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Santa Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Santa Monica Seafood

1st Shift Packer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.50/hr

Santa Monica Seafood, as an 80-year-old privately owned company, is the largest specialty wholesale distribution and processor of fresh and frozen seafood in the Southwestern U.S. with over 200,000 ...

Santa Monica Seafood Company

1st Shift Packer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.50/hr

Santa Monica Seafood, as an 80-year-old privately owned company, is the largest specialty wholesale distribution and processor of fresh and frozen seafood in the Southwestern U.S. with over 200,000 ...

Santa Monica Seafood Company

Packer 1st Shift

Hodgkins, IL

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

Address: 6800 Santa Fe Drive (Suite L), Hodgkins, IL 60525 Summary: Reporting to the Production Supervisor, the Packer is responsible for processing the highest quality of fresh fish to fulfil ...

Summer House Santa Monica

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55K - $75K/yr

About US Summer House Santa Monica offers a California-inspired, chef-driven menu that includes simple ingredients sourced from local grower partnerships and sustainable products with a heavy focus ...

Summer House Santa Monica

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$55K - $75K/yr

About US Summer House Santa Monica offers a California-inspired, chef-driven menu that includes simple ingredients sourced from local grower partnerships and sustainable products with a heavy focus ...

Summer House Santa Monica

Busser

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18 - $30/hr

Domestic Partner Benefits * 401(k) Inside Summer House, guests will find a breezy, beach house environment reminiscent of the sunny ocean-side city of Santa Monica, CA. Known to most as the place ...

Summer House Santa Monica

Busser

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18 - $30/hr

Domestic Partner Benefits * 401(k) Inside Summer House, guests will find a breezy, beach house environment reminiscent of the sunny ocean-side city of Santa Monica, CA. Known to most as the place ...

Summer House Santa Monica

Polisher/Stocker

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.05 - $25/hr

Domestic Partner Benefits * 401(k) Inside Summer House, guests will find a breezy, beach house environment reminiscent of the sunny ocean-side city of Santa Monica, CA. Known to most as the place ...

Summer House Santa Monica

Runner

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.05 - $35/hr

Domestic Partner Benefits * 401(k) Inside Summer House, guests will find a breezy, beach house environment reminiscent of the sunny ocean-side city of Santa Monica, CA. Known to most as the place ...

Talent Corps Direct

Be Seen First

Traveling Project Safety Manager - Electrical

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50 - $60/hr

Santa Teresa, NM Pay: $50-$60/hour + Per Diem Project Duration: Through November 2027 We are seeking an experienced Project Safety Manager to lead all safety operations for a large-scale data center ...

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All JobsSanta JobsSanta Jobs in Chicago, IL

Santa information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$49

$61

$72

How much do santa jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for santa in Chicago, IL is $61.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55.72 and $68.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Santa do?

A professional Santa Claus plays the role of Santa Claus at the mall or Christmas events. Your responsibilities include interacting with children and having pictures taken with guests. Other duties include wearing the red Santa Claus suit, growing a beard (or wearing a fake one), and convincingly emitting jolly laughter. You typically work long hours during the holidays, with some shifts are as long as 12 hours to save children the cognitive dissonance of witnessing two simultaneous St. Nicholas’s. You work with children and may have to answer difficult or tricky questions about religion or divorce. You maintain the comforting fantasy of Santa Claus for children.

What challenges do Santas face during the holiday season?

One of the main challenges faced by professional Santas is maintaining high energy and a positive demeanor throughout long shifts, often while engaging with excited children and large crowds. Santas must also be prepared to handle a wide range of emotional interactions, from shy or anxious children to those with special needs. Additionally, the role often requires working in warm, heavy costumes for extended periods and adapting to various event environments, from malls to private parties. Effective communication and improvisational skills are crucial for creating memorable experiences and managing unexpected situations.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a Santa?

To thrive as a Santa, you need strong interpersonal skills, a joyful demeanor, and the ability to engage with children and families, often supported by a background in acting or customer service. Familiarity with scheduling tools, costume care, and sometimes background checks or child safety certifications are typically required. Exceptional patience, improvisational ability, and warmth help Santas create magical experiences and handle a variety of situations. These skills are crucial to ensuring children feel comfortable, maintaining the magic of the season, and delivering memorable interactions.

What is a Santa?

Santas, also known as Santa Clauses, are individuals who dress up as the legendary figure of Santa Claus during the holiday season. They typically appear at malls, holiday events, parties, and parades to spread cheer, pose for photos, and listen to children's Christmas wishes. The role requires a friendly personality, a jolly demeanor, and often a convincing costume, including a red suit and white beard. Being a Santa is about creating magical experiences and joy for both children and adults.

What is the difference between Santa vs Elf?

AspectSantaElf
Required CredentialsNone specific, often festive experienceSimilar, often with craft or toy-making skills
Work EnvironmentPublic events, shopping malls, paradesWorkshop, toy factories, holiday events
Industry UsageHoliday entertainment, charity eventsToy manufacturing, holiday decorations
Common Search/ComparisonSantaElf

Santa is primarily known for appearing at public holiday events, spreading cheer, and engaging with children, often without formal credentials. Elves, on the other hand, are typically involved in toy-making and workshop activities, supporting Santa's mission. While both roles are integral to holiday festivities, Santa's role is more about public appearances, whereas elves focus on production and preparation.

More about Santa jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Santa jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Santa jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Santa jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Santa jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Santa jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Santa jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Santa jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Santa job openings:

Santa jobs near you
Infographic showing various Santa job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,768 per year, or $61.9 per hour.

Santa Claus

Lake County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Hammond, IN • On-site

$14.50 - $17.25/hr

Other

Re-posted 5 hours ago

Job description

Santa Claus (Seasonal)

Indiana Welcome Center – Hammond, Indiana

Ho! Ho! Ho! Are you ready to spread holiday cheer?

The Indiana Welcome Center, home of the beloved A Christmas Story Comes Home exhibit, is seeking a jolly, friendly, and magical individual to join our team as Santa Claus this holiday season!

Perched atop Santa's Mountain inside our award-winning Christmas exhibit, you'll become the face of holiday magic for thousands of families visiting from across the Midwest. If you love making memories, hearing Christmas wishes, and posing for photos with excited children (and adults!), this may be the perfect seasonal opportunity for you.

What You'll Do

  • Welcome visitors with a hearty "Ho! Ho! Ho!"
  • Pose for photos with children, families, and holiday guests
  • Listen to Christmas wishes and spread holiday cheer
  • Create magical, memorable experiences for visitors of all ages
  • Participate in occasional special events and appearances
  • Help bring the spirit of Christmas to the Home of A Christmas Story

Schedule

  • Weekends from Thanksgiving through Christmas
  • Typical hours: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Additional appearances at select holiday events throughout the season

What We're Looking For

  • A warm, friendly personality
  • Comfortable interacting with children and large groups
  • Reliable and punctual
  • Ability to remain in character as Santa throughout scheduled appearances
  • A genuine love for Christmas and creating magical moments

Bonus Points If You Have

  • Previous experience as Santa Claus
  • A naturally jolly laugh
  • A real beard (not required, but certainly appreciated by the elves)

Compensation

Competitive seasonal pay based on experience.

Make spirits bright this holiday season and become part of a cherished Northwest Indiana tradition. Join us at the Indiana Welcome Center and help create Christmas memories that will last a lifetime!

Ho! Ho! Ho! Apply today!