Seasonal Grotto Elf
Pyle Garden Centre
Fixed-term seasonal position
£8.00-£12.71 per hour (subject to minimum wage)
9:00am–5:00pm on selected dates between 28 November and 24 December 2026
Pyle Garden Centre is looking for friendly, enthusiastic and energetic Grotto Elves to help create a magical Christmas experience for children and families.
Working alongside Santa and the rest of the grotto team, you will welcome visitors, manage the flow of bookings and help ensure every family has a warm, memorable and well organised visit.
Main responsibilities
- Welcoming children and families to Santa’s Grotto.
- Checking bookings and helping to manage the visitor queue.
- Preparing families for their visit with Santa.
- Supporting a booking schedule of approximately one family every ten minutes.
- Accommodating walk-in visitors where authorised and possible.
- Remaining cheerful, engaging and in character throughout each shift.
- Supporting Santa and other team members with the smooth running of the grotto.
- Helping to keep the grotto clean, tidy, safe and presentable.
- Assisting with gifts, props and other grotto materials.
- Following safeguarding, health and safety, data-protection and customer-service procedures.
- Supporting our Quiet Grotto day on 18 December by following accessibility and sensory guidance.
- Reporting customer concerns, incidents or safeguarding matters promptly to the duty manager.
About you
We are looking for someone who:
- Is friendly, confident and comfortable speaking with children and adults.
- Has a positive attitude and plenty of Christmas enthusiasm.
- Can stay calm and professional during busy periods.
- Is reliable, punctual and able to work as part of a team.
- Can remain in character while wearing a supplied elf costume.
- Understands the importance of creating an inclusive experience for every family.
- Is comfortable working in a lively, customer-facing environment.
- Has previous experience in retail, hospitality, attractions, childcare, entertainment or customer service, although this is not essential.
The role may involve standing for extended periods and handling light gifts or props.
Working dates
Shifts are scheduled from 9:00am to 5:00pm on the following dates:
- 28 and 29 November
- 5 and 6 December
- 12 and 13 December
- 18–24 December
The 18 December will be a Quiet Grotto day.
Availability across all dates is strongly preferred. Please clearly state any dates you cannot work when applying.
What we offer
- A fun and rewarding seasonal role.
- The opportunity to help create special Christmas memories for local families.
- A supportive and friendly grotto team.
- Full induction and role-specific training.
- A supplied elf costume.
- Accrued statutory holiday entitlement and pay.
Employment will be subject to evidence of the right to work in the UK and any appropriate reference or safeguarding checks.
To apply, please submit your CV with a short statement explaining why you would make a great Grotto Elf and confirming your availability.
Pay: £8.00-£12.71 per hour
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
