Santa Claus is one of the few service providers who not let his prices soar past inflation this year, judging by his latest price list.
A visit to Santa, including a small gift, now costs an average of €4.50 to €5 at shopping centres, although some department stores do not charge for the service.
In some cases, the price has dropped since the euro changeover while it has increased by a few cents in other cases.
Clerys on O'Connell Street in Dublin is providing the Santa visit free of charge this year, while children also get a small gift. "We look on it as a service to customers. It's not a money-making exercise," said a Clerys spokeswoman.
Across the road in Arnotts, a visit to Santa Claus is also free but does not include a present. This Santa Claus is an original, according to the store, as the 82-year-old has a real beard, which he begins growing every September.
Down in Cork, some Santas are providing an added value service to children. Every Santa on the roster at the Wilton Shopping Centre is bi-lingual, and provides the service in Irish for pupils of the local gael scoil.
Children get a "standard" parcel with their visit for €4.90 or a "bumper" parcel for €6.80.
The Merchant's Quay shopping centre in Cork charges €5 for a visit to Santa and a present.
A visit to Santa at the Liffey Valley Centre in Dublin costs €4.50 and includes a parcel, while a visit and a photograph costs €4.
In Galway Shopping Centre, it costs €4.50 to see Santa and this includes a small present. A photograph of the child with Santa costs €4.50.
Santa Claus at Dublin's Blanchardstown Centre costs €5, which includes a "deluxe present". Alternatively, children can opt for an instant photo and wallet at the same price.
Children pay €5 to see Santa Claus at the Stephen's Green Centre in Dublin. This includes a gift or a photograph of the child with Santa Claus.
So the price of a visit to Santa may not have soared this year, but with growing demands for playstations, DVDs and other technological wonders, all indications are that the price of Santa's toys will continue their annual upwards trend.
