Will Father Christmas Face a Pay Freeze While Elves Thrive?

As the festive season approaches, the search for Father Christmases and elves across the UK is underway, but potential candidates may need to review pay rates that have remained unchanged from last year. The average hourly wage for a Father Christmas is currently £15, while elves, who assist with the festivities, see a modest increase in pay to £12.48. This article delves into the current job market for seasonal roles, what qualifications are needed, and how pay varies across different venues.

Last updated: 29 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

With Christmas just around the corner, garden centres, stately homes, and farm parks across the UK are gearing up for the seasonal influx of visitors. As a result, the demand for Father Christmases and elves is increasing. However, amid rising living costs, many potential Santas are disappointed to find that their average hourly pay remains stagnant. This has prompted them to scrutinise their pay clauses more closely, as the traditional role of Father Christmas is evolving amid changing economic conditions.

Key takeaways

The average pay rate for Father Christmases remains at £15 per hour, unchanged from last year.
Elves see a pay increase to £12.48 per hour, compared to £11.60 last Christmas.
Pay varies significantly across venues, with some Santas earning as little as £12.21 and others up to £27.59.
Some employers, such as Dobbies, offer competitive rates of £17 to £20 per hour based on experience.
Qualifications for these roles often require patience, improvisational skills, and a love for Christmas.

Timeline: how we got here

Understanding the current pay landscape for Santa roles involves looking back at key milestones over the past year:

November 2022: Average pay for Father Christmases reported at £15 per hour, with elves earning £11.60.
October 2023: Incomes Data Research (IDR) releases new data indicating unchanged pay for Santas but slight increases for elves.
December 2023: Peak Christmas season sees hundreds of venues hosting festive events with Santa appearances.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent findings from the IDR indicate that while the pay for Father Christmases has not changed, elves are experiencing a pay rise. This discrepancy highlights a potential shift in the value placed on different roles within the festive experience.

What was already established

It has been a longstanding tradition for Father Christmases to earn a competitive hourly wage, but the lack of increase this year raises questions about the sustainability of these roles in light of the cost of living crisis.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For families planning to visit Christmas events, the unchanged pay for Father Christmases may reflect on the overall experience quality. With many venues relying on festive attractions to bolster foot traffic, consumers might expect more value or additional activities to justify the costs associated with these visits.

Businesses and jobs

Tourist and retail sites are likely to face challenges in attracting well-qualified candidates for Santa and elf roles. The stagnant pay may deter experienced individuals from applying, which could impact the overall festive experience provided to visitors.

Policy and regulation

As pay scales for these roles come under scrutiny, there may be calls for better wage standards across seasonal employment. Venues might need to consider revisiting their pay structures to attract talent, especially as they compete for visitors during the peak season.

Numbers that matter

£15: Average hourly wage for Father Christmases this year.
£12.48: Average hourly wage for elves, an increase from £11.60 last year.
£12.21: Minimum wage for some Father Christmas roles at various venues.
£27.59: Maximum pay reported for Father Christmases at select high-end events.
£17 to £20: Pay range for Santa roles at Dobbies, depending on experience.

Definitions and jargon buster

Father Christmas: A traditional figure associated with Christmas festivities, often depicted as bringing gifts to children.
Elves: Assistants to Father Christmas, typically responsible for engaging with children and helping to create a festive atmosphere.
IDR: Incomes Data Research, an organisation that compiles and analyses wage data across various sectors.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the festive season approaches, venues will be finalising their staffing, so individuals interested in applying for Santa or elf roles should act quickly. Employers might be more willing to negotiate pay rates to secure experienced candidates.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Following the Christmas season, there may be discussions within the industry about wage standards and the recruitment of seasonal staff, possibly leading to changes in pay structures for subsequent years.

Signals to watch

Monitoring changes in job advertisements for Santa and elf roles to assess shifts in pay and requirements.
Observing feedback from applicants regarding their willingness to accept current pay rates.
Checking for any industry-wide surveys or reports regarding seasonal employment trends post-Christmas.

Practical guidance

Do

Review pay clauses carefully before accepting a role as Father Christmas or an elf.
Highlight any previous experience working with children when applying for these roles.
Be prepared to showcase improvisational skills during the interview process.

Don’t

Accept a role without understanding the full scope of responsibilities involved.
Overlook the physical demands associated with being an elf, such as long periods of standing.
Neglect to inquire about potential pay increases based on experience or performance.

Checklist

Have you confirmed the pay rate and any potential for increases?
Do you have experience working with children that can be highlighted in your application?
Are you prepared for the physical demands of the role, especially as an elf?
Have you reviewed the venue's requirements for the role, including costume and performance expectations?
Are you ready to engage with children and maintain the festive spirit throughout your shifts?

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the pay rates for Father Christmas and elf roles have been established, there is uncertainty around whether these rates will remain competitive given the rising cost of living in the UK. Moreover, the potential for venues to face staffing shortages may result in further changes to pay structures next year. Candidates should be aware of the flu season's impact on their health, especially when working closely with children.

Bottom line

The current pay landscape for Father Christmases and elves reflects a challenging balance between tradition and economic realities. With unchanged pay for Santas and slight increases for elves, stakeholders in the festive experience may need to consider how to enhance offerings to attract talent and ensure a memorable holiday season for families across the UK.

FAQs

What qualifications do I need to be a Father Christmas?

Typically, candidates should have experience working with children and possess qualities such as patience and the ability to improvise. A big, white beard is often considered an advantage.

How much do elves earn compared to Father Christmases?

Elves earn an average of £12.48 per hour, which is lower than the average £15 per hour for Father Christmases. However, elf wages have seen a slight increase this year.

What are the typical working conditions for these roles?

Father Christmases usually work indoors and seated, while elves may spend long periods on their feet, often dressed in festive costumes or as forest creatures, engaging with visitors and maintaining the festive atmosphere.