About the role
Description
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
Requirements
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.