Jingle All The Way: 7 Top Jobs For Christmas Enthusiasts

Most people enjoy at least one element of the winter holidays. It might be giving presents, getting all the family together, or just having a good reason to eat mince pies. But what if you want to make a career in ‘Christmas’ or combine your festive cheer with earning some extra money?

Here are seven top jobs for Christmas enthusiasts like you.

Seasonal Jobs

Christmas is supposed to be just one day but let’s face it. The season lasts for much longer as shops begin to stock festive goods in the run-up to Halloween and businesses prepare for the holiday push. If you want to earn a little extra money at this time of year, here are five seasonal jobs.

  Festive Retail Worker

All kinds of shops hire extra retail workers to handle the steady flow of Christmas shoppers. You may find yourself on the tills, wrapping presents, or helping customers to find the perfect gifts.

To work as a festive retail worker in the UK or the US, you generally won’t need any qualifications. A basic high school education should provide you with the required numeracy and literacy skills. Past retail experience is great, but training is often provided.

A typical hourly rate for a festive retail worker in the UK begins at the minimum wage. Some businesses will pay a little more. In the US, hourly rates for festive retail workers will generally be between $15 and $24.

  Santa’s Grotto Workers

If you love the Christmas holidays, working in a Santa’s Grotto can be a magical experience. You may find yourself playing Father Christmas, an elf, or another festive character. You’ll interact with children and families, creating a memorable and happy experience. Tasks might involve greeting visitors, posing for photos, and handing out small gifts or treats.

There are no specific qualifications to work in a Santa’s Grotto. Acting or performance experience can be an advantage, but great people skills are important.

The hourly rate for Santa’s Grotto Workers is generally the same as for festive retail workers.

  Festive Delivery Driver

With all those Christmas gift orders, there’s always the need for extra delivery drivers in December. This role involves driving, navigating routes, delivering to homes and businesses, and maintaining a high level of customer service.

To work as a delivery driver in the UK or US, you’ll need the relevant driving licence for the size of vehicle. A clean licence is generally preferred. Previous experience as a delivery driver will be to your advantage, as will knowledge of the area where you’ll be driving. In the US, you may need to be 21 years old to deliver certain items.

In the UK, a typical hourly rate for a festive delivery driver is £13 to £20. In the US, a typical hourly rate is $8 to $23.

  Christmas Tree Farm Worker

If you’re happy with an outdoors job and are physically fit, this could be the ideal seasonal or even permanent role for you. Working on a Christmas tree farm involves a variety of tasks, from planting and nurturing trees to assisting customers in selecting their perfect tree. Responsibilities may include tree cutting, baling, tagging, and helping with general farm maintenance.

There are no specific qualifications to work on a Christmas tree farm in the UK or the US, but having a good level of physical fitness is important. Basic agricultural knowledge or experience of working on a farm will definitely be to your advantage.

A typical hourly rate for a Christmas tree farm worker in the UK is £8 to £15. In the US, that hourly rate is generally $10 to $15.

  Festive Market Trader

This will usually be a self-employed role or a way of making money from a hobby. All through the festive season, you’ll find Christmas markets cropping up in shopping centres, community centres, and schools. As a festive market trader, you’ll sell a variety of seasonal items such as handmade crafts, decorations, food, and unique gifts. The role involves setting up and maintaining your stall, engaging with customers, and handling transactions.

There are no set qualifications to work as a festive market trader. Great customer skills are important, and retail experience is useful too.

Given that this is typically a self-employed role or a way to monetise a hobby, it’s difficult to state a standard hourly rate. Earnings will depend on the type of products sold and the market’s popularity.

Permanent Positions

While many people get a Christmas job to earn a little extra money, there are permanent jobs that will appeal to lovers of the festive season too.

  Event Planner

If you love the magic of organising festive gatherings, event planner could be your dream job. Event planners coordinate and manage a range of events, including holiday parties, corporate events, and weddings. In this role, you’ll be responsible for selecting venues, managing budgets, coordinating suppliers, and making sure the event runs smoothly.

To work as an event planner in the UK or the US, you’ll generally need a degree in event management, hospitality, or another relevant field.

A typical salary range for an event planner in the UK is £20,000 to £40,000. In the US, that salary range is $30,000 to $80,000.

  Professional Shopper

If you thrive on the joy of gift-giving and have an eye for detail, a career as a professional shopper can be incredibly fulfilling. Professional shoppers help customers by finding the perfect gifts, managing purchases, and sometimes providing styling advice. In this role, you’ll work with a variety of clients, from busy professionals to those seeking unique and thoughtful presents for loved ones.

There are no set qualifications to work as a personal shopper in the UK or the US, but retail, fashion, or customer service experience can be helpful. Good organisational skills and an eye for trends will work to your advantage too.

A typical salary range for a professional shopper in the UK is £14,000 to £40,000. In the US, that salary range is $25,000 to $50,000.

Wrapping it up

Whether you want to embrace your love of the festive season in a permanent role or just need to earn some extra money over the months leading up to the holidays, there are plenty of options. From festive retail worker to Santa’s Grotto elf, and event planner, there’s sure to be a job that will satisfy your love for Christmas.