What Happens to All Those Mall Santas After Christmas?

For an entire month, mall Santas are the stars of the holiday season—posing for photos, listening to wish lists, and spreading festive cheer.

But once the final candy cane is handed out and the decorations come down, a big question remains: What happens to all those mall Santas after Christmas?

The answer is far more interesting (and sometimes surprising) than you might expect. Behind every red suit is a real person with a real life—and many of them lead fascinating double identities.

1. Many Santas Go Back to Their Normal Jobs

Believe it or not, most mall Santas aren’t full-time performers. For many, it’s a seasonal side gig that adds joy—and a little extra income—to their year. Once January arrives, Santas return to a variety of professions.

Common post-Christmas jobs include:

• Teachers and school administrators
• Retired police officers or firefighters
• Accountants and office workers
• Retail and hospitality staff
• Truck drivers and delivery workers

Some Santas even say their coworkers don’t realize they spend December dressed in a fuzzy red suit.

2. Professional Santas Travel for Events All Year

While mall work is seasonal, many professional Santas stay busy with events throughout the year. Companies hire Santas for:

• Christmas in July celebrations
• Corporate parties
• Charity appearances
• Community festivals
• Holiday advertising shoots

Some high-end Santas are booked months in advance—sometimes even into the following year—making their “off-season” surprisingly active.

3. Santas Attend Santa Schools and Conferences

Yes, Santa school is real—and many Santas go right back to training after the holiday season winds down. The world’s oldest Santa school, Charles W. Howard Santa School in Michigan, offers courses in:

• Santa voice training
• Behavioral techniques for interacting with children
• Beard maintenance
• Holiday storytelling
• Reindeer knowledge (seriously!)

There are also national Santa conventions where Santas network, attend workshops, and show off their best red suits. The off-season is when the Santa pros perfect their craft.

4. Many Santas Work on Their Appearance All Year

Being Santa is commitment—especially for those with natural beards. Many Santas maintain a strict grooming routine that lasts all 12 months.

This includes:

• Beard whitening treatments
• Skin care for rosy cheeks
• Hair conditioning to keep that fluffy, Santa-like look
• Staying fit enough to handle long days sitting with kids

Some even avoid shaving year-round to ensure their December beard is at peak fluffiness.

5. Retired Santas Stay Involved in Volunteering

Many Santas continue spreading joy even after the season is over. You’ll find them volunteering at hospitals, children’s centers, and community programs, often without the full Santa suit.

Some work as literacy coaches or school readers, continuing the nurturing energy they share during Christmas. For many, the Santa spirit doesn't end on December 25—it’s a year-round lifestyle.

6. A Few Santas Travel or Take Time Off After the Rush

Being a mall Santa is exhausting. Long hours, heavy costumes, and endless photo sessions take a toll. So when the busy season ends, many Santas take a well-earned break.

Some popular post-Christmas Santa retreats include:

• Warm-weather vacations after a chilly December
• Quiet cabin getaways
• Road trips with family
• Simply catching up on sleep!

After bringing joy to thousands of families, a little relaxation is more than deserved.

7. Santa Actors Use Their Skills in Other Performing Gigs

For performers and actors, being Santa is just one role in a larger portfolio. Many return to theater productions, commercial acting, voice-over work, and costumed character gigs.

Some even portray other beloved holiday figures—Easter Bunny, anyone?

The flexibility and charisma required to be Santa translate well into other performance opportunities throughout the year.

8. Mall Santas Prepare for the Next Season

By spring or summer, many Santas are already preparing for the next Christmas season. They might:

• Update their wardrobe (custom suits can cost thousands!)
• Refurbish props like Santa bags or belts
• Book photo sessions or meet-and-greet schedules
• Practice new stories or jokes to entertain kids

Christmas may only last a few weeks, but the preparation behind the scenes is a year-round process.

Final Thoughts: The Magic Continues Long After December

Mall Santas may disappear from shopping centers after the holidays, but their lives remain full of creativity, community work, and behind-the-scenes dedication. Whether they return to everyday jobs, continue performing, or travel the world, one thing is certain: the spirit of Santa doesn’t end when the tree comes down.

For many, being Santa is more than a seasonal gig—it’s a calling that lasts all year.

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