Photo by Loren Cutler on Unsplash
- Survey of 3,000 part-time workers to identify the most coveted festive jobs.
- Seasonal Decorator emerged 2nd most popular, followed by Gift Wrapping.
The festive season isn’t just about family gatherings, parties, and exchanging gifts—it’s also a time of plenty for part-time work opportunities, many of which come with a dose of holiday cheer. From donning the iconic red suit of Santa Claus or playing a jolly elf in a local mall to lending a hand at a Christmas tree farm or assisting a photographer with festive portraits, holiday jobs can be as joyful as the season itself.
career.io, an all-in-one platform for career guidance and success, surveyed 3,000 part-time workers to uncover the most coveted festive jobs in Arizona this festive season – the ones that spark excitement and are likely to face the fiercest competition. The top 10 were as follows:
#1 Christmas Tree Farm Helper
For outdoor enthusiasts, helping at a Christmas tree farm combines the festive spirit with a touch of nature. Whether assisting families in picking the perfect tree or trimming and preparing it for the journey home, this role is as rewarding as it is rustic.
#2 Seasonal Decorator
Transforming homes, businesses, and public spaces into winter wonderlands is a coveted job for the creative and detail-oriented. Seasonal decorators get to unleash their artistic flair, from stringing twinkling lights to arranging stunning holiday displays, making every space picture-perfect for the festivities.
#3 Gift Wrapper
For those who find joy in the meticulous art of gift presentation, being a seasonal gift wrapper is a dream job, and it emerged in 3rd place overall. Wrapping presents with precision and flair, these people play a vital role in ensuring that gifts are as beautiful on the outside as they are thoughtful within, all while basking in the holiday atmosphere.
#4 Party/Event Host
The life of any holiday gathering, party and event hosts have the enviable job of keeping the festive cheer alive. From planning activities to orchestrating smooth-running events, they combine organizational skills with charisma to create memorable experiences for attendees.
#5 Toy Store Associate
There’s something magical about working in a toy store during the holidays. Associates are surrounded by the season’s hottest toys, endless wish lists, and excited children, making this role perfect for those who thrive on the energy and joy of gift shopping.
#6 Santa Claus and Elf Roles
Few jobs encapsulate the spirit of the festive season quite like playing Santa Claus or a cheerful elf. These roles bring smiles to countless children and adults, making it a dream gig for those who love spreading holiday joy. The opportunity to embody the magic of Christmas, coupled with the nostalgia and cheer these roles evoke, ensures fierce competition for this iconic seasonal work.
#7 Holiday Tour Guide
Holiday tours offer visitors a chance to explore seasonal attractions, from light displays to historic holiday traditions. Tour guides get to share the magic of the season with eager tourists, making their job a blend of storytelling, hospitality, and holiday cheer.
#8 Seasonal Sales Associate
Retail stores come alive during the festive rush, and seasonal sales associates are at the heart of it all. Helping customers find the perfect gift while managing the bustling energy of holiday shopping makes this role both dynamic and rewarding.
#9 Holiday Market Vendor
Holiday markets are a treasure trove of unique gifts and treats, and vendors play a central role in this seasonal tradition. Selling handcrafted items or festive snacks, these roles allow individuals to share their creations and be part of the holiday buzz.
#10 Festive Photographer Assistant
Helping capture magical holiday memories, festive photographer assistants work behind the scenes to ensure every photo session runs smoothly. From setting up props to calming camera-shy kids, this job is perfect for those who thrive in fast-paced, cheerful environments.
Infographic showing the festive season’s most coveted part-time jobs in each state
career.io’s survey didn’t just uncover the most coveted holiday jobs – it also revealed what Arizona seasonal workers value most from their part-time jobs:
Seasonal Perks
When it comes to what excites workers most about holiday gigs, seeing families smile topped the list at 32%. Whether it’s watching a child’s face light up while meeting Santa or helping families find the perfect Christmas tree, this simple joy is what many workers treasure most. Close behind, discounted holiday gifts (29%) proved a practical draw, with employees enjoying the chance to save on their shopping lists. Meanwhile, playing Christmas music all day (14%) and indulging in unlimited Christmas snacks (13%) added a dose of festive fun, with wearing festive outfits (12%) rounding out the perks that make seasonal jobs feel special.
Holiday Workplaces
If employers want to spread goodwill among their holiday workforce, the survey made it clear: extra holiday pay is the ultimate gesture, winning 41% of votes. Whether it’s a seasonal bonus or overtime rates, cash is king when it comes to festive job satisfaction. For 30% of respondents, gift cards or bonuses were nearly as appealing, offering a tangible token of appreciation. Flexible schedules for shopping or family time (13%) came in as a valued perk for those juggling work and festivities, while a festive office party (8%) and surprise Secret Santa gift (8%) added a sprinkling of holiday spirit.
Festive Touches
What makes working through the holidays more enjoyable? Survey participants overwhelmingly chose a hot cocoa and cookie station in the breakroom (34%) as the ultimate mood-booster. Holiday music playing softly in the background (22%) and a sparkling Christmas tree in the lobby (21%) followed close behind, showing that simple seasonal touches can make a big difference. Meanwhile, Ugly Sweater Day (12%) and desk decorations (11%) offered lighter, more interactive ways to bring cheer to the workplace.
Party Pitfalls
Not everything about the holiday season is merry and bright—workplace holiday parties can present their own set of challenges. Tied at 24%, Secret Santa gift exchanges and the struggle of making small talk with coworkers were the most commonly cited awkward moments. However, for 34% of respondents, the clear winner for cringe-worthy activities was being forced to participate in cheesy games. Surprisingly, avoiding the mistletoe (19%) rounded out the list, proving that not every festive tradition translates well to the workplace.
Holiday Work Schedule
When it comes to working over the holidays, most survey participants had a clear favorite: no work between Christmas and New Year’s (61%). The idea of an uninterrupted week to relax and recharge dominated the responses. For those willing to compromise, half days in December (23%) offered a more manageable approach, while working weekends to take weekdays off (16%) appealed to a smaller but flexible group.
“Holiday jobs aren’t just about earning extra income—they’re about connecting with the joy and spirit of the season in a meaningful way,” says Amanda Augustine, career expert at career.io. “Our survey shows that when employers prioritize thoughtful perks and a little festive cheer, it creates a win-win for both workers and businesses during the busiest time of the year.”
