Santa Claus

Royal-Gorge-Route-Railroad; Cañon City (CO); On-site; USD 43,000 - 48,000; Part time

Job summary

The Royal Gorge Route Railroad is seeking a Santa Claus for the Santa Express season in Colorado. The role is part-time and seasonal, with compensation of $31.00–$35.00 per hour, depending on experience.

You will bring holiday magic to families, interact with guests, pose for photos, and participate in festive activities aboard the train. Ideal candidates are warm, personable, and comfortable engaging with guests of all ages.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous experience portraying Santa Claus or working with children is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Portray Santa Claus in a warm, authentic and engaging manner during Santa Express departures.
• Welcome and interact with guests as they board and throughout their experience.
• Engage with children and families through conversation, storytelling, and holiday activities.
• Pose for photographs and create memorable guest interactions.
• Follow all safety and sanitation policies; assist with general onboard duties as directed.

Job description

Santa Claus

Reports To: On Board Leader
FLSA Status: Hourly, Non-Exempt
Compensation: $31.00–$35.00 per hour, depending on experience
Employment Type: Part-Time, Seasonal

Create Holiday Magic for families this holiday season!

About Us

The Royal Gorge Route Railroad carries more than 250,000 guests from around the world through Colorado’s Royal Gorge. With stunning views, exceptional service, and delicious dining, the Royal Gorge Route experience is unlike anything else in the world.

During the holiday season, our Santa Express transforms the train into a magical Christmas experience for families and guests of all ages. We’re looking for an enthusiastic, engaging and authentic Santa Claus to help bring that experience to life.

About the Role

As Santa, you will be the heart of the Santa Express experience, creating memorable moments for our guests throughout each departure. You’ll interact with children and families, listen to Christmas wishes, pose for photos, participate in holiday activities and help create the warm, joyful atmosphere our guests have come to expect.

The ideal candidate is warm, personable, dependable and comfortable engaging with people of all ages. A successful Santa understands that the role goes beyond wearing the suit…It’s about creating genuine moments of wonder and making every guest feel welcomed and special.

What You’ll Do

• Portray Santa Claus in a warm, authentic and engaging manner throughout Santa Express departures.
• Welcome and interact with guests as they board and throughout their experience.
• Engage with children and families through conversation, storytelling, holiday traditions and Christmas spirit.
• Listen attentively to children and respond appropriately to their questions, stories and Christmas wishes.
• Pose for photographs and create memorable guest interactions.
• Participate in Christmas songs, games and other holiday activities as directed.
• Work closely with the On Board Leader and Santa Express team to ensure a seamless guest experience.
• Coordinate with onboard staff and performers throughout each departure.
• Maintain a positive, energetic and professional presence throughout the entire experience.
• Follow all safety and sanitation policies and procedures.
• Assist with general onboard responsibilities as directed by management.
• Complete cleaning and other duties as needed during, between and after departures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as directed by management.

What We’re Looking For

• Previous experience portraying Santa Claus, performing, entertaining, hospitality or working with children is preferred.
• A naturally warm, friendly and approachable personality.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to comfortably interact with children, parents, families and guests from a wide variety of backgrounds.
• Ability to stay in character and maintain a positive attitude throughout the duration of a departure.
• Dependable, punctual and professional.
• Ability to take direction and work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to work calmly and effectively in a busy, guest-focused environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

Physical & Working Conditions

• This position requires extensive standing and walking throughout the shift.
• Must be comfortable working and moving safely on a moving train.
• Ability to bend, twist, kneel, reach and make repetitive motions.
• Ability to use hands to hold and carry items and assist with guest activities.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 15 lbs.
• Direct and frequent interaction with guests, managers and coworkers.
• Seasonal work may include exposure to cold temperatures, snow, rain, heat and other outdoor conditions.
• Must be comfortable wearing a Santa suit for extended periods of time.
• The position requires maintaining a professional, energetic and engaging presence throughout each departure.

Our Commitment to a Great Guest Experience

We love Colorado and we care about our team members and our guests. That’s why the Royal Gorge Route Railroad is 100% smoke-free, inside and out. No smoking of any kind is allowed on any Royal Gorge Route Railroad properties or sister properties, including all Railroad property, on the train, at Happy Endings Caboose Cafe, the Royal Gorge Mansion or the Royal Gorge Route Inns.

Being a smoke-free environment for guests and a smoke-free workplace for staff helps us uphold our customer promise—to provide a world-class experience—and our employee promise—to provide a healthy, professional and clean atmosphere where everyone has the opportunity to grow and thrive.

The Royal Gorge Route Railroad is an Equal Opportunity Employer.