How to Make Money at Christmas: 35 Holiday Side Hustles That Pay Fast

Love This? Share It! 💌

Christmas has a way of emptying your wallet before December even starts. Gifts, travel, holiday food, decorations, and that one family event you forgot to budget for all add up quickly.

Here is the good news: the same season that makes you spend more is also the easiest time of year to earn more. Stores hire thousands of seasonal workers, busy families pay for help they would normally do themselves, and shoppers are actively looking for gifts, decorations, and treats to buy.

Whether you have eight free weeks or just a couple of weekends, there is a way to turn the holiday rush into extra cash. Some of these ideas pay you within days. Others take a little setup now but can earn money every Christmas for years.

Below you will find 35 ways to make money at Christmas, grouped by type so you can quickly find the ones that fit your time, skills, and budget. You will also get a comparison table, a month-by-month holiday money timeline, and tips to avoid seasonal job scams.

Disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

A quick note on pay: Earnings in this article are typical ranges in the US and vary by city, experience, and employer. Always check current listings for exact rates.

Table of Contents

Part 1: Seasonal Jobs (A Steady Holiday Paycheck)

If you want predictable hours and a regular paycheck, seasonal jobs are the simplest route. Most large employers start hiring in September and October, so applying early gives you the best shifts.

1. Work in a Warehouse or Fulfillment Center

Online shopping explodes between Black Friday and Christmas, and the companies shipping those orders need extra hands. Large retailers such as Amazon, Target, and Walmart hire seasonal workers to pick, pack, sort, and ship orders.

The work is physical and you will be on your feet for long shifts, but you usually do not need any experience. Many warehouses offer overtime during peak weeks, and some add seasonal bonuses. Strong seasonal workers are sometimes offered permanent roles in January.

Typical pay: Around $17–$23 per hour, plus possible overtime
Startup cost: $0 (comfortable work shoes help)
How to start: Search “seasonal warehouse jobs near me” or apply on the company careers page

2. Become a Holiday Delivery Driver or Driver Helper

Package volume peaks in December, and carriers like UPS and FedEx hire seasonal drivers and driver helpers. A driver helper rides along with a driver and carries packages to doors, so you do not even need a commercial license.

This is a great fit if you like staying active and would rather be outside than stuck in one place. Expect cold weather, lots of walking, and busy days right before Christmas.

Typical pay: Roughly $18–$22 per hour for helpers, often more for drivers
Startup cost: $0
How to start: Check carrier career pages from September onward

3. Take a Seasonal Retail Job

Department stores, toy stores, craft stores, and electronics retailers all staff up for the holidays. Roles include cashier, stock associate, gift wrapper, and fitting room attendant.

One perk people often overlook is the employee discount. If you work at a store where you already plan to buy gifts, the discount alone can save you a surprising amount.

Typical pay: About $13–$18 per hour, plus employee discounts
Startup cost: $0
How to start: Apply online or walk in and ask about seasonal hiring

4. Work Remote Seasonal Customer Service

More orders mean more questions about shipping, returns, and account problems. Many retailers and tech brands hire remote seasonal customer service agents to handle chats, emails, and calls from home.

You will usually need a reliable computer, a fast internet connection, a headset, and a quiet workspace. This is one of the best options if you want seasonal income without commuting.

Typical pay: Around $15–$20 per hour
Startup cost: $0–$50 (a headset if you do not have one)
How to start: Search “seasonal remote customer service” on job boards

5. Become a Mall Santa, Mrs. Claus, or Elf

If you have a jolly laugh and love kids, playing Santa can be one of the most rewarding holiday jobs. Malls, photo studios, and event companies hire Santas, Mrs. Clauses, and elves for photo sessions and appearances.

Experienced Santas with a real beard and a quality suit are in high demand, and many book private parties, school events, and corporate functions at premium rates. Elves and photo helpers are an easy entry point if you are not ready to wear the big red suit.

Typical pay: Elves and helpers about $13–$18 per hour; experienced Santas often charge $100 or more per hour for private events

Startup cost: $0 for employed roles; a quality Santa suit can cost several hundred dollars
How to start: Apply with mall photo companies or event agencies; expect a background check

6. Work at a Christmas Tree Lot

Tree lots need people to unload trees, help customers choose, trim trunks, net trees, and tie them onto cars. The season is short and busy, running from late November to Christmas Eve.

You will work outdoors in the cold, but the atmosphere is festive and customers often tip when you carry and load their tree.

Typical pay: Around $14–$20 per hour, plus tips
Startup cost: $0 (warm clothes and work gloves)
How to start: Ask local lots, garden centers, and nonprofit tree sales in October and November

7. Join Holiday Catering and Event Staff

Office parties, family gatherings, and holiday galas all need servers, bartenders, and setup crews. Catering companies and event venues hire extra staff for December, and gig apps such as Instawork let you pick up individual shifts.

Evening and weekend shifts make this a good option if you already have a day job.

Typical pay: About $16–$25 per hour, plus tips
Startup cost: $0–$40 (black pants and non-slip shoes)
How to start: Contact local caterers or sign up for event staffing apps

Part 2: Local Services People Pay Extra for in December

December is the month when busy people finally admit they cannot do everything themselves. If you are handy, organized, or good with kids and pets, you can charge premium rates for help that families need right now.

8. Start a Christmas Light Installation Business

This is one of the most profitable seasonal side hustles. Many homeowners hate climbing ladders in the cold, and they will happily pay someone to hang lights, wrap trees, and set up outdoor displays. Many installers also charge a second fee to take everything down in January.

Start by offering simple roofline and front-yard setups to neighbors, then grow through referrals. Price each job by the size of the house and the number of feet of lights rather than by the hour.

Safety matters here. Use a sturdy ladder, work with a partner, and look into basic liability insurance before you start taking paid jobs.

Typical pay: Often $300–$1,000+ per home, depending on size and design
Startup cost: About $200–$800 for ladders, clips, extension cords, and insurance
How to start: Post on Nextdoor and local Facebook groups in October; book installs for November

9. Offer Home and Office Holiday Decorating

If you have an eye for design, offer to decorate trees, mantels, dining tables, and entryways. Small businesses, salons, restaurants, and office lobbies also want to look festive but rarely have time to do it well.

Take photos of your own decorating to build a simple portfolio, and offer packages such as “tree only,” “living room,” or “full home.”

Typical pay: About $50–$100 per hour, or flat package prices

Startup cost: $0–$50 (tools like hooks, wire, and ribbon)
How to start: Share before-and-after photos in local groups and visit small businesses in person

10. Run a Gift-Wrapping Service

Plenty of people love giving gifts but dread wrapping them. You can offer pickup-and-return wrapping from home, set up a pop-up table at a local market, or ask a boutique if you can run a wrapping station during their busiest weekends.

Offer a few simple tiers, such as basic paper, premium paper with a bow, and luxury wrapping with ribbon and a custom tag.

Typical pay: About $5–$15 per gift, depending on size and style
Startup cost: $50–$150 for paper, ribbon, tape, and tags
How to start: Post sample photos online and approach local shops in early November

11. Become a Personal Gift Shopper

Busy professionals, older adults, and parents with packed schedules often want help choosing and buying gifts. As a personal shopper, you take their list and budget, find thoughtful gifts, and can even wrap and deliver them.

A short questionnaire about each recipient’s interests makes this easy and helps you pick gifts clients love.

Typical pay: About $25–$75 per hour, or a percentage of the gift budget
Startup cost: $0
How to start: Offer the service to friends, coworkers, and local professional groups

12. Pet Sit and House Sit for Holiday Travelers

Millions of people travel over the holidays, and many need someone to feed their pets, water plants, and keep an eye on the house. Holiday dates are in such demand that many sitters raise their rates for Christmas week.

Apps like Rover make it easy to find clients, but word of mouth from neighbors often brings the most reliable repeat bookings.

Typical pay: About $25–$75 per night, higher on holidays
Startup cost: $0
How to start: Create a profile on a pet-sitting app and tell neighbors you are available

13. Babysit During Winter Break

When schools close for winter break, many parents still have to work. Offer full-day childcare, a small holiday “camp” with crafts and cookie decorating, or evening babysitting so parents can attend holiday parties.

Sites like Care.com and Sittercity can help, and CPR certification makes parents more comfortable hiring you.

Typical pay: About $18–$25 per hour, often higher on holiday nights

Startup cost: $0–$100 (optional CPR and first-aid class)
How to start: Tell parents in your network your winter break availability in November

14. Offer Holiday House Cleaning

People want spotless homes before guests arrive, and nobody wants to clean up after a big party. Offer “pre-party refresh” and “post-party cleanup” packages to stand out from regular cleaning services.

Typical pay: About $100–$300 per job
Startup cost: $50–$100 for supplies
How to start: Advertise holiday cleaning packages in local groups and on Nextdoor

15. Run Christmas Photo Mini-Sessions

Families want updated photos for Christmas cards, and they do not want to pay for a full photo shoot. Mini-sessions solve that. Set up one festive backdrop, book 15 to 20 minute slots back to back, and deliver a handful of edited photos per family.

One well-planned Saturday of mini-sessions can bring in more than many people earn in a week.

Typical pay: About $75–$250 per session
Startup cost: $0 if you own a good camera; $50–$150 for backdrop and props

How to start: Announce dates in October so families can book before card deadlines

16. Take Holiday Gigs on TaskRabbit

TaskRabbit is busy in December with requests to assemble toys and furniture, hang decorations, set up trees, and move heavy items. You set your own hourly rate and choose which tasks you accept.

Christmas Eve toy assembly is a surprisingly popular request, so make sure your availability is open that week.

Typical pay: About $30–$60+ per hour, depending on the task and your city
Startup cost: Basic tools; check the app’s current registration requirements
How to start: Sign up early so your profile is approved before December

Part 3: Make and Sell Christmas Products

If you enjoy creating, Christmas is the best season of the year to sell. Shoppers are actively searching for gifts, decorations, and holiday activities, and many of these products can be sold again next year with little extra work.

17. Sell Christmas Printables on Etsy

Digital printables are one of the best low-cost Christmas side hustles. You design a file once and sell it as many times as people buy it, with no shipping and no inventory.

Popular Christmas printables include gift tags, holiday planners, advent calendars, party games, Christmas bingo, kids’ activity sheets, and printable wall art. You can design all of these in Canva.

Timing is important. Etsy search takes time to pick up new listings, so aim to have your Christmas printables live by October.

Typical pay: About $2–$10 per download; bundles sell for more
Startup cost: Small Etsy listing fees; Canva has a free plan

How to start: Research popular searches, design 5–10 listings, and publish by October

18. Publish Christmas Coloring Books on Amazon KDP

Christmas coloring books are a steady seller for both kids and adults. Think winter animals, cozy Christmas scenes, festive mandalas, and color-by-number holiday pages.

With Amazon KDP, you upload your interior and cover, and Amazon prints and ships each copy when someone orders. You earn a royalty after print costs, and you never touch inventory.

Publish by early November so your books are live and indexed before the gift-buying rush.

Typical pay: A royalty per sale after printing costs
Startup cost: $0 with free design tools and your own original artwork
How to start: Pick one clear theme, design 30–50 original pages, and upload to KDP

Tip: Use only artwork you created or have a commercial license for, and avoid famous characters, which are protected by copyright and trademark.

19. Sell Handmade Ornaments and Wreaths at Craft Fairs

Holiday craft fairs and Christmas markets draw crowds who want unique, handmade gifts. Wreaths, personalized ornaments, candles, stockings, and table centerpieces all sell well.

Booth spots fill up early, so book in September or October. Bring a card reader so you never lose a sale to “I don’t have cash.”

Typical pay: Wreaths often sell for $40–$100; ornaments for $10–$25
Startup cost: Booth fees of about $25–$150, plus materials
How to start: Search local holiday markets and apply for a booth now

20. Sell Christmas Cookie Boxes and Baked Goods

Beautiful cookie boxes are a popular gift for teachers, neighbors, and clients. Offer an assortment box, decorated sugar cookies, or holiday bread and fudge. Businesses often order in bulk for client gifts.

Before selling, check your state’s cottage food laws. Most states allow home bakers to sell certain foods, but rules on labeling, permits, and sales limits vary.

Typical pay: About $25–$60 per box
Startup cost: Ingredients, boxes, and labels; any required permit
How to start: Open pre-orders with a clear cutoff date so you can plan baking days

21. Sell Personalized Gifts with Print-on-Demand

Personalized gifts are always popular at Christmas: custom ornaments with family names, matching family pajamas, “first Christmas” baby items, and holiday mugs.

Print-on-demand services like Printful and Printify connect to Etsy or Shopify. When a customer orders, the company prints and ships the product, so you only handle the design and marketing.

Typical pay: About $5–$15 profit per item
Startup cost: $0–$50 (optional sample orders)
How to start: Design a small collection around one idea, like “family name ornaments”

22. Start a “Letters from Santa” Business

Few things delight a child like a letter from Santa that mentions their name, their pet, and something they did that year. Parents happily pay for personalized letters on festive stationery.

Create a simple order form that asks for the child’s name, age, a recent accomplishment, and a wish-list item. Offer printable digital letters for a lower price and mailed letters for a higher one.

Typical pay: About $8–$20 per letter
Startup cost: Stationery and postage for mailed letters
How to start: Design two or three letter templates and sell on Etsy or through local parent groups

23. Declutter and Sell Before the Holidays

November is one of the best months to sell. Parents look for gently used toys, baby gear, and bikes, and people want decor and furniture before hosting guests.

Go through your home and list anything you no longer use on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Mercari, or Poshmark. Take bright, clear photos and price slightly below similar listings to sell fast.

Typical pay: Depends on your items; many households find a few hundred dollars
Startup cost: $0
How to start: Spend one weekend listing 20 items

Part 4: Online and Work-From-Home Options

Not every holiday side hustle requires leaving the house. These ideas let you earn from your laptop or phone, often on your own schedule.

24. Create Holiday Gift Guides with Affiliate Links

The months before Christmas are the biggest shopping season of the year, which makes it the best time to earn affiliate commissions. Write gift guides such as “Gifts for Grandma,” “Stocking Stuffers Under $25,” or “Cozy Gifts for Homebodies,” and link to the products through programs like Amazon Associates, LTK, or Walmart’s creator program.

Share your guides on a blog, on Pinterest, and in your social media. Pinterest users often plan holiday gifts weeks in advance, so publish your pins by early November.

Typical pay: A commission on each qualifying purchase; rates vary by program and category

Startup cost: $0 to start on social media; a blog adds hosting costs
How to start: Join an affiliate program and publish three focused gift guides

25. Freelance for Small Businesses During Their Busiest Season

Small businesses need holiday emails, sale announcements, social media captions, product descriptions, and festive graphics, often all at once. If you can write or design, this is your moment.

Offer a “holiday marketing bundle” that includes a set of social posts, a promotional email, and a few Canva graphics. Find clients on Upwork and Fiverr, or reach out directly to local shops.

Typical pay: About $50–$500 per project
Startup cost: $0
How to start: Create two sample holiday posts and one sample email for your portfolio

26. Become a Virtual Assistant for Online Stores

Online shops get flooded with orders and customer emails in November and December. Owners hire virtual assistants to answer messages, process orders, update listings, and track shipments.

This work often continues into January for returns season, and good assistants frequently keep clients year-round.

Typical pay: About $15–$35 per hour
Startup cost: $0
How to start: Pitch Etsy and Shopify store owners, or look for VA roles in online seller groups

27. Tutor Students Over Winter Break

Winter break is when many parents want their kids to catch up before the new semester, or prepare for exams in January. If you are strong in a subject, offer short tutoring packages over the break.

Platforms like Wyzant and Varsity Tutors can connect you with students, or you can tutor privately over video calls.

Typical pay: About $15–$40 per hour, more for specialized subjects
Startup cost: $0
How to start: Offer a “winter break catch-up” package of four to six sessions

28. Create Christmas Content on YouTube, TikTok, and Reels

Holiday content gets huge views: DIY decorations, Christmas recipes, gift wrapping tricks, tree tours, and budget gift ideas. Advertisers also spend more in the fourth quarter, so creators already in monetization programs often see higher earnings per view in November and December.

Even if you are just starting, holiday videos can bring in new followers who stay with you after Christmas, and you can add affiliate links for products you show.

Typical pay: Varies widely; ad revenue, affiliate commissions, and brand deals

Startup cost: $0 with your phone
How to start: Plan 10 short holiday videos and post consistently from early November

29. Offer Santa Video Calls and Personalized Messages

Not every family can visit Santa in person, which makes live video calls and recorded Santa messages popular. Parents send you the child’s name, age, and a few personal details, and Santa does the rest.

Invest in a good suit and beard, a festive background, and decent lighting. Always book calls through parents and keep a parent present on every call.

Typical pay: About $20–$75 per call or video
Startup cost: $100–$400 for suit, beard, lighting, and backdrop
How to start: Offer calls to local parent groups and ask happy families for referrals

Part 5: Get Paid While You Shop

You are going to buy gifts anyway, so you might as well get some of that money back. These ideas will not replace a paycheck, but they can easily cover a few gifts or stocking stuffers.

30. Use Cash-Back Apps

Apps and browser extensions like Rakuten, Ibotta, and Fetch give you money back on purchases you already plan to make. Retailers often raise cash-back rates around Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Stack cash back with store sales and coupons to save even more on the same purchase.

Typical pay: A percentage back on each purchase
Startup cost: $0
How to start: Install one cash-back extension before Black Friday

31. Earn with Survey and Reward Apps

Sites like Swagbucks and InboxDollars pay you in points for surveys, watching videos, and shopping online. Redeem the points for gift cards, which make easy last-minute gifts.

Be realistic: this is pocket money, not a paycheck. But if you do a little each evening from October, it adds up by December.

Typical pay: Often $20–$100 over a couple of months with regular use
Startup cost: $0
How to start: Pick one app and spend 15 minutes a day on it

32. Use Credit Card Rewards Wisely

If you already pay your card in full every month, holiday shopping can help you earn cash back or a sign-up bonus. Many cards offer extra rewards on certain categories during the season.

This only works if you avoid interest. Carrying a balance will cost far more than any reward you earn. This is general information, not financial advice, so consider your own situation carefully.

Typical pay: Cash back or points on your normal spending

Startup cost: $0 if you pay in full
How to start: Check the rewards you already have before applying for anything new

Part 6: Quick-Cash and One-Off Ideas

Need money this week? These ideas require little setup and can pay quickly.

33. Deliver Groceries and Food During Peak Weeks

Grocery and food delivery demand jumps in December as people get busy, cook big meals, and avoid crowded stores. Apps like Instacart, DoorDash, and Uber Eats let you work whenever you want, and holiday customers often tip more generously.

Remember to account for gas and vehicle costs when you calculate what you really earn.

Typical pay: Roughly $15–$25 per hour before expenses, depending on your area
Startup cost: $0 if you already have a vehicle
How to start: Sign up in October or early November, since approval can take time

34. DJ or Host Christmas Parties

Office parties and family gatherings need music and someone to keep the fun going. If you have a speaker setup and a great holiday playlist, offer DJ services. If you are outgoing, offer to host party games like white elephant, holiday trivia, and ugly sweater contests.

Typical pay: About $150–$500 per event
Startup cost: $0 if you own a speaker; more for a full DJ setup
How to start: Contact offices, community centers, and event planners in October

35. Start a Caroling Group

If you and a few friends can sing, carolers are hired for corporate events, retirement communities, shopping centers, and private parties. Festive costumes make the performance memorable and help you charge more.

Typical pay: About $150–$400 per performance for a small group
Startup cost: Costumes and printed songbooks
How to start: Rehearse 10 classic carols and offer short 30–45 minute sets

Quick Comparison: Which Christmas Side Hustle Fits You?

Use this table to compare some of the most popular options at a glance.

Side hustle	Startup cost	How fast you get paid	Best for
Warehouse or delivery job	None	Weekly or biweekly paycheck	Anyone who wants steady hours
Remote customer service	Very low	Regular paycheck	People who want to work from home
Christmas light installation	Medium	Paid per job	Handy people comfortable on ladders
Gift-wrapping service	Low	Paid on the spot	Crafty, detail-oriented people
Pet or house sitting	None	Paid per booking	Animal lovers with flexible schedules
Babysitting over winter break	None to low	Paid daily or weekly	Students and parents
Etsy Christmas printables	Very low	Ongoing sales	Creatives who like digital design
KDP coloring books	Very low	Monthly royalties	Artists and long-term planners
Cookie boxes	Low	Paid on pre-order	Home bakers
Affiliate gift guides	Very low	Commissions, paid later	Bloggers and social media users
Food and grocery delivery	None (with a car)	Fast, often daily cash-out	Anyone needing cash quickly
Cash-back apps	None	Paid out periodically	Everyone who shops for gifts

Your Christmas Money Timeline

The biggest mistake people make is waiting until December. By then, seasonal jobs are filled and shoppers have already found their favorite sellers. Here is when to do what.

September and October

Apply for seasonal warehouse, delivery, and retail jobs
Open your Etsy shop and publish Christmas printables
Book craft fair booths and plan handmade products
Sign up for delivery, TaskRabbit, and pet-sitting apps so you are approved in time

Announce photo mini-session dates and light installation bookings

November

Publish KDP coloring books and affiliate gift guides by early November
Declutter and sell before the holiday rush
Install Christmas lights and start decorating jobs
Take extra shifts around Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Open cookie box pre-orders

December

Work peak delivery, catering, and retail shifts
Offer gift wrapping, babysitting, house sitting, and cleaning
Run Santa appearances and video calls
Deliver cookie boxes and last-minute printables

January

Take down Christmas lights for clients (charge a removal fee)
Help online stores with returns season
Sell unwanted gifts and buy clearance supplies for next year

Write down what worked so next Christmas is even easier

How to Avoid Holiday Job Scams

Scammers know people want extra money at Christmas. Watch out for these red flags:

Reshipping jobs: You receive packages at home and forward them somewhere else. These often involve stolen goods and can get you into legal trouble.

Upfront fees: A real employer will not ask you to pay for training, a starter kit, or equipment before you begin.
Gift card payments: Anyone asking you to pay or accept payment in gift cards is almost always running a scam.
Overpayment checks: A “client” sends a check for more than the agreed amount and asks you to send back the difference. The check later bounces.

Offers that seem too good: Promises of hundreds of dollars a day for easy work with no interview are a warning sign.

Apply through official company websites, research any company you have not heard of, and never share bank details or your Social Security number until you have a confirmed job offer from a verified employer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make money fast before Christmas?

The fastest options are food and grocery delivery apps, TaskRabbit gigs, selling unused items on Facebook Marketplace, and seasonal event shifts through staffing apps. Many of these pay within days.

What seasonal Christmas jobs pay the most?

Experienced mall Santas, Christmas light installers, and delivery drivers are among the highest earners. Warehouse jobs also pay well when you add overtime during peak weeks.

Can I make money at Christmas from home?

Yes. Remote customer service, selling printables on Etsy, publishing coloring books on KDP, freelancing, virtual assistant work, tutoring, and affiliate gift guides can all be done from home.

When do stores start hiring for Christmas?

Most large retailers and shipping companies begin seasonal hiring in September and October. Applying early gives you the best chance at good shifts and pay.

Are Christmas printables still profitable?

Yes, when you choose specific, searched-for products and publish early. Gift tags, holiday games, planners, and kids’ activities sell every year, and one design can sell many times.

How much can you make installing Christmas lights?

Many installers charge several hundred dollars per home, with larger or more detailed displays costing $1,000 or more. Adding a January take-down fee increases what you earn from each client.

Do seasonal jobs turn into permanent jobs?

Sometimes. Many retailers and warehouses keep their best seasonal workers after the holidays, so showing up on time and working hard can lead to a permanent position.

What can I sell at Christmas to make money?

Popular items include wreaths, ornaments, cookie boxes, personalized gifts, Christmas printables, coloring books, candles, and gently used toys. Handmade and personalized products tend to sell especially well.

Start Earning This Christmas

You do not need to try all 35 ideas. Pick one or two that match your schedule and skills, and start this week. If you want a steady paycheck, apply for a seasonal job today. If you prefer being your own boss, book your first light installation, open your printable shop, or offer gift wrapping to your neighbors.

The earlier you start, the more you can earn. With a little planning, this Christmas can be the one where holiday spending does not leave you stressed in January.

Which holiday side hustle are you going to try first? Share this post with a friend who could use some extra Christmas cash.