12 Hidden Facts About the Lives of Easter Bunnies

Annually, countless families, church gatherings, and event organizers hire entertainment firms to provide a costumed bunny for their Easter festivities. These dedicated individuals brave extreme heat, scared kids, and various challenges to spread holiday cheer.

The role can often feel unappreciated, which is why Mytour interviewed several bunnies and their managers in 2017 to uncover the secrets of a successful gig, the many risks involved, and why they sometimes face harassment while clutching a massive carrot. Here’s a peek behind the floppy ears.

1. Underneath the bunny head, performers might be catching up on their favorite Netflix shows.

Ever noticed an Easter bunny being a bit slow to react to your child? They might be engrossed in a TV series. Jennifer Ellison, the sales and marketing manager for San Diego Kids’ Party Rentals and a bunny handler during Easter, explained that long party bookings can lead performers to find ways to stay entertained in their costumes. “We schedule the bunny by the hour, often for several hours at a time,” Ellison shared in 2017. “Listening to music helps make the time go by faster.”

One of her bunny colleagues, who frequently works at shopping malls, has even designed a harness to hold a smartphone. “It’s positioned above the bunny’s nose, right at eye level for the performer, making it easy to watch Netflix, browse Facebook, or check emails,” Ellison added.

2. Wet grass is a no-go zone for them.

Bunnies at private events, such as backyard parties or egg hunts, must preserve the magic of being a character, not a person in a costume. Albert Joseph, owner of Albert Joseph Entertainment in San Francisco and a seasoned Easter performer with over 30 years of experience, emphasized that stepping on wet grass is strictly forbidden. Why? “They wear regular shoes under their oversized bunny feet,” he explained in 2017. “If they walk on wet grass and then onto cement, they’ll leave human footprints instead of bunny tracks.”

3. There’s a specific reason they might avoid lifting your child.

While Easter bunnies are happy to sit for photos with your child on their lap, they’re unlikely to lift or carry them. Steve Rothenberg, a seasoned performer and owner of Talk of the Town Entertainment in Rockville, Maryland, explained that picking up children is prohibited. “You don’t want to risk lifting a child and having them accidentally remove your headpiece,” he noted in 2017.

4. Oversized carrots can lead to awkward comments.

Joseph’s Easter bunnies often carry a 3-foot-long giant carrot as part of their costume. While kids find the prop hilarious, adults at the events often can’t resist making suggestive remarks. “Almost every time, someone will joke, ‘My, what a large carrot you’ve got,’” he shared.

Once, Joseph performed at a retirement home, where an elderly woman, likely in her 80s, made a flirtatious remark about his large bunny feet. “She mentioned she was staying in room 37,” he recalled.

5. The bunny’s outfit is crucial.

Although “naked” bunnies are still a hit, Ellison’s team also offers Mr. Bunny, a “dapper gentleman in a top hat and vest,” and Mrs. Bunny, who wears a stylish purple dress. Why does attire matter to kids? “Children find it easier to connect with a giant, fluffy character when it’s dressed like a person,” Ellison explained. “Plus, we thought the outfits were adorable.”

6. Dark clothing underneath is a no-no.

While it might seem harmless for a bunny to wear a black shirt under their costume, Joseph insists his performers stick to white attire. Not only is it cooler, but it also maintains the illusion. “There’s always a chance someone might catch a glimpse around the neck or feet,” he said. Light-colored clothing helps keep the magic alive.

7. Upholstery cleaners are their go-to for cleaning bunny heads.

While most bunny outfits can be washed in a standard machine, with the feet needing a larger commercial washer, the heads require special care. “Have you seen those upholstery cleaners available for rent at grocery stores?” Joseph explained. “We use those, along with the wand attachment meant for carpets, to clean the heads.”

8. Staying cool requires a clever trick.

Wearing fake fur costumes in spring can lead to discomfort or even dizziness. While none of the bunnies we spoke to had fainted, Ellison shared that the key to staying cool is wearing an extra layer under the costume. “Light, breathable fabrics work well, and some performers even opt for ice vests underneath,” she explained.

Many bunnies operate in shifts: 45 to 50 minutes in costume, followed by 10 to 15 minutes in a private area to cool down and hydrate. “Clients are usually very understanding and often allow additional breaks if needed,” Ellison added.

9. Mints are a must-have.

While bunnies might prefer carrots and grass, their human counterparts need something more to combat the heat. Rothenberg mentioned that his performers often rely on mints while entertaining. “They’ll chew gum or have mints to prevent their throats from drying out,” he said.

10. Bunny handlers are there to avoid accidents.

Every experienced bunny knows that having a handler nearby is essential for a smooth performance. “Your visibility is restricted, and you can’t easily look around,” Rothenberg explained. “An assistant helps stop kids from sneaking up behind you.”

11. Their costumes often have worn-out bottoms.

To help nervous children feel more comfortable, Joseph encourages his bunnies to crouch down rather than bend over. “It puts them at eye level with the kids, making it easier for them to interact,” he said. “But frequent squatting means the costume’s rear often needs repairs. I’ve fixed plenty of them.” Joseph also suggests having mothers sit on the bunny’s lap to reassure hesitant children. “You don’t want to force the child,” he added.

12. They’re not limited to Easter events.

Though bunny costumes are primarily used for a short season, companies are eager to deploy them for other celebrations. Ellison once provided a bunny for a client’s Alice in Wonderland-themed party. “The customer requested the White Rabbit, so we outfitted our bunny with a vest, top hat, and a giant pocket watch. It was a perfect fit,” she shared.

This article originally appeared in 2017 and has been updated for 2022.