Holiday Elf Position Type:

Seasonal Employment, average of 4-6 hours per week. Non-exempt under Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Description:

Norfolk Botanical Garden is looking for fun, energetic, and outgoing Holiday Elves to join us during our award-winning Dominion Energy Garden of Lights experience taking place November 6th, 2026 - January 3rd, 2026! For more than 30 years, NBG has been lighting up the holidays with an immersive experience that guests look forward to year after year. As a Holiday Elf, you'll help make their visit even more magical by greeting guests, spreading holiday cheer, and posing for festive photos throughout the Garden. We are looking for two elves, each working approximately 10 evenings throughout the Garden of Lights season, with shifts from 6:00-8:00 PM on Tuesdays and two additional evenings during opening weekend Friday, November 6th - Sunday, November 8th. Additional hours may be available based on employee availability and business schedule needs.

Essential Functions:

Roam designated areas of the Garden in festive Holiday Elf attire, creating a cheerful, welcoming, and engaging holiday atmosphere. Greet and interact with guests of all ages in a friendly, enthusiastic, and festive manner. Engage guests through playful interactions, holiday-themed conversations, and spirited character performances. Pose for photographs with individuals, families, and groups to help create memorable holiday experiences. Maintain an energetic, positive, and engaging presence throughout each shift while remaining in character. Proactively engage with guests to encourage participation, spread holiday cheer, and enhance the overall guest experience. Represent Norfolk Botanical Garden in a professional, welcoming, and enthusiastic manner while contributing to the success of the Garden of Lights event. Assist with Garden-wide special events and any other duties as assigned.

Essential Physical Functions:

Ability to remain on foot for the majority of assigned shifts, including prolonged periods of standing and walking throughout the Garden. Ability to frequently move throughout outdoor pathways, including navigating uneven surfaces, inclines, and varying terrain. Ability to perform repetitive movements, including waving, gesturing, posing for photographs, and engaging in animated character interactions. Ability to bend, reach, turn, and adjust body positioning as needed to engage with guests and participate in photo opportunities. Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including cold temperatures, wind, and light precipitation. Ability to wear designated holiday costumes and accessories for extended periods while performing assigned duties. (Costume provided by NBG) Ability to communicate effectively with guests and coworkers in a busy, high-volume event environment. Ability to perform essential job functions safely and effectively, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Qualifications:

Friendly, outgoing, and enthusiastic personality with a passion for creating positive guest experiences. Previous experience in customer service, entertainment, theater, or other guest-facing roles strongly preferred but not required. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage comfortably with guests of all ages and backgrounds. Ability to maintain a cheerful, energetic, and engaging character throughout each shift. Comfortable posing for photographs, interacting with groups, and being the center of attention in a public setting. Strong customer service skills with the ability to create welcoming, memorable, and enjoyable guest interactions. Dependable, punctual, and able to maintain a positive attitude in a fast-paced, guest-focused environment. Willingness to wear designated holiday costumes and maintain a festive, professional appearance throughout each shift. Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays throughout the Garden of Lights season.

Rate:

$16.00 an hour

Benefits:

Staff discounts on programming and gift shop. Holiday Elf Costume provided by

NBG. EAP

services for all employees.

Reports To:

Chief Marketing Officer Equal Employer Opportunity (EEO) statement: NBG is committed to the principles and ideals of equal employment opportunity. It is, and shall continue to be, the policy and practice throughout NBG to foster equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for applicants, employees, and volunteers without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, marital status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation, status as a veteran, or other protected status, if qualified to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Pay:

$16.00 per hour

Benefits:

Employee assistance program Employee discount Professional development assistance

Work Location:

In person