FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes The Candlelight Carolers unique?

We guarantee a high-quality musical performance, friendly performers, and unique, festive costumes. We take pride in our selective with our roster of singers, contracting some of the best working singers in Southern California. Our culture is upbeat, friendly and professional. Our costume design is unique to our group, based on mid-1800's Victorian styles from both sides of the Atlantic. The "bell" silhouette of the women along with the men's coattails and striking vests evoke a Main Street Americana version of the classic Dickens Caroler look.

How can I use the time I booked?

We will adapt to the needs of your event! We can stroll and carol, greet guests with song, perform a concert, provide ambience in the background, sing table side, or appear on your doorstep to surprise and delight your guests. You can also choose to use part of the time for photo ops. We are flexible and will assist you in any way we can to deliver the best experience for your party. 

Can we take photos with you?

Of course, we love to take photos! We only ask that photo ops be planned within the time booked. Our singers often need to leave right on time to spread cheer at another party.

What if we love you so much, we want you to stay extra time?

It might be possible, depending on the singers' schedules! Additional time is billed in 30 minute increments. If they don't need to scurry off to another event, we can bill you and settle up afterwards.

Do you require break times?

Performances up to an hour do not require a break. For performances over an hour, a 15 minute break is required after every hour, deducted from the overall performance time. Appearances longer than four hours may require a meal break. Break times are included in the overall time the carolers are onsite. 

If I book for an hour of singing, can I split the time up over a few hours?

No; the singers are paid for the duration of the time they are physically at your event, and will be inclusive of any break times. You can choose to use the time in the manner which works best for your itinerary! You can choose to have us stand for a photo op, pass out party favors, etc. Let us know and we will plan for it!

Are dressing rooms needed for the performance?

No dressing rooms necessary! We will arrive at your door, dressed and ready to go unless the event needs call for otherwise.

Do we need to provide food or refreshments? 

No, we do not require refreshments or meals for bookings under 3 hours. For bookings over 3-4 hours, the singers do require a meal break. 

Are tips expected?

Tips are not required, but always appreciated by the singers. Note that will not annoy you with a tipping question when you pay your invoice, so if you do desire to tip in advance, let us know so we can include the option. 

Why is Christmas Eve and Christmas Day more expensive?

After a long month of singing, we like to spend the holidays with our families and loved ones! While we do accept bookings if we have availability, the singers receive a special holiday pay rate. 

Do you need microphones?

We do not travel with a sound system. We prefer to sing unamplified, where so we can manage our own blend and guarantee our best performance. If you choose to mic us for your event, please provide two (2) omnidirectional microphones, (vs. unidirectional that only picks up the voice right in front of it), so that we can balance ourselves around them. One microphone is too challenging to gather around, due to our costumes.

What songs do you sing?

Our song book contains a mix of contemporary, traditional, jazzy and chidren's songs. See our Song List here. 

Can you learn a custom song?

Yes! We charge an extra fee depending on the difficulty of the song, and how much rehearsal time will be required. Give us all the details of what you are looking for and we will get you a custom quote.