Do you love Christmas?
Are you full of cheer?
Can you grow a belly and more importantly a beard (or just fake it all well?)
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You might have what it takes to work as a professional Santa Claus.
After all, the real Santa Claus cant be everywhere all the time.
They share the inside scoop on working as Santa this Christmas.
(Spoiler alert: not the real one.
Its actually a complex web link of Santa Claus impersonators.)
If youve got what it takes e.g.
Hes appeared in TV commercials, movies and works as Santa in Los Angeles and around the world.
In one year, Taylor did more than 550 virtual Santa visits.
This is something people dont consider when theyre trying dutifully to gain weight and to grow out their beards.
We at HireSanta like to say, Real beard, real belly and real jolly, Allen says.
How to Start Working as a Santa
Ready to find work as a professional Santa Claus?
Here are the techniques our Santas suggested:
1.
Go to Santa School
You probably didnt know it, but Santa schools are a big business.
There are plenty to choose from, online and in-person.
Is Santa school necessary?
No, but its helpful.
Santas that take being Santa seriously attend regional and/or national school, Allen says.
We recommend that Santas attend additional training to become better entertainers.
Santa Jim Beck got started by working for an established Santa who subbed out other Santas.
If youre just starting out, this is a smart move.
If you offer him a percentage of your earnings, what Santa is going to say no?
Buy a Suit… and Start Working
Thats how Michigan Santa Claus did it.
His first Santa suit was made by a friend who is a professional sewer.
He wore it while helping to sell Christmas trees at the Home Depot where his son worked.
He wanted to see what the response would be and if I liked it.
Creating a website is an essential step instarting your business.
Pop up your profile on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook and maintain connections with potential clients..
Create some fun TikTok videos as Santa, Taylor says.
One jolly TikToker, @santajclaus, has 4.3 million followers.
Book Your Return Visits
The first year of being a Santa is definitely the hardest.
Santa Tim says this works for corporate events, too as does word of mouth.
One HR lady will ask another one, What Santa did you hire?
and that will get you some more gigs.
How Much Money Do Santas Make?
How Much Does It Cost to Start Working as a Santa?
In addition to growing out your beard, there are some start-up costs involved in working as a Santa.
If you choose to attend Santa school, that will be one of your biggest expenses.
Santa Tim says the rest depends on your level of professionalism.
Children are looking at everything about you: your eyes, your cuffs, your boots, your belt.
Michigan Santa agrees, saying its important to not skimp on the suit.
His is lined wool with real sheepskin white fur trim.
How to Find Santa Claus Jobs (Mrs. Claus, Too!)
Heres how to join those ranks.
These types of events are often coordinated by events and photography businesses.
Others mayonlyprovide photography services or Santa-staffing services.
Use a Talent or PR Agency
Maybe you have experience as Santa under your well-worn leather belt.
In addition to looking the part, you sing or act to enliven your impersonation.
Simply put, youre down to do more than sit on a red velvet throne for a few pictures.
A talent agency is just what you need.
Two free nationwide Santa networks,Hire SantaandReal Santaare looking for talented actors to play the part.
Applications are open for Mrs. Claus as well.
This will require a bit more legwork on your part, but the reward can be well worth it.
Some Santas we spoke to earn up to $7,000 a season by running their own show.
Penny Hoarder contributors Adam Hardy, Susan Shain and Danielle Braff provided information for this report.
(Can you sense my millennial sarcasm there?)
You know which ones were talking about: rent, utilities, cell phone bill, insurance, groceries…
