Profitable Holiday Side Hustles You Will Enjoy
Holiday side hustles are a fantastic way to boost your income and enjoy the festive season. Flexible work and artistic endeavours are only two of the many ways to supplement your income without compromising your enjoyment.
Whether you want to cover gift expenses, save for a special treat, or try something new, these ideas make the most of your time and skills.
Exploring profitable holiday side hustles can help you maximize seasonal opportunities while keeping the spirit of the festivities alive.
Profitable Holiday Side Hustles
1. Sell Holiday Crafts On Etsy
Holiday shoppers love unique and handmade gifts, which makes Etsy one of the best platforms for crafty side hustlers. You can create ornaments, personalized stockings, festive candles, or winter décor and list them online.
The process starts by setting up a shop on Etsy, taking high-quality photos, and writing catchy descriptions. Promotion through Instagram, Pinterest, or TikTok helps boost sales.
Many sellers make $200 to $1,000 or more during the season, depending on product demand and volume. The beauty of this hustle is that once your designs gain attention, they can continue selling even after the holidays.
2. Offer Gift Wrapping Services
Gift wrapping seems simple, but during the holiday rush, it becomes a sought-after service. Busy families and professionals are often willing to pay for someone who can wrap presents beautifully.
To get started, you’ll need wrapping paper, ribbons, tape, and a bit of creativity. You can advertise through Facebook Marketplace, community boards, or word of mouth.
Pricing can be per gift, ranging from $3 for smaller items to $10 or more for larger, complex packages. Some wrappers earn $200–$600 extra in December alone. It’s low-cost, flexible, and perfect if you enjoy adding that special holiday touch.
3. Pet Sitting During Travel Season
Travel spikes during the holidays, which means pet owners are often searching for reliable sitters. If you’re an animal lover, this is both enjoyable and profitable. You can sign up on Rover, Wag, or advertise in local Facebook groups.
Services include daily check-ins, overnight stays, or even boarding pets in your home. The process is simple: meet with pet owners, understand their pet’s routine, and provide updates while they’re away.
Depending on the service, you could make $20–$50 per pet per day, and even more for multiple pets. It’s a cozy hustle filled with wagging tails and purrs.
4. Deliver Groceries Or Holiday Meals
With family gatherings, parties, and last-minute needs, food delivery apps like Instacart, DoorDash, and Uber Eats see a significant surge in orders during the holidays.
It's easy to sign up, and you can begin taking delivery requests practically right away. The process involves shopping for groceries, picking up restaurant meals, or transporting catering trays, then delivering them to customers’ doors.
Most drivers earn $15–$25 per hour, with tips often higher in December. You set your own schedule, so it’s flexible around your own holiday plans. If you don’t mind driving and carrying groceries, this hustle can add up fast.
5. Holiday Decorating Services
This is where you come in, because not everyone has the time or energy to decorate their homes or places of business for the holidays. Offering decorating services can include putting up Christmas trees, hanging outdoor lights, or styling festive displays.
To get started, advertise locally with flyers, social media posts, or apps like Nextdoor. You can charge $20–$50 per hour, or flat rates for larger projects, like $150 to decorate a small home.
The process usually involves consulting with the client, using their decorations or shopping for new ones, and creating a cozy, festive atmosphere. It’s fun, creative, and pays well.
6. Sell Homemade Holiday Baked Goods
Holiday baking is a tradition, but many families are too busy to make treats themselves. If you enjoy baking, you can turn it into a seasonal business.
Popular items include holiday cookie boxes, pies, bread, and specialty cakes. Start by testing recipes, then package items attractively with ribbons or festive boxes. Promote on Instagram, Facebook groups, or at local craft fairs.
You can charge anywhere from $15 for small boxes of cookies to $50 or more for large cakes, with steady orders bringing in $200–$1,000 during December. It’s a delicious way to earn money and spread cheer.
7. Flip Holiday Items Online
The holiday season is prime time for buying and reselling items. Many stores discount toys, décor, and gift sets after big sales like Black Friday or right before Christmas.
Savvy resellers scoop them up and flip them on eBay, Poshmark, or Facebook Marketplace. The process is straightforward: shop clearance sections, photograph items in good lighting, and list with strong keywords and competitive pricing.
Popular toys and limited-edition items can sell quickly at double their retail value. Many resellers earn $500–$2,000 or more during the holidays, depending on effort and inventory. It’s a hustle that rewards bargain hunters.
8. Rent Out Holiday Décor Or Gear
If you own holiday gear like inflatable snowmen, string lights, or projectors, you could turn them into cash by renting them out. Families and small businesses want festive displays but don’t always want to buy new decorations.
Start by posting on local apps like Nextdoor, Facebook Marketplace, or rental platforms such as Fat Llama. The process involves photographing your items, setting rental prices, arranging delivery or pickup, and setting clear return policies.
You can earn $20–$100 per item rented, with minimal ongoing effort. It’s a clever way to monetize seasonal décor you already own.
9. Work Holiday Events And Festivals
Working at local festive events is one of the most profitable holiday side hustles, offering both steady pay and a cheerful seasonal atmosphere. Typical roles include selling tickets, working food stalls, managing crowds, or setting up booths.
Many seasonal jobs pay $12–$20 an hour, and you often get to enjoy the event atmosphere while working. To get started, check local event websites, job boards, or contact organizers directly.
The process usually involves filling out a short application, showing up on time, and completing assigned tasks. While it’s temporary work, it’s flexible, fun, and gives you an inside view of holiday traditions in your community.
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10. Sell Holiday Printables Online
One of the most profitable holiday side hustles is selling digital products, which provides passive revenue with little continuous work.
Items like holiday planners, greeting cards, party games, or printable gift tags are quick to design and sell year after year. Using tools like Canva or Adobe Illustrator, you can create professional printables without needing advanced skills.
Upload your designs to Etsy, Gumroad, or even your own website. Customers pay, download instantly, and print at home—no shipping needed.
Sellers can make anywhere from $100 to $1,000 during the season, depending on marketing and product appeal. Once uploaded, these products generate mostly passive income.
11. Freelance Holiday Projects
Businesses are busier than ever during the holidays, making this a great time to offer your professional skills as a freelancer.
Writers can create gift guides or blog posts, designers can make festive graphics, and marketers can manage seasonal ad campaigns.
To get started, build a profile on Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer, highlighting holiday-specific services. Rates range from $20 to $75 per hour, depending on skill and experience.
The process is simple: pitch clients, deliver quality work, and collect payment. Demand spikes from November to December, making it one of the most profitable seasonal hustles for skilled workers.
12. Host A Holiday Pop-Up Shop
If you sell handmade goods, food items, or unique products, a pop-up shop is a great way to reach new customers. Many towns have holiday markets or allow short-term rentals for booths.
Start by preparing inventory, creating eye-catching displays, and setting competitive prices. Shoppers love browsing in person for gifts, and vendors often make $500–$2,000 in a single weekend, depending on traffic and product appeal.
The process includes signing up for a market, setting up your table, engaging with shoppers, and offering deals like gift bundles. It’s festive, fast-paced, and a great way to boost holiday income.
13. Offer Holiday Photography Sessions
Families love professional photos for Christmas cards, seasonal keepsakes, or social media. If you own a decent camera and know basic editing, you can offer mini photo sessions.
To get started, pick a location with natural light or set up a festive backdrop with props like ornaments, fake snow, or holiday lights. Advertise locally through Facebook groups or Instagram.
Charge $75–$200 per 20–30 minute session and deliver digital images. With back-to-back bookings, you could easily earn $500+ in a weekend. The best part? Many clients may return year after year, making this a recurring seasonal side hustle.
14. Rent Out A Spare Room
Renting out extra space through platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo is among the most profitable holiday side hustles, combining flexibility with strong seasonal demand.
If you have a spare room, list it on Airbnb or Vrbo. To prepare, clean thoroughly, decorate with a few festive touches, and provide essentials like towels and Wi-Fi.
Good photos and clear house rules help attract guests. Depending on your location, you can earn $50–$150 per night, and sometimes more in big cities.
With just a few bookings, you could cover holiday expenses. It’s a flexible hustle that turns unused space into income while helping travellers enjoy their holiday trips.
15. Create And Sell Gift Baskets
Gift baskets are always in demand because they’re thoughtful, customizable, and save people shopping time. You can put together themed baskets such as spa kits, hot cocoa sets, or gourmet snack assortments.
Start by sourcing items in bulk, then arrange them neatly in baskets, wrap them with cellophane, and finish with ribbons. Market them through Instagram, local groups, or at holiday markets.
Prices range from $30–$100 per basket, depending on size and contents. With steady sales, you could make $500–$1,500 extra during the season. It’s a hustle that combines creativity with excellent profit margins.
16. Snow Removal Services
Snow removal is among the most profitable holiday side hustles, offering steady demand and strong earnings during the winter season. People are willing to pay for cleared driveways and sidewalks, especially after storms.
To start, you’ll need a sturdy shovel, a snow blower if possible, and maybe salt for de-icing. Advertise door-to-door or through apps like TaskRabbit. Prices typically range from $20–$75 per job, depending on size and conditions.
After a significant snowfall, completing multiple jobs in a single day can bring in hundreds. It’s physical work, but demand is guaranteed during the winter months, especially close to the holidays.
17. Rent Out Your Car During Holidays
With holiday travel at its peak, many visitors need reliable transportation. If you own a car that sits unused, list it on Turo or Getaround. The process is simple: create a profile, upload photos, set availability, and confirm bookings.
Before each rental, clean the car and ensure maintenance is up-to-date. Depending on the type of vehicle, you can earn $30–$100 per day, and more for SUVs or vans.
With multiple bookings across December, that adds up fast. It’s a passive hustle that lets your car work for you while others enjoy a smooth holiday trip.
18. Be A Virtual Holiday Assistant
Becoming a virtual assistant is one of the most profitable holiday side hustles, offering remote flexibility while meeting the high seasonal demand.
Tasks may include managing shopping lists, scheduling events, ordering gifts, or tracking shipments. To get started, offer your services on Fiverr, Upwork, or advertise locally.
Virtual assistants typically earn $15–$40 per hour, depending on experience. The process involves setting up calls or emails with clients, organizing their tasks, and completing them efficiently.
During the holiday rush, this can become a full schedule, with high demand from overwhelmed households. It’s flexible, remote, and perfect for people who are highly organized and detail-oriented.
19. Tutor Students Over Winter Break
Tutoring during school breaks stands out as one of the most profitable holiday side hustles, combining strong earnings with the joy of helping students succeed.
If you have expertise in subjects like math, science, English, or languages, tutoring is a profitable seasonal side hustle. You can tutor in person or virtually using Zoom or Google Meet.
Start by advertising in local Facebook groups, schools, or through tutoring platforms like Wyzant or Varsity Tutors. Sessions usually last 45–60 minutes, and tutors can charge $20–$60 per hour, depending on experience.
With multiple students, it’s possible to earn $300–$1,000 during the holiday period while making a meaningful impact on students’ learning.
20. Run Errands For Busy People
Holidays are hectic, and many people need help with errands like grocery shopping, picking up gifts, or mailing packages. To start, advertise your services locally, through apps like TaskRabbit, or on community boards.
The process involves coordinating tasks, budgeting time efficiently, and delivering items promptly. You can charge $15–$40 per hour or set flat fees per task.
During December, errands multiply, giving you the potential to earn $200–$700 extra in a few weeks. This hustle is ideal for organized, reliable people who enjoy helping others save time during the busiest season of the year.
22. Create Holiday-Themed Merchandise
Digital print-on-demand platforms like Redbubble, Teespring, and Printful allow you to design t-shirts, mugs, and tote bags with holiday graphics or phrases. No inventory is required; the platform prints and ships products for you.
The process includes designing seasonal artwork, uploading files, and promoting your products on social media or via email lists. Earnings vary based on sales volume, with potential earnings of $100–$1,000 per season.
The key is designing eye-catching, festive items that appeal to gift buyers. Once set up, this can become passive income, allowing you to profit from trends without the hassle of physical inventory.
23. Offer House Sitting Services
House sitting is one of the most profitable holiday side hustles, offering steady pay for simple tasks while families are away. House sitting is a reliable, low-effort way to earn income.
Responsibilities include checking the home, collecting mail, watering plants, and sometimes caring for pets. Advertise on local community boards, neighbourhood apps, or platforms like HouseSitter.com.
Pay typically ranges from $25–$50 per day, depending on location and duties. The process is simple: meet homeowners beforehand, understand their expectations, and provide updates while they’re away.
You can take multiple assignments during December, earning $200–$800 extra while enjoying a peaceful, low-stress holiday hustle.
24. Create Personalized Gifts
Custom gifts are always in demand because they feel meaningful and unique. Use tools like Cricut machines, embroidery kits, or handcrafting techniques to make personalized ornaments, mugs, stockings, or name plaques.
Promote your services on Etsy, social media, or local community groups. Prices vary depending on complexity, with potential earnings of $20–$100 per item, and bulk orders can lead to $500–$1,500 during the season.
The process involves taking orders, designing or customizing products, and delivering them on time. Personalized gifts combine creativity, craftsmanship, and profitability, making them a top seasonal side hustle for the holidays.
FAQs
1. Do I Need A Lot Of Experience Or Special Skills?
Not always. Some hustles, like snow removal, house sitting, or running errands, require reliability and effort rather than special skills. Others, like photography, baking, or creating crafts, benefit from skill but can be learned with practice.
2. How Do I Find Clients For These Hustles?
Start locally! Use Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, community boards, or apps like Rover, TaskRabbit, or Fiverr. Social media and word-of-mouth referrals work well, too. Early marketing helps you secure bookings before the holiday rush.
3. How Much Time Should I Dedicate To A Holiday Side Hustle?
It depends on your goals and hustle type. Some gigs, like delivering groceries, are flexible by the hour. Others, like running a pop-up shop or selling handmade gifts, require preparation and consistent hours. Even dedicating a few hours a week can generate extra income.
Conclusion
Exploring profitable holiday side hustles can transform seasonal free time into meaningful income while still keeping the festive spirit alive. With creativity and effort, even small gigs can make a big difference in your finances.
These opportunities offer flexibility, fun, and the chance to reach financial goals while enjoying the holidays. Pick the options that suit your skills, dive in with enthusiasm, and watch how holiday side hustles can make this season brighter and more prosperous.
I trust you enjoyed this article on the Profitable Holiday Side Hustles You Will Enjoy. Please stay tuned for more insightful blogs on affiliate marketing, online business, and working from anywhere in the world.
Take care!
— JeannetteZ
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