BELIEVE! Santa — Where Family Memory Meets Artful Experience
BELIEVE!!
BELIEVE! Santa — A Family Tradition, Captured in Art
A private, story-driven holiday gathering that celebrates the joy of childhood, connection, and tradition — designed to be felt long after the session ends.
More than a portrait with Santa, this is a moment your family will carry forward — a blend of laughter, wonder, and genuine interaction captured with thoughtful intention.
We guide the experience; you live it.
Coming in 2026 - A New Santa's Workshop!
Coming in 2026 - A New Santa's Workshop!
A word from the artist - chris smith
My greatest Christmas influence was my grandmother, Dolly.
As a child, her home always felt magical — not because it was extravagant, but because everything was intentional. Christmas wasn’t about excess, although some of my most memorable gifts came from her home. The tree was placed just right. She hand-made the stockings that hung over a huge brick fireplace, perfect for Santa to come down. The decorations were classic and tasteful. The Lenox Christmas china came out only once a year. Nothing felt rushed or accidental, and that care made the season feel special.
That feeling stayed with me.
When families come here, I want them to feel the same sense of warmth and presence—the feeling that takes you back to a familiar feeling . An experience where details matter, tradition is respected, and the atmosphere itself feels meaningful.
Whether a family visits once or returns year after year, my goal is the same: to create something that feels thoughtfully made and deeply felt — an experience, and the artwork that follows, that becomes part of what’s remembered and passed on.
Every BELIEVE! Santa session is a guided, private story experience — not a rushed photo shoot.
Here’s what families enjoy:
A thoughtfully designed interaction with Santa that brings out natural joy and conversation
A cherished gift from Santa that becomes part of your holiday traditions
Beautiful hand-finished artwork created by a Master Artist
A personalized viewing and consultation — because this moment deserves careful attention
Social-ready images so you can instantly share the joy with loved ones
Every element is designed to honor your family’s story.
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“We absolutely love this tradition/experience and look forward to it every year. Not only do we cherish this artwork now as a young family, but I know down the road, when our children have children, we will hold these images so dear.”
Tiffany G – Allen, TX
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“Beautiful set designs, worth the drive! Our 8 yr. old was so excited to meet “the REAL Santa!”
Celeste S – Lewisville, TX
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“This is a memorable experience you and the kids will never forget. This is our sixth year to come. The product is amazing as well!”
Joette K – Trophy Club, TX
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“Everything about our visit was MAGNIFICENT!!! We've been coming since she was a baby and look forward to it every time.”
Elana M – Rowlett, TX
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“Overall, everything was just perfect. Thank you for creating such a magical morning for our children. I can’t wait to be back for our tenth visit!”
Brittany R – Fort Worth, TX
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“We absolutely loved every second we shared with you. Our sweet little man just loves Santa now and cannot get enough! we cannot stop showing off the pictures and the experience!”
Allison R - McKinney, TX
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“We always LOVE our Santa photos! People often don’t even realize that it’s real, it looks so amazing!”
Tara M – Waxahachie, TX
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“I love the experience so much and so does my little girl!!! We never miss a year, and we fly in from Florida to keep making memories.”
Debra B – Jupiter, FL
An Experience Designed to Be Felt, Not Posed
From the moment your family steps inside, the focus shifts away from the camera and toward connection.
Our Santa sessions are guided experiences — built around conversation, imagination, and genuine interaction. Children aren’t asked to sit still or “say cheese.” They are invited to talk with Santa, explore the space, share their thoughts, and be themselves.
Parents often tell us they forget they’re in a photo session at all.
Laughter happens naturally. Quiet moments unfold unexpectedly. The most meaningful expressions appear in between — when a child leans in, when a smile softens, when wonder takes over. Those are the moments we’re watching for.
We guide gently, never forcing a pose or rushing a moment. Each experience is unrushed and intentional, allowing your family to settle into the story as it unfolds. What we create together feels more like a shared memory than a scheduled appointment.
The result isn’t just beautiful photographs — it’s an experience your family leaves feeling.
And that feeling is what lasts.
Experiences start at $149
Original Collection:
Since 2012 (1 hour session)
Our original and best-selling experience! $299 + MInimum
Original Collection — A Full Holiday Journey
This 60-minute private experience is our signature way to slow down the season and truly enjoy the magic with Santa, guided in a way that invites real connection, laughter, and heartfelt moments.
A $500 purchase minimum applies, and most families choose artwork that reflects how they want to remember this moment — often ranging from keepsake prints to heirloom pieces.
This is where stories are born.
Baby’s first collection:
(30-minute session)
Designed for youR baby’s first Christmas! $149 + MINIMIM
Baby’s First Christmas — A Tender Beginning
Designed for your little one’s first magical encounter with Santa, this tender experience is gentle, interactive, and crafted to honor this special first of many traditions.
Only for a single baby, aged 4 days – 12 months (no siblings, please)
A $250 purchase minimum applies, and most families choose artwork that reflects how they want to remember this moment — often ranging from keepsake prints to heirloom pieces.
cOUSIN’S and extended families
Share this tradition with the whole family! $349+MINIMUM
Designed for groups of 6 or more
A 60-90 minute, private, interactive experience with Santa Claus
Cousins & Extended Family — A Holiday Heirloom Together
When family gathers across generations, the joy multiplies. This session is crafted to capture shared laughter, warm connections, and a collective memory you’ll revisit year after year.
A $500 purchase minimum applies, and most families choose to add their own purchases to create pieces for each sibling set, as well as the entire group.
Based on your group size, we’d love to consult to find the right session length for your family.
SANTA Encounter (30-min)
Believe! 30-Minute Encounter at our MIDLOTHIAN Studio $199 + MINIMUM
Perfect for families who want to enjoy real connection in a shorter moment — but with the same thoughtful attention and artistry.
A $500 purchase minimum applies, and most families choose artwork that reflects how they want to remember this moment — often ranging from keepsake prints to heirloom pieces.
*MIDLOTHIAN STUDIO* QUICK TAKE (15-min)
Quick Take Family or Child’s Portraits at our Midlothian Studio $149
Midlothian ONLY
A refreshed take on tradition, this shorter session offers joyful interaction and a beautiful set of images you’ll love sharing — with no pressure beyond making a meaningful memory.
A 15-minute, private, quick visit with Santa Claus (about 10 minutes of actual camera time)
A $149 digital image delivery of 8-12 print-ready images
No additional purchase is required for our quick take session. A credit will apply toward your first 12-image downloads. Additional items are available for online purchase.
Get in touch
Fill out this form or call 972-723-2464, and we will answer any questions, provide clarity, and book your appointment. If this is your first time visiting, we highly a consultation before booking.
nEED sOME HELP FINDING THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT?
At BELIEVE! Santa, we don’t pose — we invite wonder. Here are the moments we facilitate to spark joy and genuine connection:
Find their name on Santa’s nice list
Paint toys in his workshop
Deliver and mail their Santa letter to the North Pole mailroom
Make cookies with Mrs. Claus
Make magic snow
Find the North Pole on Santa’s globe
Read a story with Santa
MEET SANTA POPPY
Building a tradition
Santa Poppy and Mrs. Claus will be performing after Thanksgiving, through Christmas, at our Midlothian Studio.
Meet Santa Poppy (Jeff) & Mrs. Stacy Claus
Jeff and Stacy Elliott’s love story is as magical as Christmas itself. The two first met as teenagers at a church camp in Ohio in 1981. After 25 years apart, they reunited and married in 2011—proof that love, like the holiday spirit, always finds its way home.
Jeff is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and proudly served 29 years in the U.S. Army. After retiring from active duty, he continued serving the nation as a civilian with the Department of Defense. His military career led him across the globe, introducing him to rich cultures and unforgettable experiences. Stacy, meanwhile, spent most of her adult life in North Carolina before, by God’s grace, the couple settled in Texas in 2017—a place they now lovingly call their forever home.
Together, they have two wonderful daughters and three amazing grandchildren who keep the Christmas spirit alive year-round. Deeply rooted in faith, Jeff and Stacy are active members of their church and serve as Care Ministers, regularly visiting assisted living communities in Midlothian, TX to share love, laughter, and encouragement.
Their journey as Santa Poppy and Mrs. Stacy Claus began in 2023 with a heartfelt request from Stacy. A lifelong collector of Santa figurines, Stacy had lost her holiday spark after a tragic family loss in 2019. But she felt a stirring in her heart and asked Jeff to step into the red suit for their assisted living family’s Christmas celebration. That moment was transformational.
Witnessing the childlike wonder and joy in the eyes of senior residents rekindled their holiday spirit—and set them on a path they never expected. Since then, they’ve been honored to share the Christmas magic with children, families, and seniors across Texas and beyond.
Whether it’s storytelling, hugs, holiday parties, or heartwarming conversations, Santa Poppy and Mrs. Stacy Claus are passionate about creating meaningful, joy-filled Christmas experiences. Their mission is simple: to spread the spirit of love, laughter, and belief in the magic of Christmas everywhere, all year long.
MEET SANTA RUSS
A NEW LEGACY BEGINS in 2025
Santa Poppy and Mrs. Claus will be performing through Thanksgiving 2025 in our Midlothian Studio.
Meet Santa Russell & Mrs. Claus Angie
Russell Ellison and his wife, Angie, have been married for over 30 years. High school sweethearts and lifelong residents of Ellis County, they’ve raised three wonderful daughters and now cherish the time they spend with their growing number of grandchildren. Their lives are deeply rooted in faith, family, and community. Active members of their church, the Ellisons enjoy the peaceful rhythm of life on their small farm just outside of Ennis, Texas.
Their journey into portraying Santa and Mrs. Claus began in 2020, when Russell grew out his beard for the first time. To his surprise, it came in completely white. It was Angie who first suggested he might make a great Santa Claus—and what started as a lighthearted idea for their friends and church quickly evolved into something much bigger.
After receiving an unexpected call from an agency that had heard about him and wanted to book his services, Russell and Angie realized that this calling had grown beyond a seasonal pastime.
With years of experience in youth and children’s ministry, Russell had already developed the skills that make him a natural Santa—genuine warmth, the ability to connect with children, a listening ear, and a heart for creating meaningful moments. Angie, as Mrs. Claus, brings grace, joy, and a nurturing presence to every visit.
Though Russell may be known as a professional Santa performer, he and Angie see these roles as much more than costumes or appearances. Being Santa and Mrs. Claus is a reflection of who they are—people committed to spreading joy, showing kindness, and living each day with love, integrity, and purpose.
As Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Ellisons look forward to meeting families, sharing in their Christmas celebrations, and helping create magical moments that will be treasured for years to come.
