Santa Claus Performer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the festive season, the spotlight on Santa Claus performers has never been merrier.

Holiday cheer spreads far and wide, and with each jingle, the call for spirited individuals who can embody, enliven, and safeguard the magic of Santa Claus intensifies.

But let’s unwrap the mystery: What’s truly expected from a Santa Claus performer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the essence of this role,
• A hiring manager envisioning the perfect Santa Claus,
• Or simply intrigued by the enchanting world of Santa Claus performers,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we reveal a customizable Santa Claus performer job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s sleigh right into it.

Santa Claus Performer Duties and Responsibilities

Santa Claus Performers are responsible for embodying the spirit of Santa Claus during the holiday season.

They interact with children and families, creating a joyous and festive atmosphere.

The duties and responsibilities of a Santa Claus Performer include:

• Greet and interact with children and families in a cheerful and engaging manner
• Listen to children’s wishes and requests and respond in character as Santa Claus
• Take photos with families and children
• Maintain a high level of professionalism and patience when interacting with children of all temperaments
• Ensure the Santa suit and accessories are clean and well-maintained
• Stay in character at all times during public appearances
• Possibly participate in various events such as parades, tree-lighting ceremonies, or private parties
• Adhere to all company policies and procedures, including safety and hygiene protocols
• May be required to hand out presents or candy canes
• Follow the script or guidelines provided by the event organizer or employer

 

Santa Claus Performer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a talented and dedicated individual to fill the role of a Santa Claus Performer.

Your duties will include entertaining children and adults, delivering performances true to the Santa Claus character, and ensuring a festive and cheerful atmosphere.

Our ideal candidate is an excellent communicator, possesses a friendly and patient demeanor and has a genuine love for the holiday season.

Experience in acting or performing is highly beneficial.

 

Responsibilities

• Interact with children and adults while staying in character as Santa Claus
• Listen to children’s holiday wishes and engage in friendly, age-appropriate conversations
• Participate in events and promotional activities as Santa Claus
• Ensure a safe, comfortable, and fun environment for all participants
• Follow scripts for specific events if required
• Cooperate with event staff and photographers
• Stay updated with the Santa Claus character and story
• Comfort and reassure children who may be scared or apprehensive

 

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Santa Claus Performer or in a related role is a plus
• Excellent communication skills and ability to interact positively with children
• Comfortable wearing the Santa Claus costume for extended periods
• Able to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays
• Ability to follow scripts and improvise when necessary
• Patience and the ability to handle stress
• Physical stamina for performances

 

Benefits

• Flexible work hours
• Festive work environment
• Opportunity to spread joy and holiday cheer
• Competitive pay

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Santa Claus Performer
• Work Environment: This role will primarily involve working at indoor and outdoor holiday events. You may be required to travel between different event locations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Event Manager or Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Seasonal/Part-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Santa Claus Performer Do?

Santa Claus Performers are traditionally seen during the holiday season in various settings such as shopping malls, holiday events, parties, and charity functions.

Their primary role is to embody the character of Santa Claus, spreading holiday cheer, listening to children’s Christmas wishes, and taking photos with them.

In addition to maintaining the character’s jolly and benevolent demeanor, they often tell stories, sing carols, and engage with the crowd to entertain and bring joy to people of all ages.

Santa Claus Performers may also be responsible for distributing gifts or participating in holiday parades.

In some cases, they might visit hospitals or nursing homes to bring holiday spirit to those who might not otherwise get to experience it.

They are also expected to maintain the secrecy and magic of the character, especially when interacting with children.

Some Santa Claus Performers may be self-employed, while others may work for entertainment agencies.

They may also volunteer their time for charity events or community festivities.

 

Santa Claus Performer Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Santa Claus performer should have a set of skills and qualifications that cater to the needs of the role, including:

• Excellent interpersonal skills to engage with children and adults of all ages, creating an enjoyable and memorable experience.
• A warm, friendly demeanor to embody the character of Santa Claus, making children feel at ease and excited about their interaction.
• Strong storytelling abilities to entertain audiences with Christmas tales and anecdotes about Santa Claus and his elves.
• Patience and understanding, particularly when interacting with children who may be shy, nervous, or overly excited.
• Good physical stamina to endure long hours of sitting, occasional lifting of children, and wearing a heavy costume.
• A clean, professional appearance and the ability to grow and maintain an authentic-looking Santa beard, or the willingness to wear a high-quality artificial one.
• Customer service skills to respond to parents’ requests and handle potentially difficult situations with grace and tact.
• Excellent communication skills to clearly understand and fulfill each child’s Christmas wish, and to communicate with event organizers and parents effectively.
• Ability to maintain character under all circumstances, embodying the spirit of Christmas and the persona of Santa Claus at all times.

 

Santa Claus Performer Experience Requirements

Santa Claus Performers often begin their careers in theatre, drama clubs, or other performance-oriented roles where they develop their acting skills.

Previous experience in a theatrical or performance setting is highly recommended for those pursuing this career.

For entry-level roles, candidates may start out as an Elf or other supporting roles in holiday events.

This gives them a solid understanding of the role and the opportunity to observe experienced Santa Claus Performers in action.

Santa Claus Performers with 1 to 2 years of experience may have gained their experience through seasonal roles at malls, holiday events, or private parties.

These individuals have proven their ability to interact positively with children, handle crowds, and maintain the cheerful and jolly personality required for the role.

Those with more than 3 years of experience have most likely honed their skills in various environments and can handle high-pressure situations such as large events or parades.

They may also have experience dealing with diverse groups of people and unexpected situations.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience often have a well-developed Santa Claus persona and the ability to improvise and adapt to changing circumstances.

These performers may also have leadership experience, having trained or mentored new Santa Claus Performers.

They could be considered for roles such as Head Santa at large events or malls.

Additionally, some Santa Claus Performers gain relevant experience by attending Santa Claus schools or workshops, where they learn specifics about costume maintenance, storytelling, and child psychology.

 

Santa Claus Performer Education and Training Requirements

Santa Claus Performers often come from a wide range of educational backgrounds, but there are several specific training and skills that are important for this role.

Many Santa Claus Performers have a background in performing arts, with some holding degrees in Theatre or Acting.

This helps in performing the role convincingly and engagingly.

Specific training for this role is often provided by Santa Schools, which exist in several countries, including the United States.

These programs focus on the history and folklore of Santa Claus, voice modulation, managing interactions with children, and other aspects of the performance.

They may also cover practical issues such as costume care and hygiene.

Santa Claus Performers should have a strong understanding of child psychology to interact effectively and sensitively with children.

Thus, courses in child psychology or early childhood education can also be beneficial.

In addition to the above, Santa Claus Performers must have good physical stamina, as the role often requires long hours of sitting and interacting with children.

First aid and CPR certification is also often required for safety reasons.

While no specific license is usually needed to perform as Santa Claus, a clean criminal record is an absolute must given the nature of the role.

Optional certifications, such as those offered by the International University of Santa Claus, can lend credibility to a performer and indicate their commitment to the role.

Some Santa Claus Performers may also choose to join professional organizations, like the Amalgamated Order of Real Bearded Santas, to access networking opportunities and resources.

Continued education and training can be beneficial for staying up to date with current trends and techniques in the Santa Claus Performer industry.

Finally, a genuine love for the holiday season and a joy in working with children are the most crucial requirements for this role.

 

Santa Claus Performer Salary Expectations

The average wage for a Santa Claus Performer is $30.00 (USD) per hour.

However, the actual earnings can fluctuate depending on the performer’s experience, the location of the job, and the specific requirements of the event.

During peak holiday season, Santa Claus performers may see an increase in their hourly rate.

 

Santa Claus Performer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Santa Claus Performer need?

A Santa Claus Performer needs to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with both children and adults in an engaging manner.

They should have a cheery disposition and be able to stay in character for extended periods of time.

Patience is crucial as they will be dealing with children of all ages.

They should also be comfortable with being photographed often.

 

Do Santa Claus Performers need a specific education or training?

While there’s no specific degree or schooling required to become a Santa Claus Performer, a background in theater or performance can be beneficial.

Some Santas attend Santa schools or workshops to learn about the character, how to handle difficult situations, and health and safety considerations.

However, most of the training is on-the-job experience.

 

What should you look for in a Santa Claus Performer resume?

A good Santa Claus Performer resume would highlight any previous experience working with children, such as teaching, babysitting, or children’s entertainment.

Look for any acting or performing experiences as well.

Volunteering during holiday events or having experience as a mall Santa Claus would also be a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Santa Claus Performer?

A good Santa Claus Performer is someone who loves the spirit of Christmas and truly enjoys making people happy.

They should be patient, kind, and understanding, especially towards children.

A good Santa is reliable and committed to maintaining the magic of the character for everyone they interact with.

 

What is the working environment of a Santa Claus Performer?

Santa Claus Performers can work in a variety of environments, including shopping malls, holiday events, private parties, and charity events.

Some may even find work in TV commercials or movies.

The work is seasonal, typically starting in late November and ending on Christmas Eve.

Depending on the venue, Santa may be in a chair for long periods or moving around an event space.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the magic behind the role of a Santa Claus performer.

And guess what?

It’s not just about the red suit and beard.

It’s about igniting joy, embodying the holiday spirit, and creating unforgettable memories, one “ho, ho, ho” at a time.

With our comprehensive Santa Claus performer job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to take the stage.

But why stop there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to meticulously-crafted listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every “ho, ho, ho” contributes to a memorable Christmas.

Let’s spread that holiday cheer. Together.

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