Arts & Entertainment
New Jersey Residents Could Win $2,500 Watching Christmas Movies
Newark, NJ – New Jersey 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
By Natalie Rhodes · 2026-11-09T18:49:23.822Z
Newark, NJ – New Jersey 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 seeking 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 Newark, Essex County, the greater New York metropolitan area and communities throughout New Jersey.
What Does the Winner Have to Do? The selected winner will complete 12 days of Christmas themed movie challenges designed to celebrate the holiday season.
Activities may include revisiting childhood favorites, watching holiday romantic comedies, exploring poorly rated Christmas movies and pairing festive films with seasonal snacks.
On the twelfth day, the winner will choose a charitable organization to receive a separate $2,500 donation from CableTV.com and DIRECTV.
For New Jersey 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.
Professional movie reviewing experience is not listed as a requirement in the promotional announcement.
Applications opened Wednesday, Nov. 4, and close Sunday, Dec. 6, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Mountain time .
That means New Jersey applicants have until 1:59 a.m. Eastern time Monday, Dec. 7 , to submit their entries.
The winner is expected to be announced by Wednesday, Dec. 9.
How New Jersey Residents Can Enter Interested applicants can review the official 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 holiday tradition.
The promotion gives New Jersey Christmas movie fans a chance to enjoy seasonal entertainment while potentially supporting a charitable cause.
Only one winner will receive the $2,500 personal cash prize. The additional $2,500 is designated for a charity selected by that winner.