Seasonal - Elves

Verde Canyon Railroad; Clarkdale (AZ); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

Verde Canyon Railroad in Clarkdale, Arizona is seeking energetic Seasonal Characters for The Magical Christmas Journey®. These performances are interactive and guest-focused, including elves, Princess Noel, mascots, and other holiday roles.

You will remain in character, engage with families, and help create a warm, memorable holiday experience. The season runs late November through December with open availability for event dates, rehearsals, evenings, weekends, and Christmas Eve.

Qualifications

• Experience engaging with guests of all ages.
• Ability to stay in character for long periods.
• Reliable, punctual, and available for all event dates.

Responsibilities

• Remain cheerful and in character during shifts.
• Engage guests with smiles and eye contact.
• Perform assigned character roles on trains and at the depot.
• Travel and interact with guests for photos and scripted moments.

Job description

Description

Verde Canyon Railroad is seeking energetic, cheerful, and dependable Seasonal Characters to join our team for The Magical Christmas Journey® in Clarkdale, Arizona.

Verde Canyon Railroad is seeking energetic, cheerful, and dependable Seasonal Characters to join our team for The Magical Christmas Journey® in Clarkdale, Arizona. Seasonal Characters help bring the magic of Christmas to life for guests of all ages. Character roles may include elves, Princess Noel, mascots, and other holiday performers throughout the event. This position is highly interactive and performance-based, requiring enthusiasm, confidence, professionalism, and a genuine love of creating memorable experiences 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

• Remaining cheerful, friendly, and fully in character throughout each shift
• Smiling, making eye contact, and engaging warmly with guests, especially children
• Performing assigned character roles, which may include elves, Princess Noel, mascots, or other holiday characters
• Performing and interacting with guests at the depot, aboard the train, and at The North Pole
• Accompanying Santa aboard the train, when assigned, and helping create meaningful guest interactions
• Dancing, waving, singing, greeting guests, posing for photos, and participating in scripted or guided performance moments
• Engaging with every interested child and family in a positive, inclusive, and age-appropriate manner
• Following direction from supervisors, event leads, conductors, and safety personnel
• Remaining active and attentive rather than gathering socially with other cast members while on duty
• Maintaining the appearance and integrity of assigned costumes, wigs, accessories, props, and event materials
• Protecting costumes, props, and event materials from damage, loss, or misuse
• 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

Requirements

• Enjoy interacting with children, families, and guests of all ages
• Be comfortable performing in public, including dancing, singing, waving, posing for photos, and speaking with guests
• Maintain a cheerful, energetic, helpful, and professional attitude
• Be able to remain in character for extended periods of time
• 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, and interact with guests for extended periods
• Have reliable transportation and be picked up promptly after the final train of the evening
• Be at least 15 years of age or meet the minimum age requirement established for the assigned 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.

Selected candidates may be assigned to elf, Princess Noel, mascot, or other holiday character roles based on event needs, availability, performance ability, costume requirements, and management discretion. Fully costumed mascot roles may require wearing a full costume, including a covered headpiece.

The Princess Noel role requires an audition. Candidates interested in being considered for Princess Noel should be well-versed in our storybook, comfortable performing in character, improvising, speaking with guests, interacting with children and families, posing for photos, and helping create a warm, magical holiday experience.