We might be facing a cost of living crisis, but nothing in the world can dampen our Christmas spirit. For businesses, the run-up to the holidays is one of the most important sales periods of the year, and 2023 is no different. In light of this, employers are gearing up for this festive season spending spree, with close to 26,000 temporary Christmas positions currently up for grabs.
We look at the Christmas jobs market in 2023, the weird and the wonderful, and the best paying temp positions out there. Get ready to jingle all the way!
A jolly start for Christmas hiring
During the first week of October, there were a whopping 26,175 Christmas jobs up for grabs, a +26% jump from 20,734 jobs the same time last year. This is also the busiest kick-off we’ve seen in seven years. Great news if you’re on the hunt for a temp job over the holidays!
Weird and wonderful Christmas jobs
If you’re obsessed with Christmas — for example, you start playing Christmas songs in September — and love spreading festive joy, we’ve spotted openings perfect for you.
If you are a foodie, try…
Mince Pie & Christmas Cake Quality Auditor
Average hourly rate: up to £11.87
Join the taste-testing team as a Mince Pie & Christmas Cake Quality Auditor. You’ll ensure that every bite of these holiday treats tastes the same. BBF Limited and Blackburn are hiring for this position.
If you are all about a White Christmas, try…
Snow Clearance Specialist
Average rate: £100 – £450/day
By keeping roads and airport runways clear of snow and ice, you play a pivotal role in preventing flight delays and cancellations, allowing travellers to reach their destinations and reunite with their loved ones without disruptions. London Heathrow Airport is now calling for applications.
Ice Rink Marshall
Average hourly rate: £11 – £13.5/day
As an Ice Rink Marshall, you’ll ensure that everyone is having a good time on the ice. You’ll help skaters find their balance and keep everyone safe. Alexandra Palace, Winter Wonderland, and Lapland UK are looking for Ice Rink Marshalls now.
If you love decorating, try…
Seasonal Gift Wrapper
Average hourly rate: £10.60 – £15.90
Wrap the joy of the season as a Seasonal Gift Wrapper. Gift packaging is a great way to make a gift instantly look more premium and special.
Christmas Decorator & Christmas Light Electrical Mate
Average hourly rate: up to £12.50
These two roles are perfect for those who are dexterous at crafting and can’t stop themselves from ordering Christmas decorations. Bring holiday sparkle to life by assisting with Christmas lights. You will be helping companies and homeowners to transform their offices and homes into winter wonderlands. One Arkansas-based decorator who quit her job as a teacher to become a professional Christmas tree decorator has disclosed that she makes up to $1,000 per tree trimmed!
Christmas Tree Seller
Average hourly rate: up to £11
As a Christmas Tree Seller, you’ll assist customers in choosing the perfect tree for their holiday celebrations. Your jolly and friendly nature will make this season special for families and kids.
If you love spreading joy with others, try…
Christmas Elves & Santas
Average hourly rate: £11 – £16
If you love dressing up and role playing, spread holiday cheer as Santas and Christmas Elves. You are likely to work at theme parks like Legoland. Dress up in festive attire, greet children with smiles, and bring the magic of Christmas to life.
Christmas Actors & Singers
Average hourly rate: £10.57 – £13.92
Be the star of the show as a Christmas Actor or Singer. Flaunt your vocal talents and share the joy of the season.
Festive Light Trail Assistant
Average hourly rate: up to £11.68
Guide visitors through enchanting light trails, creating memorable experiences as a Festive Light Trail Assistant. Light up the path for those seeking holiday magic!
Top Christmas employers of 2023
The two sectors dominating 2023’s seasonal hiring are Retail and Hospitality & Catering. The majority of roles available are customer-facing sales roles, stockroom assistants or openings for waiters to help serve warm mince pies and mulled wine to hungry Christmas shoppers, and Christmas dinners for festive party goers and family gatherings.
Meanwhile, ten of the largest seasonal employers are hiring more than 115,000 seasonal workers this Christmas, driven by Tesco, which alone takes on an additional 30,000 workers. Here are the top 10 Christmas employers with the biggest season hiring:
1. Tesco: 30,000 jobs
2. Sainsbury’s: 22,000 jobs
3. Royal Mail: 16,000 jobs
4. Amazon: 15,000 jobs
5. M&S: 10,000 jobs
6. John Lewis: 10,000 jobs
7. Evri: 5,000 jobs
8. Morrisons: 3,500 jobs
9. Aldi: 3,000 jobs
10. Superdrug:1,000 jobs
Christmas is about giving, family, you name it. While monetising this festive season can be a great way to get prepared for next year, don’t be too much of a Scrooge and work yourself till burnout. Don’t forget to have fun too!
Read more: Top 30 most desired jobs among jobseekers