The countdown to Christmas is officially on, and Santa's helpers are gearing up to spread some holiday cheer. Across Minnesota, malls are getting ready to transform into winter wonderlands where families can bring their little ones to meet Santa.

You know how it goes – you get the kids dressed in their best holiday outfits, you make your way to the mall, stand in line for what feels like forever, and hope your kids don’t end up in tears when it's their turn to sit on Santa’s lap and share their Christmas wish lists.

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ALSO READ: MINNESOTA'S LONGEST DRIVE-THRU CHRISTMAS LIGHT SHOW IS OPENING SOON.

Mall Santas start their season in mid-to-late November and work right up until Christmas Eve. It might not be a super long stretch, but those days are packed with long hours and plenty of little ones to entertain.

Lisa Maree Williams ThinkStock
Lisa Maree Williams ThinkStock
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And let's be real – it takes a special kind of patience to keep a smile on your face while kids climb on your lap, ask for the wildest toys, and sometimes have epic meltdowns.

Being a Mall Santa is a dirty job too. According to the National Santa, they get sneezed or coughed on up to 15 times a day, and about 28% have had a child accidentally “wet” them during their shift. Not exactly the holiday perks you might expect!

RELATED: THE CANADIAN PACIFIC HOLIDAY TRAIN IS COMING TO MINNESOTA

I Was Shocked To Learn How Much Mall Santas Make In Minnesota

Minnesota ranks dead last, 50th out of 50 states, for Mall Santa salaries, according to ZipRecruiter. See how much they make below.

Checking his special list.
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In Minnesota, Mall Santas make an average of $22.89 an hour. Brooklyn Park offers the highest pay at $24.23 an hour, followed by Plymouth ($23.82), Minneapolis ($23.76), Maple Grove ($23.61), Bloomington ($23.57), and Rochester ($23.47).

While that's pretty good for a seasonal gig, it's still nowhere near the national average. According to Zip Recruiter, as of November 6, 2024, the average hourly pay for a Santa across the U.S. is $60.10.

Minnesota’s Longest Drive-Thru Light Show

The Kiwanis Holiday Light Display is free, but cash and non-perishable food donations are accepted. All money collected is given to area non-profits. Since opening in 2012 the event has raised more than $500,000 for local charities.

Gallery Credit: troy dunken

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