Arts & Entertainment
Virginia Residents Could Win $2,500 Watching Christmas Movies
Richmond, VA – Virginia residents who love watching Christmas movies could turn their favorite holiday pastime into a $2,500 cash prize this season, with applications open for a nationwide contest sea
By Elliot Vaughn · 2026-11-09T18:50:21.520Z
Richmond, VA – Virginia residents who love watching Christmas movies could turn their favorite holiday pastime 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 to offer its annual “Chief of Cheer” holiday dream job, which includes $2,500 in cash for one selected winner and an additional $2,500 donation to a charity of that winner's choice.
The contest is open to eligible adults nationwide, including residents of Richmond, Henrico County, the greater Richmond metropolitan area and communities throughout Virginia.
What Will the Winner Do? The selected winner will complete 12 days of holiday themed movie challenges celebrating the Christmas season.
Activities may include rewatching childhood favorites, enjoying holiday romantic comedies, watching poorly rated Christmas movies and pairing seasonal films with festive 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 Virginia residents, that could mean supporting a local food pantry, animal shelter or another eligible charitable organization.
Who Is Eligible to 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 Virginia applicants, that deadline is 1:59 a.m. Eastern time Monday, Dec. 7 .
The winner is expected to be announced by Wednesday, Dec. 9.
How Virginia 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 its Chief of Cheer search has become a favorite holiday tradition.
The promotion offers Virginia 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 reserved for a charitable donation selected by that winner.