The link hosts Festival of Trees

Posted Sunday, November 30, 2025 1:01 am

By Sylvie McCarthy

The link hosted its second annual Festival of Trees, in partnership with To The Moon Party Designs, on Nov. 22.

The event featured holiday trees decorated and sponsored by various local businesses and organizations. These businesses and organizations included Compass Real Estate, Zany Du & SJC Silent Book Club, New Beauty Company Aesthetics, Unlockt, Ponte Vedra King of Pops, Chomic Combat Karate and Care On Call Pediatrics.

This year’s festival featured live music, kids’ crafts, free photos with Santa and a local makers’ holiday market.

One of these local makers was Shine by Julie and Sue. Julie and Sue are two best friends who just started their own candle business.

“We decided we wanted to bring light to the world,” said Julie.

These candles are modeled after designer handbags such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel. They come in all different colors and styles and they can be made scented or unscented.

“It’s something different and it’s something fun,” said Julie…

Choosing the Right Real-Bearded Santa in Northeast Florida

Whether you’re planning a coastal mini-session, a neighborhood sleigh stop, or a corporate tree-lighting, the right real-bearded Santa can make (or break) the magic. Use this 10-point checklist, then see city-by-city tips for Daytona Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Palm Coast, Nocatee, St. Johns, St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, and World Golf Village.

The 10-Point Santa Hiring Checklist

• • Real beard + pro wardrobe: A well-groomed real beard, premium suit(s), boots, belt, and accessories that photograph well.
  • Safety first: Current background check, liability insurance, and a clear event contract with cancellation terms.
  • Experience fit: Comfort with your event type—family minis, HOA gatherings, corporate parties, school visits, or parades.
  • Photo-forward skills: Knows camera angles, hand placement, and how to manage shy kids quickly during minis.
  • Performance style: Gentle voice, storytelling, carols, quick crowd control, and “Santa-isms” (sleigh talk, Nice List, reindeer lore).
  • Timeline discipline: Runs on time, handles 10-minute minis, and keeps lines moving without rushing the magic.
  • Weather plan: Shade, wind, and salt-air strategies for beaches; rain cover and backup locations.
  • Accessibility: Seated and standing pose options; ADA-friendly approach; sensory-aware with quiet cues.
  • References + reputation: Recent reviews, repeat clients, and portfolio links you can verify.
  • Professional network: Memberships (e.g., IBRBS), Mrs. Claus/elf options, and relationships with photographers/venues.

City-by-City Tips

Daytona Beach Real Beard Santa

• Beach minis: Ask about wind management (beard grooming, hat pins) and golden-hour booking to avoid glare.
• Large events: For boardwalk or resort parties, confirm sound support (portable mic) and a secure green room.
• Parking + load-in: Detail where Santa parks and the closest drop-off to the set.

Ponte Vedra Beach Real Beard Santa

• Upscale venues: Premium suit quality and clean boot wraps to protect flooring often matter here.
• Private clubs & HOAs: Ensure COI (certificate of insurance) is available and vendor rules are met.
• Photo aesthetics: Confirm a neutral, classic palette to match elegant décor.

Palm Coast Real Beard Santa

• Coastal breeze: Choose sheltered nooks for sets; secure props like trees, surfboards, and umbrellas.
• Community events: Ask about line handling, quick poses, and kid-friendly storytelling for big turnouts.
• Backup plan: Identify a covered patio or clubhouse in case of showers.

Nocatee Real Beard Santa

• Family neighborhoods: Book short, repeatable time slots (e.g., 10-minute minis) with QR-based check-in.
• Golf cart access: Clarify route, turnaround space, and escort if needed.
• HOA rules: Some amenities require pre-approval—submit insurance and vendor forms early.

St. Johns Real Beard Santa

• School + church events: Verify background checks, and request a quiet holding area between sets.
• Neighborhood parties: For cul-de-sac visits, plan a clear arrival cue and photo order to reduce wait times.
• Parking: Reserve a driveway space near the set to protect the suit and save time.

St. Augustine Real Beard Santa

• Historic venues: Narrow streets and limited parking—create a load-in map and contact on arrival.
• Nights of Lights: Traffic is heavy; build buffer time and consider earlier sessions for families.
• Photo mood: Warm, classic styling pairs beautifully with historic backdrops.

St. Augustine Beach Real Beard Santa

• Sand-safe setup: Solid chair, weighted décor, and beard wind checks every few families.
• Sun strategy: Book sunrise or late-day minis; bring microfiber cloths for lenses and glasses.
• Tide & access: Confirm walkway access for robes, boots, and props.

World Golf Village Real Beard Santa

• Resort & clubhouse events: Request COI, confirm room layout, and plan a kid flow from entry to exit.
• Corporate photos: Ask about step-and-repeat backdrops and branded prop approvals.
• Timeline: Build micro-breaks every 45–60 minutes to keep energy high.

Real Beard Santa Booking Tips That Save the Season

• Book early: Prime November weekends and the first two weeks of December go first.
• Put it in writing: Contract, deposit, call sheet, parking, rain plan, and on-site contact.
• Prep your set: Clearly marked line, kid-height bench or Santa chair, and shade whenever possible.
• Photographer sync: Shot list, pose flow (solo kids → siblings → family), and final group photo.

Book The Real Papa Claus for minis, private parties, corporate events, and beach sessions across Northeast Florida.

FAQs

How far in advance should we book a real-bearded Santa?

For prime weekends, 6–12 weeks ahead is smart. For sunrise/sunset beach minis, reserve as soon as you have your date and tide window.

What safety and insurance should we ask for?

Request a current background check and general liability coverage. Some venues also require a certificate of insurance (COI).

What makes beach sessions different?

Wind, glare, sand, and tides. Choose golden hour, bring weights for décor, and plan a nearby covered backup spot.

Can Santa handle large crowds and keep us on schedule?

Yes—an experienced Santa runs a tight timeline, uses clear cues, and coordinates with your host or photographer to keep lines moving.

Will Santa bring Mrs. Claus or helpers?

Some Santas do. Ask about Mrs. Claus, elves, and mic/sound support if you’re planning corporate or HOA events.