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Santa Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Heritage Companies

GSMR Santa

Bryson City, NC · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Santa Reports To: Special Events and Entertainment Manager Type of position: Non-Exempt / Hourly Employee Classification: Seasonal Location: Bryson City, NC Compensation: $20-30, DOE Job Summary:

Position Music

Santa Clara University

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$150 - $250/hr

Senior Executive Director of Development, Schools & Centers Santa Clara University seeks a Senior Director of Development, School of Law who will play a critical role in Santa Clara University ...

New

SNOWCAT RIDGE

Seasonal Santa Clause

Dade City, FL · On-site

$15 - $25/hr

Seasonal Santa Claus** **Location:** Snowcat Ridge 27839 Saint Joe Rd, Dade City FL 33525 **Job Type:** Seasonal/Part-Time **Duration:** [Specify Duration, e.g., November to December] **About Us:

Ojo Spa Resorts

Server (Santa Fe)

Santa Fe, NM

Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort, a tranquil oasis nestled in the beautiful landscape of Santa Fe, New Mexico, is seeking an enthusiastic Server to join our diverse and welcoming team. At Ojo Santa Fe, we ...

Epic Healthcare

Medtech - Santa anita

Temple City, CA

$18 - $20/hr

Now Hiring: Med Tech Santa Anita Assisted Living 5600 Gracewood Avenue Arcadia, CA 91780 716.325.1056 Why work for us? * Caring and compassionate environment * Opportunity for growth, success and ...

Ojo Spa Resorts

Server (Santa Fe)

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort Santa Fe, New Mexico Are you a passionate hospitality professional who enjoys creating memorable dining experiences? Ojo Santa Fe Spa Resort, a tranquil oasis nestled in the ...

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Santa information

See salary details

$48

$60

$70

How much do santa jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for santa in the United States is $60.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54.09 and $66.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 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 cities are hiring for Santa jobs?

Cities with the most Santa job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Santa jobs?

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What states have the most Santa jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Santa jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Santa jobs are:

Santa jobs near you
Infographic showing various Santa job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $124,999 per year, or $60.1 per hour.

GSMR Santa

American Heritage Companies

Bryson City, NC • On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Division/Department: Special Events 

Job Title: Santa  

Reports To: Special Events and Entertainment Manager 

Type of position: Non-Exempt / Hourly 

Employee Classification: Seasonal

Location: Bryson City, NC 

Compensation: $20-30, DOE

Job Summary: Perform in a friendly, outgoing, and gregarious way that can convincingly embody the spirit of Christmas. Must be able to sustain the “magic” of Santa while interacting with passengers of the train on the POLAR EXPRESS.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Portray the Santa character from the POLAR EXPRESS™ story, giving each designated passenger a bell while on the train. 
  • Allow photo opportunities and interact with passengers while managing time to be sure to have equal amounts of interaction on assigned train cars.   
  • Enthusiastically represent Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and the POLAR EXPRESS™ brand.
  • Positively interact with guests and team members of all ages, ethnic/cultural backgrounds and/or languages, and individuals with special needs.
  • Consistently perform a high standard of guest service throughout the event.
  • Openly accepts performance feedback and adapts to supervisory guidance. 

Work Environment:

  • Will vary depending on the character being portrayed, to include but not limited to on board a moving train, walking throughout cars, and/or stationary at the North Pole event site
  • Level of direct engagement with the public will vary based on performing role. 
  • At GSMR we value teamwork and fostering a supportive work environment 

Education, Skill and Work Experience Requirements:

  • Previous performance experience as a Santa Claus character is beneficial, but not required.
  • Be familiar with the story of the POLAR EXPRESS™ 
  • Applicant must be able to portray a character over the age of 40.
  • Possess a jolly laugh and personality.
  • Natural, full, white beard required.
  • Audition requirements may include script reading and memorization, role playing, and comedic improvisation as necessary.
  • Must have strong verbal communication skills.
  • Must be able to work a flexible schedule with night, weekend and holiday hours.
  • Must be able to disclose accurate availability for all event dates during the audition process.
  • Must be able to stand, sit, and/or walk on a moving train for extended periods of time without assistance. 

Apply