Learning to portray Santa Claus and how to land a gig as jolly old Saint Nick

Many take on the opportunity to make a little extra cash during the holidays with a seasonal gig. 

This could be anything from working at a department store check-out counter to perhaps dressing up as jolly old Saint Nick to spread Christmas cheer. 

During the holiday season, Santa Claus is a figure portrayed in many different places, from small businesses to parades, company parties, department stores and more. 

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Most of the earnings from being a professional Santa lie during the later months of the year. The exact income that comes from the job isn’t extremely clear, though ZipRecruiter’s numbers as of November 29, 2024, put nationwide hourly earnings at $60.10. 

Income, of course, can fluctuate heavily, based on factors such as experience, geographical location, types of engagements pursued, demand, reputation, number of bookings secured and additional skills exhibited.

For those interested in dressing up like the beloved holiday figure, it takes practice, patience and embodiment of the festive spirit to excel at the role. 

The Worldwide Santa Claus Network serves as a gateway into the world of portraying Santa, offering an array of memberships tailored to diverse career stages. 

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These memberships, ranging from Basic to Gold to Platinum, grant participants, often called « Santas, » access to a treasure trove of resources. 

To date, there are over 7,500 members learning about Santa portrayal through the Worldwide Santa Claus Network, according to their website. 

Through educational content, live Zoom meetings and mentorship sessions, members express gratitude for the guidance received, which contributes to their success as professional Santa portrayal artists on the network’s website. 

The Worldwide Santa Claus Network puts a heavy focus on the importance of education, community and professional development within the Santa portrayal realm. 

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Their programs encompass a broad spectrum, diving into techniques for playing Santa, mastering the business aspects of the role and insights into creating experiences for audiences.

Acting as a comprehensive platform, the network empowers individuals with the knowledge and communal support necessary for excelling in their portrayals of Santa Claus or Mrs. Claus, whether in-person or navigating virtual engagements.

As far as finding a job portraying Santa Claus, there are various avenues to take. 

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One company, called Hire Santa, has helped people who want to portray Santa find a gig, and helped those who are looking to hire a Santa actor find someone to play the part. 

The actors part of the Hire Santa database work at family events, at malls and retail locations, corporate events and more. 

In 2018, this company was showcased on « Shark Tank, » where they locked in a deal with Barbara Corcoran. 

On the Hire Santa website, those looking for an actor to hire can fill out an informational form with details about their event and contact information. 

Alternatively, those professional Santa Clauses who are looking for a job can fill out a form to express interest in becoming part of the company’s database. 

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While the tangible figure of Santa’s salary remains elusive, the dedication exhibited by those putting on the iconic red suit embodies the essence of the season; it’s a commitment to spreading warmth, joy and the timeless enchantment of Christmas.