Arts & Entertainment
Indiana Residents Could Win $2,500 Watching Christmas Movies
Indianapolis, IN – Indiana residents who enjoy watching Christmas movies could turn their favorite holiday tradition into a $2,500 cash prize this season, with applications open for a nationwide conte
By Lena Wood · 2026-11-09T18:53:18.205Z
Indianapolis, IN – Indiana residents who enjoy watching Christmas movies could turn their favorite holiday tradition into a $2,500 cash prize this season, with applications open for a nationwide contest searching for one holiday movie enthusiast.
According to CableTV.com, the company has partnered with DIRECTV for its annual “Chief of Cheer” holiday dream job, offering one selected winner $2,500 in cash and an additional $2,500 donation to a charity of their choice.
The contest is open to eligible adults nationwide, including residents of Indianapolis, Marion County, the greater Indianapolis metropolitan area and communities throughout Indiana.
What Will the Winner Do? The selected winner will complete 12 days of holiday themed movie challenges designed to celebrate the Christmas season.
Activities may include rewatching childhood favorites, enjoying holiday romantic comedies, watching poorly rated Christmas movies and pairing festive films with seasonal snacks.
On the twelfth day, the winner will select a charitable organization to receive a separate $2,500 donation from CableTV.com and DIRECTV.
For Indiana residents, that could mean supporting a local food pantry, animal shelter or another eligible charitable organization.
Who Can Apply? Applicants must be U.S. residents older than 18, according to the promotional announcement.
Professional movie reviewing experience is not listed as a requirement.
Applications opened Wednesday, Nov. 4, and close Sunday, Dec. 6, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Mountain time .
For most Indiana applicants, including Indianapolis residents, the deadline is 1:59 a.m. Eastern time Monday, Dec. 7 .
For residents in Indiana's Central time zone, the deadline is 12:59 a.m. Monday, Dec. 7 .
The winner is expected to be announced by Wednesday, Dec. 9.
How Indiana Residents Can Enter Interested applicants can review the official contest rules and submit an application at:
https://www.cabletv.com/experience/chief of cheer holiday dream job
CableTV.com Managing Editor Mike Strayer said the company's Dream Jobs program began in 2019 and that the Chief of Cheer search has become a favorite holiday tradition.
The promotion offers Indiana Christmas movie fans an opportunity to enjoy seasonal entertainment while potentially supporting a meaningful charitable cause.
Only one winner will receive the $2,500 personal cash prize. The additional $2,500 is designated for a charitable donation selected by that winner.