When do Christmas jobs start?

By the Vocatia team · Updated 21 October 2026 · How we write our guides

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Most Christmas jobs are advertised from September to early December, and most start in November or early December. The bigger employers recruit first, so the best time to apply is October and early November. Smaller shops, pubs and venues often keep hiring right up to Christmas.

Right now Vocatia lists 60 UK jobs for Christmas, the festive period or seasonal work. The most common are warehouse operative, warehouse operatives and catering assistant. (Live figures, 21 October 2026.)

Browse 60 Christmas and seasonal jobs ›

When to apply for Christmas jobs

Careers Wales says employers usually recruit for Christmas from September right into December, and that some roles are only advertised for a short time. A rough guide to the season:

  • September and October: large retailers, supermarkets, warehouses and delivery companies open their Christmas recruitment
  • November: most seasonal jobs start, often with a short induction or training shifts first
  • December: last-minute vacancies in shops, hospitality and events, as employers find out how busy they are
  • January: many contracts end, though sales periods and returns can keep some people on for a few more weeks

Each employer sets its own dates, so read the advert for the start date, how long the work lasts and whether you need to be free on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day or New Year's Day.

What kinds of Christmas jobs are there?

Shops and supermarkets

Sales assistants, till and customer service staff, stock and shelf work, and online order picking in store. Expect weekend and late shifts as Christmas gets closer.

Warehouses and delivery

Picking and packing, sorting parcels, loading vans and delivery driving. Warehouse work is usually on your feet with targets and shifts, including nights. Delivery driving needs a valid licence and often your own phone for the route app.

Hospitality and events

Pubs, restaurants, hotels, Christmas markets and venues hire bar staff, waiting staff, kitchen help and event crew for the party season.

Behind the scenes

Customer service and admin roles help with extra orders, returns and enquiries. Some can be done from home.

Christmas jobs near you

60 jobs

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What do Christmas temp jobs pay?

You must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage, whatever your contract. From 1 April 2026 that is £12.71 an hour if you're 21 or over, £10.85 if you're 18 to 20, and £8.00 if you're under 18. Many employers pay more, and some add extra for nights, Sundays or bank holidays, so compare the advert's hourly rate rather than a weekly total.

Your rights as a Christmas temp

  • you build up paid holiday from your first day, and you should be paid for holiday you haven't taken when the job ends
  • if you're placed by an agency, you get the same basic pay and conditions as permanent staff doing the same job after 12 weeks with the same hirer
  • an agency can't charge you a fee for finding you work
  • if you pay too much tax on a short job, HMRC usually sorts it out after the tax year ends, or you can claim a refund

If anything about your pay, hours or holiday doesn't look right, Acas gives free advice.

Can Christmas temps get kept on?

Sometimes. Careers Wales says seasonal work can lead to longer or permanent work in some cases, but it isn't guaranteed. You give yourself the best chance by:

  • saying at interview that you'd like to stay on after Christmas
  • being reliable, especially on the busiest days
  • offering to cover January sales and returns
  • asking your manager in December whether any roles are coming up

Even if you aren't kept on, a Christmas job gives you a recent reference and experience for your CV.

How to find Christmas jobs

Search employers' own careers pages for "Christmas" or "seasonal", check job sites regularly, and ask local shops, pubs and venues in person. Use the Christmas jobs page to see live adverts that say they're for Christmas or seasonal work, then add your town.

Be careful with scams. Genuine employers don't ask you to pay for training, uniforms or background checks before you start.

Common questions

When do Christmas jobs start?

Most start in November or early December. Recruitment usually runs from September into December, with the biggest employers hiring earliest.

When should I apply for Christmas jobs?

October and early November give you the most choice. You can still find work in December, mostly in shops, hospitality and events.

How long do Christmas temp jobs last?

Usually from a few weeks to about two months, ending in late December or January. The advert or contract should give an end date or say that it's ongoing.

Do Christmas temps get holiday pay?

Yes. Temporary workers build up paid holiday from the first day, and should be paid for any they haven't taken when the job ends.

Do I need experience for a Christmas job?

Often not. Many shop, warehouse and hospitality roles train you on the job. Use the No experience jobs page to find adverts that say so.

Start with how you want to work

Pick the kind of Christmas job that suits you, then add your town.

Browse 60 Christmas and seasonal jobs ›

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