Seasonal - Santa

Verde Canyon Railroad is seeking warm, engaging, and dependable Seasonal Santas to join The Magical Christmas Journey® team in Clarkdale, Arizona.

Santa is one of the most important guest-facing roles in The Magical Christmas Journey®. This position requires kindness, patience, strong guest interaction skills, confidence performing in public, efficiency on the Train and the ability to create magical, memorable moments for children and families.

The season typically runs from late November through the end of December. Open availability is required for all scheduled event dates, rehearsals, training sessions, evenings, weekends, and Christmas Eve.

Responsibilities

Seasonal Santas are responsible for creating a magical and memorable Santa experience for guests. Duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Remaining cheerful, welcoming, and fully in character throughout each shift
• Smiling, making eye contact, and engaging warmly with guests of all ages
• Riding aboard the train and interacting with every interested child and family
• Concisely communicating, time management and efficiency are vital for moving through the train
• Becoming familiar with the Secret Santa Stations and routes on the train
• Paying close attention to detail and timing for onboard experiences
• Participating in guest photos, conversations, waving, dancing, and scripted or guided event moments
• Creating a patient, kind, inclusive, and age-appropriate experience for children
• Working closely with elves, event staff, conductors, and supervisors to maintain show flow and guest safety
• Remaining active, attentive, and professional while visible to guests
• Protecting and maintaining the Santa Suit, accessories, props, and event materials
• Following all Verde Canyon Railroad safety policies and event procedures
• Refraining from cell phone use, eating, or drinking anything other than water while in character or visible to guests
• Helping ensure The Magical Christmas Journey® is a first-class holiday experience for every passenger

Candidates must:

• Enjoy interacting with children, families, and guests of all ages
• Be comfortable performing in public on a moving train and staying in character for extended periods
• Maintain a cheerful, patient, helpful, and professional attitude
• Be reliable, punctual, and available for all required event dates, rehearsals, and training sessions
• Be available to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and Christmas Eve
• Be able to work in outdoor conditions, including cold, rain, wind, or other inclement weather
• Be able to safely board and exit the train
• Be able to stand, walk, wave, dance, greet guests, and interact with passengers for extended periods
• Have reliable transportation and be picked up promptly after the final train of the evening
• Be at least 18 years of age, or meet the minimum age requirement established for the role
• Follow all safety protocols at all times

Additional Information

This is a seasonal position connected to The Magical Christmas Journey®. Mandatory meetings, rehearsals, and training sessions are required before and during the event season.

Santa must be able to create a warm, believable, and memorable holiday experience while maintaining professionalism, safety awareness, and the guest-service standards of Verde Canyon Railroad.

The Santa role requires an audition. Candidates interested in being considered for Santa should be comfortable performing in character, speaking warmly with children and families, posing for photos, participating in event moments, and creating a believable, memorable, and professional Santa experience.