The festive season is approaching, and it’s up to you whether you are ready to spend or make money during the festivities. You can make extra money during Halloween and Christmas by choosing the right side hustle. Seasonal jobs give you a chance to earn more when demand is high. 17 profitable side hustles for Halloween and Christmas can help you pick what fits your skills and schedule best.
Many options don’t require extensive experience or significant upfront costs. From selling holiday decorations to offering party services, you can find opportunities that suit your interests.
You need to know where to look and how to start.
These side hustles not only boost your income but can also build valuable skills. Whether you want to work online or in person, the right idea can bring both money and satisfaction this holiday season.
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Why Choose Seasonal Side Hustles
Seasonal side hustles offer you clear chances to earn extra money during busy holiday periods. You can benefit from specific customer needs, flexible schedules, and lower upfront costs.
These factors make seasonal work practical and accessible. Here are the facts and figures on roughly how much people spend during festivals.
In the United States, Halloween remains a sizeable seasonal expenditure. In 2023, Americans spent a record $12.2 billion on costumes, decorations, candy, and related items, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF) Yahoo FinanceInvestopedia.
For 2024, spending is projected to dip slightly yet still reach a substantial $11.6 billion, with an average per-person cost of approximately $103.63 nrf.comMoney DigestInvestopedia. A detailed breakdown estimates that in 2024, Americans will spend about $3.8 billion on costumes, $3.8 billion on decorations, $3.5 billion on candy, and $500 million on greeting cards Money Digest.
In contrast, Christmas spending is markedly higher. The average American is forecast to spend $902 per person on holiday shopping in 2024, which includes roughly $641 on gifts (about 71 %) and $261 on seasonal items like cards, decorations, food, and candy Exploding TopicsOberlo.
Looking at the broader picture, U.S. holiday season retail spending (encompassing Christmas and other winter holidays) is expected to reach between $979 billion and $989 billion in late 2024, up modestly from around $955.6 billion in 2023, according to AP News.
Another recent estimate suggests that Americans may spend even higher amounts during the Christmas season, with figures ranging from $1,000 to $2,100 per individual. Why not get a pie from this spending and mak money during the holidays.
High Demand During Holidays
You will find many people looking for services and products around Halloween and Christmas. Demand rises for items such as decorations, costumes, gifts, and party planning services.
This surge means you have more customers ready to pay for your work.
High demand also means your chances of making sales or booking jobs increase quickly.
For example, pet costume makers might see a jump in orders in October, while gift wrap services become popular in December.
Because many regular businesses slow down during holidays, seasonal side hustles let you tap into an active market when others don’t.
Flexible Earning Opportunities
You can work at your convenience, such as weekends or evenings. Seasonal jobs often don’t need full-time hours, so you stay available for your main job or other duties.
This flexibility means you control how much time and effort you put in.
You can choose short gigs, like helping with a one-day event, or longer projects.
You might also try different side hustles to see what pays best or what you enjoy most during the season.
Low Startup Costs
Many seasonal side hustles require minimal startup capital. You can use items you already own or buy small amounts of materials on sale.
For example, starting a pumpkin-decorating business mainly needs pumpkins and paint, which are low-cost. Wrapping gifts requires only simple supplies like paper and tape, along with the dexterity of hands..
Low startup costs reduce your financial risk. You don’t have to spend much before seeing if your side hustle can make money.
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Side Hustles for Halloween and Christmas
I have compiled a list of side hustles to help you earn money during festivals. Choose the one that will fit your skillset.
Best Halloween Side Hustles
You can make money during Halloween by offering services or products that meet popular needs. Renting costumes, selling Halloween decorations, and carving pumpkins are ways to earn extra income with low startup costs.
1. Halloween Costume Rentals
Renting out costumes lets you earn money from items you already have or can buy cheaply. Focus on popular characters and themes that people want.
Clean and repair costumes before renting to keep customers happy.
Set clear rules about rental periods, deposits, and damage fees. Use online platforms or social media to promote your costumes.
Offering different sizes and accessories can help you attract more customers.
2. Halloween-Themed Home Decor Sales
Selling Halloween decorations can be profitable if you create or source unique items. Think about spooky wreaths, lights, or window clings.
Seasonal trends like skulls, pumpkins, and ghosts are popular.
You can sell online, at local markets, or through social media. Packaging should be attractive and protect fragile items. Keep your prices competitive to beat bigger stores.
3. Pumpkin Carving Services
If you have skill with knives and creative designs, pumpkin carving can be a good side hustle. Offer simple or custom carvings for homes, parties, or businesses. You can also carve pumpkin faces on-site at events.
Make sure to advertise locally and show photos of your work.
Pricing can vary based on design complexity and pumpkin size. Providing a quick cleanup service adds value for your customers.
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Best Christmas Side Hustles
You can earn money by helping others decorate, creating unique gifts, or making holiday chores easier. Each option lets you use different skills and attract specific customers during the Christmas season.
4. Holiday Light Installation
Many people want their homes to look festive, but don’t have the time or ability to set up lights. You can offer a service where you install outdoor holiday lights safely and attractively.
To get started, use a ladder, secure clips, and extension cords.
Charge by the hour or flat rate, depending on house size and complexity.
Make sure to test all lights before installation. Offer to take down decorations after the season for an extra fee.
This service saves time and reduces risk for customers, making it popular.
5. Custom Ornament Sales
Selling handmade or personalized ornaments can be very profitable. You can use materials like wood, glass, or clay to create unique designs.
Personalize ornaments with names, dates, or special messages. Market your products online through platforms like Etsy or at local craft fairs.
Focus on quality and detail. Offering gift sets or themed collections can increase sales. Early marketing boosts your chances of selling before the holiday rush.
6. Gift Wrapping Services
Many people buy gifts but don’t like wrapping them. Setting up a gift wrapping station at malls or local events can be a good side hustle.
Use attractive paper, ribbons, and tags to create neat, professional packages.
Charge per gift or offer bundle deals for multiple presents.
Being fast and careful is key to keeping customers happy. You can also offer custom options, like eco-friendly wrapping or themed designs.
Creative Product-Based Side Hustles
You can earn money by making and selling unique products tied to Halloween and Christmas.
Focus on items that catch attention, like tasty treats, special gift sets, or handmade decorations.
Each of these ideas works well for people who enjoy crafting or cooking.
7. Seasonal Baked Goods
Baking themed treats is a popular way to make extra cash during the holidays. You can create items like pumpkin spice cookies for Halloween or gingerbread men for Christmas.
Use seasonal flavors and decorations to match each event.
Start by testing recipes that are easy to make in batches. Packaging them in festive wrapping will help your products stand out.
You could sell at local markets, online, or to neighbors and friends. Offering pre-orders can boost your profits.
Focus on quality and presentation. Clear labeling of ingredients helps if customers have allergies.
Pricing your baked goods competitively keeps you attractive without cutting your earnings too much.
8. Personalized Gift Baskets
Gift baskets are in high demand for both holidays. You can mix items like candies, snacks, small toys, and holiday décor.
Personalize baskets based on the recipient’s age or interests to increase their value.
Plan different price options, from simple baskets to deluxe versions.
Use attractive containers like themed boxes or reusable tins. Including a handwritten note or customization adds a special touch.
Organize your buying to keep costs low. Buying supplies in bulk or from discount stores will help your profit margin.
Clear photos and descriptions make online selling easier and more effective.
9. Handmade Holiday Crafts
Making crafts lets you showcase your creativity and sell unique items. For Halloween, think about wreaths, spooky decorations, or costume accessories.
Christmas offers chances to make ornaments, stockings, or table centerpieces.
Use materials that are affordable yet visually appealing. Offer customization options to make your crafts more appealing.
Selling on platforms like Etsy or at craft fairs can reach a wider audience.
Time management is key; make products ahead of busy seasons, clear photos showing details and size help buyers choose the right items. Keep an eye on trends, but focus on what you enjoy making.
Service-Focused Side Hustles
You can earn extra money by offering helpful services during Halloween and Christmas. These ideas focus on tasks that need skill and attention, which many people prefer to hire out.
10. Event Planning Assistance
Helping with event planning during the holidays can be a solid way to make money.
You could assist with organizing Halloween parties, Christmas dinners, or community events.
Your tasks might include sending invitations, setting up decorations, or coordinating food and drinks. If you are good at time management and communication, this role suits you well.
People seek help to manage stress during busy holidays.
You can charge by the hour or offer packages depending on the event size. Local businesses and families often need event planning support.
11. Photos with Santa or Characters
Setting up a photo booth with Santa or popular holiday characters offers a fun service. You can rent props and costumes or partner with a photographer to attract customers.
Choose busy areas like malls, holiday markets, or community centers for your setup.
Ensure you offer transparent pricing and provide quick service to handle a large number of customers efficiently.
Parents prefer professional and festive photos of their kids during the holidays.
Offer good lighting and friendly service to ensure repeat business or referrals. This side hustle works best if you enjoy helping families capture memories.
Virtual and Online Opportunities
You can make money from home by selling unique holiday items or creating seasonal content. These options let you use your skills and reach customers worldwide.
12. Etsy Holiday Store
Opening an Etsy store lets you sell handmade or digital products for Halloween and Christmas. Popular items include decorations, custom gifts, and holiday-themed printables.
Focus on clear photos and detailed descriptions to attract buyers. Use keywords like “Halloween decor” or “Christmas ornament” to improve search results.
Plan your inventory based on trends, such as spooky candles or personalized stockings. Shipping times are essential, so start early to meet demand.
Promote your store on social media for more sales. Etsy also offers tools to track your shop’s progress and manage orders efficiently.
13. Seasonal Blogging & Content Creation
Writing blogs or making videos about holiday topics can earn you money through ads or sponsorships. Popular themes include decorating tips, gift guides, and holiday recipes.
Consistency is key. Post regularly during the season and use eye-catching titles. SEO helps your content reach more readers.
You can also create downloadable guides or templates for holiday planning.
Share your content on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or a personal blog to build an audience.
Engage with your followers by answering questions and responding to comments. This builds trust and can increase your earnings.
Local and Community-Based Side Hustles for Halloween and Christmas
You can make money by offering services or goods directly to people in your area. These types of side hustles usually need you to connect with your neighbors or local events.
14. Holiday Party Entertainment
You can earn income by providing entertainment at seasonal parties.
This could mean dressing as a Halloween character or a Christmas elf. Kids’ parties often need magicians, face painters, or balloon artists.
To get started, create flyers or use social media to advertise. Make sure you have simple costumes or props ready.
A focus on safety and fun makes you more reliable and liked.
Charge by the hour or per event. Charge extra if you bring your own supplies. Being punctual and friendly helps you get repeat customers.
15. Pop-Up Market Vendor
Sell holiday-themed items at local markets or fairs. Items like homemade ornaments, baked goods, or candles tend to sell well during Halloween and Christmas.
Find markets in your community by checking local event calendars or Facebook groups.
Reserve a table early because spots fill fast during these seasons.
Prepare signs and price tags to attract buyers. Keep your products organized and appealing.
Accepting cash and mobile payments makes buying easier for customers.
Maximizing Your Seasonal Earnings
You can increase your profits by combining related products or services and by balancing work across different side hustles. These strategies help you save time and attract more customers during busy holiday seasons.
16. Bundling Services and Products
Offer packages that include several items or services together at a slightly lower price.
For example, if you sell Halloween decorations, consider offering a DIY kit and installation help as a single, comprehensive package. Customers see more value and are likely to spend more.
Bundles also save you marketing time because you promote multiple things in one offer.
Use transparent pricing and describe each item in the bundle to avoid confusion.
You can test bundles to see what sells best. Adjust the contents or price based on feedback.
Seasonal items like Christmas gift wrapping combined with gift cards make attractive bundles too.
17. Managing Multiple Hustles
Running several side hustles at once means you must organize your time well. Use a calendar or app to schedule tasks and deadlines.
Prioritize activities that generate the most revenue or require immediate attention.
Keep records for each hustle separately. Track income, expenses, and customer details.
This helps you identify which hustle generates the most profit and where you need to improve.
Avoid burnout by setting realistic work hours. Rotate tasks across hustles to avoid getting stuck doing the same job all day.
Focus on efficiency, like batch making items or scheduling social media posts in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions: Side Hustles for Halloween and Christmas
You can turn seasonal events like Halloween and Christmas into earning opportunities by using your skills and creativity. Many side hustles focus on crafts, decorations, and services people need during these holidays.
What are some creative side hustles to take advantage of during the Halloween season?
You can create and sell themed decorations like wreaths or painted pumpkins. Costume design and face painting are popular ways to earn money. Offering haunted house tours or organizing parties can also bring in income.
How can I monetize my crafting skills for the Christmas holiday?
Make handmade ornaments, gift tags, or holiday cards to sell online or at local markets. Personalized gifts, like custom mugs or knitwear, are in demand. You could also offer your skills to help decorate homes or businesses.
Which services are in high demand around Halloween that I could offer?
People often need help with pumpkin carving, party planning, or costume rentals. Setting up spooky yard displays for neighbors is another option.
Babysitting during costume events is a service many parents look for.
What are the top side hustles for making the most of the Halloween festivities?
Running a pop-up shop for costumes or candy can be profitable. Hosting themed events or workshops like pumpkin carving lessons bring steady income.
Delivery services for party supplies are also helpful and sought after.
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