Santa can’t deliver all those gifts by himself! On Christmas Eve, hundreds of Santas and elves head out on “reindeer buses” to spread joy to those in need. Want to help us spread the Christmas spirit? There’s an opportunity for everyone. We welcome our volunteers to take on more than one role!

Please note: all volunteers – new and returning – are required to register with us before volunteering. Before you sign up, please take note of this year’s Elf Rally and make sure you can attend.

Volunteer opportunities

Bus elves

Donning a handmade elf costume and glittered cheeks, these elves ride with Santa and make home visits on Christmas Eve. It’s their job to spread The Magic of Christmas’ motto of “Loving, Caring, and Sharing.” Teams of elves ride each reindeer bus for 6.5 hours, in the morning or in the afternoon (schedule shown below). They help Santa prepare for each visit by stuffing toy sacks, singing carols and bringing smiles to families’ faces.

Bus elves are required to attend our annual Elf Rally orientation in early December and must be familiar with common Christmas carols. Download our songbook here.

“Little elves” must be at least 8 years of age and must ride with a parent or guardian. Only those 16 years and older are eligible for night bus shifts.

Bus Santas

“Once you’re in the costume, you’re in the role.” Becoming Santa is an immense responsibility, but a rewarding one. Santas visit every family on their bus route, lead elves into each home, hand out gifts and encourage carol singing. A visit from Santa is like nothing else—every home visit should be magical, genuine and jolly!

While Santas come in all sizes and shapes, all share common qualities: they have a caring disposition, an upbeat personality, good listening skills, are non-judgmental of those they visit and keep their elves smiling and singing.

It’s a big job, but you don’t have to go it alone. We help Santas prepare for the big day at our mandatory Santa training during the Elf Rally in early December.

Hospital Santa and elves

Santas and elves visit nursing homes, hospitals and care homes during day hours. These volunteers hand out hundreds of teddy bears, rather than gifts. You must be at least 16 years old to sign up for this role. Visits can last 5+ hours, so please come prepared and dress accordingly with comfortable shoes.

Depending on the day of the week that Christmas Eve falls, the hospital shifts may not be on Christmas Eve.

Chief Elfs On-board – CEOs

Chief Elfs On-board (CEOs) are the “captains” on any reindeer bus that leaves our workshop. CEOs organize special gifts, help bus drivers plan their route, prepare Santa and the elves for each visit, and act as primary contact for the workshop. Returning volunteers should consider applying as CEO.

CEO training is mandatory—check our events for training dates in December. If you do not attend training, you may be denied the opportunity to act as CEO. If you are unable to attend, please call 403-803-1619 to schedule individual training at a later date.

Hot shot drivers

We like to think of our Hot Shot Drivers as Santa’s “secret” reindeer—their sleighs may not be stuffed with elves, but hot shot drivers do play an important role by ensuring that large gifts (mattresses, Christmas trees, bikes, etc.) are delivered to the doors of Calgary families. Simply put, any item that can’t fit on a Calgary Transit bus will be delivered by a Hot Shot Driver. Role requirements include: A ½ ton truck or trailer, valid drivers license, and the ability to lift at least 50 lbs.

Bus loaders

This role is exactly how it sounds! Without the help of our bus loader elves, there would be no toys or gifts on our reindeer buses. This cheery team is what keeps our shop running all day! We encourage all bus loaders to dress appropriately and be prepared to work in cold weather. They must also be able to stand on their feet for long periods, and be able to lift at least 50 lbs.

Register to volunteer

Though we try to accommodate all requests, volunteer roles are subject to change depending on our needs. Positions will be assigned with a preference to returning elves and to elves that have volunteered in other capacities, including sorting, picking up donations, workshop support, and so on.

When you’re ready, sign up for a role on our volunteer registration page.

Have questions? Visit our FAQ page.