Survey reveals: The most sought-after holiday jobs by state

Here's what the data showed: 

Key findings 

The season’s most sought-after roles 

As you can probably imagine, top of the list came Santa Claus and Elf roles.

These jobs bring a smile to kids and adults alike, making them a fantastic option for those who love to spread a bit of Christmas cheer. 

This was closely followed by seasonal decorators, who can transform any ordinary space into a winter wonderland; think twinkling lights, elaborate garlands, and, most of all, that scene from the movie Elf where Buddy magically converts the toy department at Gimbels into, essentially, the North Pole.

Other top jobs include gift-wrappers, who add the finishing touches to those perfectly picked presents, and party or event hosts, who ensure holiday gatherings run smoothly and everyone has a great time.

Meanwhile, toy store associates are in the thick of children’s Christmas joy, while Christmas tree farm helpers embrace the outdoors while helping excited families select the ideal centerpiece for their celebrations.

For those who enjoy blending work with storytelling, holiday tour guides offer a lovely, immersive experience, while seasonal sales associates keep the retail world going during the holiday stampedes.

At festive markets, holiday vendors sell unique crafts and treats, while photographers and their assistants help capture cherished memories for families celebrating together. 

What workers value most 

Sometimes it’s not just about the roles themselves, or the extra income–it can be the perks which make holiday jobs even more enticing.

The survey revealed that the top motivator for seasonal workers is seeing families smile (32%), closely followed by discounted seasonal gifts (29%)–let’s face it, every little helps during the current financial crisis.

Unlimited snacks, festive outfits, and all-day Christmas music all add to the seasonal fun and make it worth workers’ while.

But for workplaces looking to keep employees happy, it’s clear that extra holiday pay is the top incentive, appealing to 41% of respondents.

Bonuses and gift cards also ranked highly (30%), while flexible schedules and office Christmas parties added an extra dose of happiness. 

Creating a festive work environment 

A holiday workplace isn’t really complete without a little extra sparkle.

Things like hot cocoa and cookie stations appealed to 34% of workers, who said these had made working through the season a lot more enjoyable

Holiday music and a beautifully decorated Christmas tree were also popular; bosses, be aware that a few thoughtful touches can make all the difference!

When it came to the topic of holiday parties, however, the reactions were mixed.

While they can be the source of a good time, they can also bring about a bit of awkwardness.

Cheesy games were voted the most uncomfortable aspect of them (34%), while Secret Santa exchanges and stilted small talk tied for second place at 24%.

And avoiding being cornered under the mistletoe was a source of woe for 19% of workers. 

The ideal holiday schedule 

One clear preference stood out when it came to what dates you want to work over Christmas: 61% wanted time off between Christmas and New Year’s.

Otherwise, 23% were keen on some half-days in December, while 16% were happy to work weekends to free up weekdays, which would offer more flexibility during the season to juggle work and holiday plans. 

The magic of holiday jobs 

When it comes down to it, seasonal jobs aren’t just about making ends meet; they’re also about making fun memories and bringing a bit of happiness into other people’s lives, too.

Whether it’s dressing up as Santa, helping families find their dream tree, or wrapping the perfect gift, these holiday jobs help bring a sense of purpose and connection to the festive period.