The holiday season brings joy, festivities, and, unfortunately, a significant drain on our wallets. With gifts to buy, parties to attend, and travel expenses piling up, many people feel the financial pinch during what should be the most wonderful time of the year. But what if you could turn the holiday rush into a money-making opportunity?
According to a recent survey, 78% of Americans turn to side hustles to cover holiday expenses. This comprehensive guide reveals over 25 practical ways to earn extra cash during the holiday season. Whether you have just a few hours to spare or are looking for a more substantial income boost, these side hustles can help you enter the new year with your finances intact, or even improved.
Understanding the Holiday Hustle
The holiday season creates unique economic opportunities. As consumer spending increases dramatically, businesses need extra help, and people need various services they don’t have time to handle themselves. This seasonal surge offers perfect conditions for short-term income opportunities.
Side hustles during this time offer several advantages: immediate income, flexible scheduling, low barrier to entry, and a variety of options. According to recent data, 66% of Americans feel more financial stress during the holidays compared to other times of the year, while 55% specifically take on side hustles to afford gifts. Moreover, 81% of side hustlers plan to continue their gig beyond the holiday season.
If you’re wondering how to make money during the holidays from home, the good news is that many remote and online options are available as well.
1. Seasonal Employment Opportunities
Traditional seasonal jobs offer predictable hours and steady paychecks during the holiday rush.
Retail Sales Associate
Retailers drastically increase staffing from November through January, and the National Retail Federation expects stores to hire between 400,000 and 500,000 seasonal workers for the 2025 holiday season.
- Average pay of $15-20 per hour.
- Employee discounts, potential for extension beyond the holidays, and flexible scheduling options.
Major chains like Target, Walmart, Macy’s, and Amazon warehouse positions frequently hire seasonal employees without extensive interviews.
Delivery Driver
With online shopping at its peak during the holidays, delivery services desperately need drivers. Drivers report earning $18-25/hour plus tips, with higher earnings during peak holiday times. Consider delivery through companies like UPS, FedEx, or Amazon. Other options include food delivery services (DoorDash, Grubhub, Uber Eats), grocery delivery through Instacart, or package delivery with Spark Driver for Walmart deliveries.
If you’re looking to make extra money for Christmas, delivery driving can be a solid option. Working for several platforms simultaneously can significantly increase earnings.
Amazon Flex
This program lets you deliver Amazon packages using your vehicle. Earn $18-25 per hour, choose your own delivery blocks, and get paid twice weekly. Work as little or as much as you want.
“I consistently earn over $200 on weekend days during December delivering Amazon packages,” shares one Amazon Flex driver.
2. Freelance and Gig Work Options
The gig economy offers tremendous flexibility for holiday earners.
TaskRabbit
This platform connects you with people needing help with various tasks such as holiday decorating, furniture assembly, and home cleaning.
TaskRabbit allows you to set your rates, with many holiday-specific tasks commanding premium pricing. Many Taskers report earning $25-50/hour.
Digital Freelancing Opportunities
Online platforms offer countless ways to monetize your skills. Fiverr and Upwork for writing, design, or virtual assistance; Etsy for handmade items or digital downloads; Airtasker for local odd jobs and services.
Freelancers report that making money during the holidays can be particularly fruitful, as businesses rush to complete year-end initiatives.
Gift Wrapping Extraordinaire
Many people dread wrapping presents but want beautifully wrapped gifts. Offer in-home services where you bring supplies to clients, set up a booth at local craft fairs or shopping centers, or partner with small businesses to provide gift wrapping for their customers.
Gift wrappers can charge $5-15 per package, depending on size and complexity. Department stores often hire seasonal gift wrappers at around $15/hour.
3. Online Opportunities
You can earn money from home through numerous online opportunities.
Creative E-Commerce
If you have design skills, consider creating holiday-themed digital products, designing custom holiday cards, and offering digital marketing services to businesses.
“I made over $3,000 in December alone selling my holiday printables on Etsy,” reports one successful seller. Virtual assistants typically earn $15-30/hour, with specialized skills commanding higher rates.
Virtual Assistant for Holiday Rush
Many businesses and entrepreneurs need extra help managing the holiday surge. Typical tasks include email management, customer service, and social media scheduling.
If you’ve been wondering how to make money during the holidays from home, many virtual assistant gigs are available and often discussed in freelancing communities.
4. Traditional Side Hustle Ideas
These classic options remain reliable income sources during the busy holiday season.
Pet Sitting/Dog Walking
As people travel for holidays, pet care services are in high demand. Use apps like Rover or Meowtel for pet sitting, offer in-home pet sitting or boarding in your home, and provide dog walking services for busy holiday shoppers.
Some pet sitters report earning up to $78,000 annually, with the holiday season being particularly lucrative.
Sell Unwanted Treasures
The holidays are perfect for decluttering and converting unused items to cash. Utilize Facebook Marketplace for local sales, eBay for specialty or collectible items, and OfferUp or letgo for quick local transactions.
This is a great way to earn quick cash for those wondering how to get free money for Christmas, simply by selling things you no longer need.
5. Seasonal Service Opportunities
Snow Removal Services
Winter weather creates lucrative opportunities for those willing to brave the elements.
- Service equipment: Purchase basic equipment like shovels and ice melt, or invest in snow blowers for larger jobs.
- Pricing: Charge $25-75 per driveway depending on size and conditions.
- Using snow removal apps allows for finding clients easily, as jobs are assigned based on proximity, and payments are processed digitally through the app.
Holiday Event Planning
Businesses and families need help coordinating their festive gatherings. Create holiday-specific packages at different price points, and offer services such as full event coordination and vendor management. Your earning potential ranges from $1,000-3,000 per event depending on complexity and client budget.
Holiday Catering Services
Food is central to seasonal celebrations. Offer specialized holiday menus, partner with local businesses hosting holiday parties, and obtain necessary food handling licenses to start this side hustle.
6. Unconventional Money-Making Methods
Equipment Rental for Holiday Events
Many people need specialized equipment only occasionally. Items to rent include photo booths, chocolate fountains, and portable heaters.
Seasonal Performances and Entertainment
Put your creative talents to profitable use. Musicians can earn $25-200 per hour depending on venue and experience level, and character performances like dressing as Santa offer additional opportunities. Grinch visits can charge $20-50 per visit for photo opportunities at homes.
Holiday Home Services
Offer specialized assistance when people need it most. Christmas tree delivery and setup, outdoor lighting installation, and post-holiday cleanup are services in high demand during the holiday season.
7. Turning Hobbies into Holiday Cash
Crafting Homemade Gifts and Decor
Transform creative skills into profitable products by making holiday ornaments, wreaths, or gift baskets. Use platforms like Etsy or boutique stores for selling, and create themed collections like rustic, modern, or traditional to appeal to different customer preferences.
Holiday Photography Services
Service options include holiday card mini-sessions, home decoration photoshoots, and event photography. Offer mini-sessions for $75-150 with additional fees for expedited editing or printing services.
Teaching Seasonal Skills
Share your expertise through workshops or private lessons like cooking classes and craft tutorials. Utilize platforms like Teachable or Skillshare for online courses.
Optimizing Your Side Hustle Earnings
To maximize your holiday income:
- Start early: Many seasonal positions fill by early November.
- Stack opportunities: Combine compatible side hustles.
- Leverage peak pricing: Charge premium rates for last-minute services.
- Market strategically: Use social media to promote your services.
- Track expenses: Keep receipts for tax deductions.
Tools and Resources
Maximize your holiday hustle with these essential digital aids:
| Category | Tools | Purpose |
| Scheduling | Calendly, Google Calendar | Manage appointments, avoid double-booking, send reminders |
| Marketing | Canva, Instagram | Create promotional materials, showcase your services, target local customers |
| Payment Processing | Square, PayPal | Accept various payment methods, send professional invoices, track income |
| Customer Management | HoneyBook, ShiftNOW | Track client information, manage bookings, build repeat business |
| Equipment | Lowe’s Tool Rental, Neighbor | Access equipment without large investments, find affordable storage |
Essential Apps for Holiday Side Hustlers
- For delivery gigs: DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart, Shipt
- For service work: TaskRabbit, Thumbtack, Handy
- For selling items: eBay, Poshmark, Facebook Marketplace
- For creative sales: Etsy, Printify, Society6
Pro tip: Use multi-platform strategies, list your services on multiple apps to maximize visibility and booking opportunities.
Government Programs and Grants
Economic Opportunity Holiday Grants
Some regions offer specific assistance during the holiday season.
- Eligibility typically requires proof of financial hardship and local operation.
- Example program: Los Angeles County Economic Opportunity Grants provide $3,000-$5,000 to small businesses and nonprofits.
- Application is through official county websites during designated application windows, often November through December.
Seasonal Tax Incentives
Take advantage of year-end tax opportunities. Purchase necessary equipment or supplies before December 31st to claim current year taxes. Charitable contribution incentives are also applicable, with enhanced deductions for holiday-season donations.
Check your local Small Business Association, city economic development office, or municipal website for holiday-specific programs.
Crafting Your Holiday Money Plan
Before diving into holiday hustles:
- Set a specific income goal: Determine exactly how much extra you need.
- Assess your available time: Be realistic about what you can commit to.
- Research and select side hustles: Focus on those that align with your strengths and interests.
- Prepare early: Ensure you have all necessary tools or equipment ready.
- Track your progress: Keep detailed records for future improvement.
As Dave Ramsey often advises, having a clear plan for your finances is key. By setting specific goals and tracking your progress, you can make your holiday side hustle more effective.
By crafting a detailed plan, you’ll be equipped to take full advantage of the holiday season’s many money-making opportunities.