At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the heart of Santa’s Secret Village, creating magical moments for families.
- Company: Join The Escapade Group, a fun-loving family of attractions.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, festive atmosphere, and the joy of spreading Christmas cheer.
- Other info: Experience in acting or children's entertainment is a plus, but Christmas spirit is essential.
- Why this job: Make unforgettable memories for children and families during the festive season.
- Qualifications: Warm personality, great with kids, and able to improvise on the spot.
The predicted salary is between 22500 - 27500 £ per year.
We’re looking for a brilliant Father Christmas to be at the heart of Santa’s Secret Village. This isn’t just about putting on the suit. For many of our guests, meeting Father Christmas is the moment they’ve been waiting for all year. Some children will run in full of confidence. Some will be shy. Some will have a very detailed wish list. And some will ask questions that absolutely nobody has prepared you for. Your job is to make every single family feel like their visit matters. Because to them, it really does.
Key dates
- Recruitment Open Days: Tuesday 3 November, 5pm–8pm; Saturday 7 November, 10am–5pm
- Training: Weekend of 14–15 November
- PR Activity: Weekend of 21–22 November
- Open to the Public: 28–29 November onwards
You’ll also need good availability across weekends in the run-up to Christmas and throughout the Christmas holidays, including Christmas Eve. As you can probably imagine, December is quite a busy month for Father Christmas.
Your responsibilities include:
- Welcoming children and families into the grotto
- Chatting naturally and warmly with every child
- Listening carefully to wish lists — however long they may be
- Making each interaction feel personal rather than rehearsed
- Staying completely in character throughout every session
- Taking part in photo opportunities and walkabout moments
- Improvising when children ask unexpected questions
- Working closely with our elves and Christmas Hosts so every handover feels seamless
- Helping nervous or shy children feel comfortable
- Adapting your approach to different ages, personalities and needs
- Taking pride in your costume, presentation and character
- Keeping the same warmth and energy for the final family of the day as you had for the first
You don’t need to have spent years playing Santa. What matters most is presence. You’re naturally warm. You make people feel comfortable. You can hold a conversation with a child without it feeling scripted. And you understand that sometimes the smallest interaction can become a really big memory.
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has a natural rapport with children and families
- Is warm, patient and approachable
- Can improvise confidently while staying in character
- Has strong people skills and emotional awareness
- Is comfortable adapting to children with different confidence levels
- Can sustain a character across repeated sessions
- Is reliable and punctual
- Has the stamina to spend long periods in costume
- Works brilliantly with the wider cast and host team
- Understands the importance of keeping the magic alive at all times
Experience helps, but Christmas spirit counts for a lot. Previous experience in acting, pantomime, immersive theatre, role-play, children’s entertainment or character performance would be great. Experience working with children and families would also translate really well. And if you’ve played Father Christmas before, even better. But we’re not looking for the longest acting CV. We’re looking for someone who can walk into a room and instantly feel like Father Christmas. Someone children trust. Someone parents enjoy talking to. And someone who understands that this role is as much about listening as performing.
Things will not always go to plan
Children are wonderfully unpredictable. You may be asked why Rudolph isn’t with you. Whether you know their teacher. Why their sibling got a different present last year. Or how you managed to get into their house when they don’t have a chimney. You’ll need to think quickly. Stay completely in character. And somehow make the answer sound like you’ve been dealing with North Pole logistics for several hundred years. That’s all part of the job.
What does a brilliant day look like?
A shy child leaves smiling. A confident child leaves convinced you remembered them from last year. Parents get the photo they were hoping for. The elves and hosts keep everything moving seamlessly. And every family walks away feeling like, for a few minutes, Father Christmas was there just for them. Behind the scenes, there may be timings, queues, radios and a very busy team making everything happen. But none of that should reach the grotto. Inside, it should simply feel magical.
About The Escapade Group
We’re The Escapade Group, a growing family of visitor attractions built around play, adventure, animals and brilliant family days out. Our attractions include Hobbledown Epsom, Hobbledown Heath, Gripped London, Kidspace Croydon, Kidspace Romford, Watermouth Castle and Farmer Ted’s Adventure Farm. Across the group you’ll find everything from adventure play and animal encounters to high ropes, indoor play, birthday parties, seasonal events and plenty of organised chaos. Different attractions. Different experiences. One thing in common: brilliant teams creating memorable days out for families. And whether someone is serving lunch, caring for animals, running an attraction, welcoming guests through the gates or taking on the rather important job of being Father Christmas, every member of the team plays a part in making those experiences special.
Father Christmas - Hobbledown Epsom employer: The Escapade Group
The Escapade Group offers a dynamic and festive work environment, particularly during the holiday season, where employees can engage with families and create memorable experiences. The company values variety in roles, allowing staff to take on multiple responsibilities and interact with guests in a lively atmosphere. This makes it an attractive employer for those who enjoy working in a fast-paced, customer-focused setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Father Christmas - Hobbledown Epsom
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Walk-Ins
In the hospitality and food service game, a personal touch goes a long way. Instead of waiting for listings, why not walk into local restaurants, cafes, or hotels? Bring your best smile and a CV, and show them that you're eager to join their team right on the spot!
✨Tap into Seasonal Hiring Trends
With temporary roles often popping up during busy seasons, like summer or festive times, keep an eye out for openings as these businesses ramp up. Joining local community groups on social media can also help you stay ahead of the game: think pop-up events, seasonal fairs, or any openings in your area!
✨Utilise Your Network in the Industry
We all know people in the hospitality world, right? Now's the time to message those friends or acquaintances who might already be working in restaurants or bars. They could give you the insider scoop on who’s hiring or even put in a good word for you – it’s all about that inside connection!
✨Apply Through Us for Quick Visibility
Don't forget you can apply for temporary roles directly through our website! It’s not just about the big chain restaurants; many smaller, local places look there for quick hires. Plus, it helps us get you on the radar of employers looking for passionate workers like you, so what are you waiting for?
We think you need these skills to ace Father Christmas - Hobbledown Epsom
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality-food-service game, your ability to connect with customers is key. Make sure to highlight any relevant experience in your CV, like working in cafes or restaurants, and emphasise your skills in teamwork and communication. Don't forget to mention any customer service training or certifications you've got under your belt!
Flexibility is Your Best Friend:Since this is a temporary role, you'll want to showcase your flexibility in your application. In your cover letter, mention your availability and willingness to work various shifts, including weekends or holidays. Employers love knowing they can rely on you during busy periods!
Bring Your Personality to the Front:In hospitality, it's not just about what you can do; it's about who you are! Let your personality shine through in your cover letter. A warm, engaging tone can really make your application stand out and show your potential to create a welcoming atmosphere for customers.
Include Relevant References:References can make a huge difference in the hospitality-field. Consider including a couple of references from previous employers or colleagues in your CV who can vouch for your customer service skills and ability to thrive in fast-paced environments. This adds credibility and elevates your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Escapade Group
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
In the hospitality-food-service sector, it's all about the customer experience. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've gone above and beyond for a customer or handled a difficult situation. They’ll appreciate knowing that you can keep your cool and maintain a positive attitude even when things get a bit hectic!
✨Know Your Menu Inside and Out
Whether you're applying for a temporary role as a server or in the kitchen, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the menu and any signature dishes they serve at The Escapade Group. During the interview, they might ask about your food and drink recommendations, so having a few tasty suggestions up your sleeve will show you're genuinely interested in contributing to the team.
✨Emphasise Your Flexibility
Temporary roles often require a bit of juggling with shifts and responsibilities. Be sure to convey your willingness to adapt and take on different roles as needed. Share instances where you’ve quickly switched tasks or taken the initiative to help out your colleagues, showing that you're a team player.
✨Dress the Part and Exude Personality
In hospitality, first impressions matter! Even for a temporary position, donning smart-casual attire can set the right tone. Plus, don't hold back on your personality – let your enthusiasm shine through, as they’re looking for someone who can mesh well with the team and create a welcoming atmosphere for guests.
