The holiday season is a prime time to earn a few extra bucks. Whether you plan to generate additional income to help cover the cost of the holidays, or you simply have extra time to put to use, there are several holiday side hustles, including playing Santa, that can give your bank account a boost.
Offering up your time and energy as a Santa can be a lucrative plan, especially for those who have a jolly demeanor and ease with children. If you’re thinking about your Santa side hustle for this year or future years, here’s how much you can make doing so.
How Much Santa Clauses Get Paid
Visit any shopping center, hospital, or another holiday event during the season and you’re likely to encounter someone dressed up in a red, oversized Santa suit. Becoming a Santa as a paid profession, even for a few months of the year, has the ability to pay off in a big way.
– Some Santas Make Lots of Money
According to Market Watch, a professional Santa can make between $8,000 and $15,000 during November and December. Those with the most talent and the busiest schedules can bring in upwards of $80,000.
– Other Santas Don’t Earn as Much
However, not all Santas are created equal. Working a few hours per day at a local mall or small shopping center may generate a dismal $10 per hour on a contract or as an employee. Those who cater to different crowds, such as work functions or private home visits can charge much more, up to $300 per hour.
Becoming Santa Clause Has Upfront Costs
Becoming a pro-Santa for the season does come with costs, though. While some companies that hire you to bring the holiday cheer will cover the expense of the suit, shoes, and other accessories if needed, most Santas carry this business burden on their own.
Santa’s Expenses: Suit, Boots, Belt, Hair, Beard
A Santa Claus costume can be expensive. A quality Santa suit can cost between $400 and $2,000, and those who work throughout the entire season need more than one on hand. The boots may run another $500, while a belt, which may not be included in the suit purchase, can cost an additional $300.
If you don’t have the beard or hair to match the traditional Santa aesthetic, you’re likely to need a wig set. That adds another $200 to $600 to the total bill.
Other Holiday Side Hustles
The good news is that if Santa doesn’t fit your fancy, there are a handful of other temporary gigs that can bring in extra funds during the season.
1. Decorate for Others
If you have a penchant for Christmas décor, consider offering your services to neighbors, friends, or family for the season. You can name your price with each customer. Offer to put up their decorations indoors or string up lights outside for them.
2. Sell Christmas Trees
Selling Christmas trees is another option. If you don’t want to go through the hassle of setting up shop in the community on your own, ask the local tree provider if they have an opening for a part-time worker for the season.
3. Sell Hand-Made Products Online
Side hustles for the holidays may also come in the form of using your creative juices to generate a profit. Online marketplaces like Etsy allow just about anyone with a hand-made product to sell their goods online.
Many consumers these days are looking for unique gifts that can’t be found in stores, so using your skills to fill this market void can be a smart way to earn a little extra this season.
The holidays are jam-packed with ways to make some extra cash. Think about your availability to do something on the side before committing to your hustle, and always add up the costs you may incur to kick-start and maintain the gig before diving in.
Final Thoughts on Making Money as Santa Claus
Becoming Santa for the holidays can bring in a significant amount of cash, but the expenses cannot be overlooked. There is also the often-grueling schedule, interaction with shy or terrified visitors, and the repetitive nature of the job. Each of these aspects of being Santa should be considered before committing to the holiday side hustle.
