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Santa Claus Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

This behind-the-scenes role helps create magical guest experiences by ensuring costumes worn by Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, elves, and WW Mascot are clean, safe, properly fitted, and performance-ready.

Santa Claus information

See Virginia salary details

$47

$59

$70

How much do santa claus jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for santa claus in Virginia is $59.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53.61 and $65.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Santa Claus?

A Santa Claus job involves portraying the beloved holiday figure at events, malls, and gatherings. Responsibilities include engaging with children and families, posing for photos, listening to wish lists, and spreading holiday cheer. Santa performers often wear traditional red suits, white beards, and maintain a jolly demeanor. Strong improvisation, patience, and a friendly personality are essential for success in this role.

What are the typical working hours and environments for Santa Claus?

Santa Claus roles are often seasonal, with peak demand during November and December. Working hours can include weekends, evenings, and holidays to accommodate holiday events, mall hours, and community gatherings. Environments range from shopping malls and retail stores to private parties and corporate events, so you should be comfortable engaging with groups of all sizes. Teamwork is important, as Santas frequently collaborate with photographers, event coordinators, and support staff to create a seamless guest experience. Flexibility and a cheerful attitude are key to adapting to different venues and managing busy schedules.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Santa Claus, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Santa Claus, you need strong interpersonal skills, an outgoing personality, and experience working with children and families. Familiarity with costume upkeep, photo setups, and sometimes background checks or child safety certifications is common. Patience, warmth, improvisation, and the ability to create magical moments are outstanding soft skills for this role. These skills ensure a positive guest experience and help establish a trustworthy, joyful presence in high-traffic public settings.

How to get a job as a Santa Claus?

To become a Santa Claus, individuals typically need to have a friendly demeanor, good communication skills, and often a background in acting or entertainment. Many Santa performers are hired through specialized agencies, holiday events, or retail stores, and some may wear a Santa costume and beard to portray the role authentically. Experience in customer service or event hosting can also be beneficial.

What are popular job titles related to Santa Claus jobs in Virginia?

For Santa Claus jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Santa Claus jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Santa Claus jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Santa Claus jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Santa Claus job openings:

Infographic showing various Santa Claus job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,927 per year, or $59.6 per hour.

Wardrobe Technician

AEG

Richmond, VA • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Launder, steam, press, sanitize, and maintain costumes according to department standards.

  • Perform hand and machine sewing repairs, respond to costume emergencies, and maintain repair records.

  • Assist performers with costume fittings, dressing, and quick changes to ensure proper fit and appearance.


Job description

About WinterWorld
WinterWorld RVA is seeking a dependable, organized, and enthusiastic Wardrobe/Costume Staff to support the daily operation of the Wardrobe Department during Richmond's premier holiday event. This behind-the-scenes role helps create magical guest experiences by ensuring costumes worn by Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, elves, and WW Mascot are clean, safe, properly fitted, and performance-ready. The ideal candidate enjoys working in a fast-paced theatrical environment, has basic sewing skills, pays close attention to detail, and enjoys supporting performers as part of a collaborative entertainment team.
Costume Care & Maintenance
• Launder, steam, press, sanitize, and maintain costumes according to department standards.
• Inspect costumes daily for stains, damage, missing buttons, broken zippers, and general wear.
• Properly hang, store, and organize costumes to maximize their lifespan.
• Maintain costume appearance throughout operating hours.
Costume Repairs
• Perform hand and machine sewing repairs including hems, seams, buttons, zippers, Velcro, snaps, and minor alterations.
• Respond quickly to costume emergencies during performances.
• Maintain repair records and report major repair needs to the Stage Manager.
Performer Support
• Assist with costume fittings before and during the season.
• Help performers dress before performances and assist with quick costume changes when needed.
• Ensure costumes fit properly while maintaining character appearance standards.
• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality when working with performers.
Wardrobe Operations
• Preset costumes before performer call times.
• Track costume check-in/check-out and maintain inventory.
• Organize dressing rooms, laundry areas, storage rooms, and wardrobe workspaces.
• Report missing or damaged costume pieces.
• Assist with opening, closing, inventory, and end-of-season costume storage.
General Responsibilities
• Follow all safety policies and wardrobe procedures.
• Maintain clean, organized work areas.
• Work collaboratively with entertainment, stage management, and operations teams.
• Bring own sewing kit and supplies to work.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications & Skills
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One year of experience in theatre wardrobe, costume shop, apparel production, or a related field preferred.
• Basic knowledge of garment construction, fabric care, and costume maintenance.
• Ability to hand sew and operate a sewing machine.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Reliable attendance throughout the seasonal operating period.
Preferred
• Experience in live entertainment, theatre, theme parks, festivals, or performing arts.
• Knowledge of theatrical quick changes, costume inventory, and wig care.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
• Strong attention to detail
• Excellent time management
• Professional appearance and demeanor
• Ability to remain calm under pressure
• Flexibility in a fast-paced environment
• Commitment to maintaining high costume presentation standards
Physical Requirements
• Lift and carry up to 35 pounds.
• Stand and walk for extended periods (up to 8 hours).
• Perform repetitive hand movements including sewing, ironing, steaming, and garment handling.
• Push and pull rolling costume racks.
• Work indoors and outdoors in varying winter weather conditions.
Working Conditions
• This position operates in a fast-paced live entertainment environment with backstage activity, theatrical lighting and sound, varying temperatures, evening and holiday schedules, and frequent interaction with performers and entertainment staff.
Benefits & Compensation
  • Competitive seasonal compensation.

Join the Magic
At WinterWorld RVA, wardrobe is more than costumes-it's an essential part of the storytelling. Every perfectly prepared costume helps create unforgettable holiday memories for thousands of guests. If you're passionate about theatre, costumes, and live entertainment, we'd love to have you join our team.
Apply by October 1, 2026
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.

AEG logo

About AEG

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Louis, MO, US

Year founded

1992