A Portable North Pole alternative where your child talks back
Portable North Pole (PNP) is great at personalized videos and scheduled calls your child watches or listens to. If your child wants to talk to Santa and hear him answer, CallSanta is the alternative: they dial a real number and Santa holds a live conversation using the name, wish and good deed you gave him.
What's different
| Portable North Pole | CallSanta | |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Personalized video messages and scheduled calls | Live phone call your child dials |
| Can your child ask Santa things? | It plays a prepared message, as far as we can tell from PNP's own descriptions | Yes, Santa replies live |
| Personalization | Name, details, photos | Name, age, wish, good deed, siblings, pets, anything you type |
| Video | Yes, it's the core product | Voice call; HD video on the Keepsake plan |
| Price | Free options plus premium | $29, $49 or $79 one time, +$15 per extra child |
| Where | Worldwide, many languages | Calls from US (+1) and UK (+44) numbers, English |
PNP's features and prices change each season; check their site for the current lineup.
When PNP is the better pick
- You want Santa on screen, with your child's photo in the video.
- You want a free option.
- You're outside the US and UK, or want a language other than English.
When CallSanta is the better pick
- Your child wants to talk to Santa, not watch him.
- You have an older believer who'd spot a recording. Live replies hold up to "Santa, what's Rudolph's favorite snack?"
- You want a "how did he know?!" moment: Santa brings up the lost tooth, the new puppy, the good deed you told him about.
- It's late. The number arrives in seconds, even on Christmas Eve.
How it works: CallSanta's Santa voice is powered by advanced voice technology rather than an actor in costume. That's what lets him answer live, any time, with no queue.
How a CallSanta call works
- Enter your child's name, age, wish and a good deed (about two minutes, no account).
- Get your North Pole number by email and text within seconds.
- Hand them the phone whenever you're ready, with the camera rolling.
- Santa answers by name and they have a real conversation.
Questions
Can I use both?
Sure. Plenty of families send a video early in December and save a live call for closer to Christmas Eve.
Does Santa call my child?
No, your child calls him, so it happens when you're ready.
How long is the call?
Five minutes on the $29 Call plan. Family and Keepsake have no time limit.