How to Host A Pet Photos with Santa Event at Your Brewery

The holiday season is a time for spreading joy, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than by bringing together pet lovers, their furry friends, and Santa Claus? Hosting a "Pet Photos with Santa" event at your brewery is a fantastic way to combine the love of pets, holiday cheer, and craft beer, all while drawing new and returning customers to your brewery. Here’s how you can pull off this paw-some event!

1. Set the Date and Time

Choose a date that works well with the holiday season, ideally in early December so people have time to use the photos in holiday cards or social media. A weekend afternoon is typically the best time, as it accommodates families and people off from work. Be mindful of how long you want to run the event — 3 to 4 hours is a good timeframe for photos without overwhelming Santa (or the pets).

• Pro tip: If demand is high, consider hosting the event on multiple weekends, or break it up into time slots to manage crowd flow.

2. Partner with a Professional Photographer and Santa

To make the event truly special, hire a professional pet photographer who has experience working with animals. Their expertise will ensure the photos are of high quality and that they can capture pets (who might be wiggly!) in the best light.

• Find the right Santa: The Santa should be comfortable with pets, including dogs, cats, and even smaller animals like rabbits or birds. Make sure they are patient, gentle, and have a joyful, welcoming demeanor that puts both pets and owners at ease.

3. Set Up the Perfect Photo Area

The photo area should be festive, cozy, and pet-friendly. Create a winter wonderland backdrop with holiday décor like Christmas trees, wrapped presents, fairy lights, and perhaps a comfy chair for Santa. Make sure the space is large enough to accommodate larger pets and their owners for family shots.

• Safety first: Use non-toxic decorations, and keep fragile or breakable items out of pets’ reach. Avoid anything that could be harmful to pets, such as tinsel or small ornaments that could be ingested.

• Props for fun: Provide holiday-themed props for pets, like Santa hats, reindeer antlers, or Christmas scarves. Just make sure they are comfortable and safe for animals to wear.

4. Promote Your Event

Promotion is key to getting the word out about your "Pet Photos with Santa" event. Use your brewery’s social media channels, website, and newsletter to announce the event. Create cute, festive graphics featuring pets and Santa to grab attention. Highlight the photographer and any special features, such as pet-friendly treats or giveaways.

• Cross-promotion: Encourage pet owners to share the event with their friends, and invite local pet stores, grooming salons, and veterinary clinics to promote it as well. They can help reach an audience that might not regularly follow your brewery.

5. Make Your Brewery Pet-Friendly

To accommodate all your furry guests, ensure your brewery is pet-friendly for the day. Set up designated pet areas, provide water stations, and have plenty of waste bags available. Consider roping off certain areas if needed, and designate a calm space for pets that may get anxious or need a break from the excitement.

• Health and safety: Encourage pet owners to only bring vaccinated, well-behaved pets on leashes (or in carriers for smaller animals). This will ensure a smooth and safe event for everyone.

6. Special Holiday Brews and Pet-Friendly Treats

Make the event even more enticing by offering a special holiday-themed beer or drink. Whether it’s a spiced ale, a cranberry sour, or a peppermint stout, having an exclusive brew adds to the festive atmosphere and gives customers another reason to visit.

• Pet treats: Partner with a local pet bakery to offer free or for-sale holiday-themed pet treats. You can also sell "pup cups" (whipped cream in a cup) or other pet-friendly snacks to make the pets feel extra special.

7. Offer Donation Opportunities

The holiday season is a great time to give back. Partner with a local animal shelter or rescue organization to raise funds or collect donations. You can ask for a small fee for the photo session and donate a portion of the proceeds to a local animal charity. Or, encourage attendees to bring items like pet food, toys, or blankets for donation.

• Adoption opportunities: You might also consider inviting a local shelter to bring adoptable pets to the event. This can increase awareness and help find homes for animals in need.

8. Prepare for the Logistics

To ensure the day runs smoothly, have a plan in place for managing the flow of people and pets. A sign-up or ticketing system with time slots can help avoid long wait times and crowding. Volunteers or staff can help guide participants, ensuring everything runs smoothly from arrival to photo session.

• Check-in desk: Set up a check-in area where pet owners can register and pay for their photo sessions. Consider having some holiday swag, like brewery-branded ornaments or Santa hats, available for purchase while they wait.

9. Engage with Attendees and Create Shareable Moments

During the event, encourage attendees to share their photos on social media and tag your brewery. You could create a custom hashtag like #BrewerySantaPaws or offer an incentive, such as a discount on their next beer, for sharing their photos online.

• Photo print or digital options: Give pet owners the option to receive physical prints or digital copies of their photos. Digital versions make it easy for them to share their adorable holiday snaps on social media.

10. Thank Attendees and Follow Up

After the event, show your appreciation to everyone who attended. Post event photos on social media, tag participants, and thank the photographer, Santa, and any partners who helped make the day a success. If you hosted a fundraiser, share the results and thank attendees for their generosity.

• Create a tradition: If the event is a hit, consider making it an annual tradition. Guests will look forward to bringing their pets back year after year, making your brewery part of their holiday celebrations.

Final Thoughts

Hosting a "Pet Photos with Santa" event at your brewery is a fun and festive way to bring the community together, attract new customers, and create lasting holiday memories for pet lovers. With careful planning, creative touches, and plenty of holiday spirit, your event will be one that locals—and their furry friends—will look forward to each holiday season. Cheers to spreading holiday joy, one paw at a time!