Who’s Hiring in December 2025? Top Retail, Hospitality, and Events Jobs Open Now

December is one of the busiest hiring months in South Africa. The retail, hospitality, and events industries open thousands of positions to meet the demands of the festive season. For young people, students, and unemployed individuals, this is the best time of year to secure short-term work, gain valuable experience, and earn extra income before the new year begins.

Whether you are looking for part-time shifts in retail, kitchen work in hospitality, or short contracts in events, December 2025 offers multiple opportunities across Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and other regions. This guide highlights the top jobs available, where to apply, and how to turn seasonal roles into long-term employment.

Retail Jobs in December 2025

The surge in festive hiring

South African retailers traditionally experience their highest foot traffic during December. With shoppers preparing for Christmas and New Year celebrations, demand for staff rises sharply. Temporary staff help manage longer trading hours, holiday promotions, and stock replenishment.

Positions available

• Retail Sales Assistants – Assisting customers, promoting specials, and maintaining shop floor presentation.
• Cashiers – Handling transactions and providing friendly customer service at tills.
• Store Team Members – Assisting with stock unpacking, merchandising, and floor assistance.
• Merchandisers – Ensuring shelves are stocked, displays are neat, and products are promoted effectively.

Employers currently hiring

• Ackermans: Recruiting festive season sales assistants across Pretoria and Johannesburg.
• Crazy Store: Hiring part-time staff for holiday shifts in malls and high-traffic areas.
• Lovisa: Looking for seasonal retail stylists with fashion interest and customer service skills.
• Absolute Pets: Hiring pet-loving store assistants to handle festive sales.
• Clicks Group: Recruiting cashiers and shop assistants nationwide.
• Woolworths: Ongoing recruitment for festive casuals in clothing and food departments.

Requirements and skills

Employers typically look for:

• Customer service experience (formal or informal).
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Reliability, neat appearance, and communication skills.
• Teamwork and stock management abilities.

Application tips

1. Visit company career pages (e.g., Ackermans Careers, Woolworths Careers).
2. Keep your CV short (1–2 pages).
3. Highlight retail or customer-facing experience.
4. Apply early, as most hiring concludes by mid-December.

Hospitality Jobs in December 2025

High demand in hotels and restaurants

December brings tourists, family gatherings, and holiday dining. The hospitality sector needs extra staff to manage high occupancy rates, busy restaurants, and events. Opportunities range from entry-level service jobs to skilled culinary roles.

Positions available

• Chefs and Cooks – Preparing meals in restaurants, hotels, and catering companies.
• Waiters and Waitresses – Serving guests in restaurants, banquets, and resorts.
• Bartenders – Preparing drinks in bars and festive events.
• Kitchen Assistants – Assisting chefs with food prep and cleaning.
• Housekeeping Staff – Ensuring rooms and facilities remain clean during peak bookings.
• Front Desk Receptionists – Handling guest check-ins and customer queries.

Employers currently hiring

• Sun International: Recruiting chefs, cooks, and service staff across its hotels and casinos.
• Tsogo Sun: Hiring waiters, receptionists, and culinary staff.
• Independent restaurants in Pretoria, Johannesburg, and Cape Town seeking part-time waiters.
• Catering companies preparing for weddings, corporate year-end parties, and family functions.

Skills and qualifications

• Professional cookery diplomas or chef training highly valued.
• Strong organisation, time management, and creativity for culinary roles.
• Good communication and people skills for service roles.
• Reliability and neat presentation for housekeeping and reception jobs.

Application tips

• Apply directly on hotel and resort websites.
• Use platforms like Nasi iSpani and Jobs in Gauteng.
• For restaurant jobs, prepare to drop off CVs in person.

Events Jobs in December 2025

A busy month for festivals and celebrations

South Africa’s events calendar peaks in December. From concerts and music festivals to weddings and year-end corporate parties, organisers need extra hands to manage logistics and support roles.

Positions available

• Event Coordinators – Assisting with planning and execution.
• Support Staff and Ushers – Guiding guests at large venues.
• Ticketing Agents – Selling or checking tickets at entrances.
• Logistics Crews – Handling stage set-up, equipment, and transport.
• Promoters and Brand Ambassadors – Promoting products during live events.

Employers and venues hiring

• FNB Stadium, Johannesburg – Hosting large music and sports events.
• Pretoria National Botanical Gardens – Seasonal concerts and family events.
• Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand – Year-end corporate functions.
• Event agencies in Gauteng recruiting casual staff for short-term contracts.

Skills needed

• Ability to work under pressure in fast-paced environments.
• Flexibility with late-night or weekend shifts.
• Teamwork, reliability, and attention to detail.

Application tips

• Apply via event staffing agencies.
• Network in WhatsApp job groups, where temporary gigs are frequently posted.
• Be ready for short notice calls for weekend events.

Where to Find Jobs in December 2025

Online job portals

• Nasi iSpani: Thousands of seasonal retail and hospitality jobs.
• Jobs in Gauteng: Corporate and service sector vacancies.
• Whatson.Gauteng: Professional and entry-level listings.

Company career pages

• Clicks Careers
• Woolworths Careers
• Sun International Careers

Government vacancies

• DPSA Circular: Public sector roles (slower in December).

Recruitment agencies

• Adcorp, Kelly, Quest – specialising in temporary placements.

Social media and local networks

• WhatsApp job groups in townships and communities.
• Facebook pages advertising local opportunities.

Application Timeline and Deadlines

• October–Early December: Peak period for festive job postings.
• Mid-December: Most retailers finalise hires. Late applications may only get event or hospitality shifts.
• Tip: Apply now to avoid missing deadlines. Employers often shortlist within 2–3 days of posting vacancies.

Turning Temporary Jobs Into Permanent Work

Seasonal work can lead to long-term employment. Employers often keep reliable temporary staff. To maximise your chances:

• Arrive early and show reliability.
• Be willing to take extra shifts.
• Provide excellent customer service.
• Ask for a reference letter at the end of your contract.
• Let managers know you’re open to staying beyond December.

Check also: Free Resources to Power Your Job Hunt in South Africa

Practical Tips for Job Seekers

1. Keep printed copies of your CV ready.
2. Dress neatly when dropping off applications.
3. Be flexible with working hours.
4. Save job portal links on your phone for quick access.
5. Network with colleagues and supervisors for future roles.

Related: The New Rules of Job Hunting in South Africa (2025 Edition)

December 2025 presents one of the strongest job-hunting windows of the year. Retailers, hotels, and event companies are all looking for extra staff to meet festive season demand. For unemployed youth, students, and part-time workers, this is a prime opportunity to earn income, build a CV, and possibly transition into long-term employment.

Don’t wait until the last minute. Apply today, stay motivated, and use seasonal work as a stepping stone towards your career goals.