzes: Elf-led fun that keeps children engaged while they wait for their turn to chat with Santa

These extra touches help make the event feel like more than just a meal — it becomes a full festive experience for the whole family.

Gifts and Photo Opportunities

One of the most exciting moments for children is receiving a small gift from Santa. This might be handed out at the table or presented during a more formal moment when Santa calls children up by name. Gifts are usually age-appropriate keepsakes, books, or toys.

Of course, no visit with Santa is complete without a photo opportunity. At most events, families have the chance to take pictures with Santa, either at their table or in a designated festive photo area. These make perfect souvenirs and can also be shared with family and friends to spread the Christmas cheer.

Venues Hosting Breakfast or Tea with Santa

The great thing about these events is that they’re adaptable to almost any venue. Some of the most popular places to host a breakfast or tea with Santa include:

Hotels: Larger venues can host grand festive breakfasts with space for many families.

Pubs and Restaurants: Increasingly popular for family-friendly seasonal events.

Cafés: Smaller venues offering cosy, intimate gatherings.

Schools: Fundraising breakfasts or teas with Santa work brilliantly for PTAs and school communities.

Community Centres and Halls: Ideal for local groups or charity organisations.

No matter the venue, the magic lies in the combination of good food, festive fun, and personal interaction with Santa.

Why a Professional Santa Makes All the Difference

While it might be tempting for venues to ask a staff member or volunteer to don the red suit, the difference between an amateur and a professional Santa is huge. Professional Santas:

Stay fully in character, creating a believable and authentic experience

Are trained to engage with children of all ages and abilities

Know how to handle large groups, shy children, and tricky questions

Work seamlessly with elves, Mrs Claus, and event organisers

Ensure the atmosphere is magical and the event runs smoothly

At Hire a Santa, we supply professional Santas nationwide, along with elves and Mrs Claus performers, to make events like breakfasts and teas truly unforgettable. With years of experience and plenty of festive charm, our performers know how to turn an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Make This Christmas One to Remember

A breakfast or tea with Santa is more than just food and fun — it’s an opportunity for families to slow down, connect, and make memories together in the run-up to Christmas.

From the moment Santa walks in to the final wave goodbye, these events sparkle with festive cheer and leave children with stories they’ll tell for weeks afterwards.

If you’re thinking of attending or hosting a breakfast or tea with Santa this year, now is the time to plan. With professional Santas, elves, and Mrs Claus available through Hire a Santa, you can be sure of an event that delights children, impresses parents, and brings the magic of Christmas to life.