Seasonal Side Hustles: Where to Earn the Most This Holiday Season

The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year for both celebrations and work opportunities. As stores fill with shoppers, families hit the road, and gift deliveries pile up, businesses and gig platforms struggle to keep up with demand. That surge creates plenty of chances for side hustlers, freelancers, and part-timers to increase their earnings.

From driving late-night partygoers home to dropping off holiday dinners or setting up light displays, there are countless ways to bring in extra income. Seasonal gigs also tend to pay better during this period, with surge pricing, peak-time bonuses, and one-off opportunities that only come around once a year.

Why Seasonal Side Hustles Pay More During the Holidays

The final quarter of the year combines shopping sprees, heavy travel, online gift orders, and back-to-back celebrations. This rush overwhelms many industries, leaving businesses eager for extra help.

Companies and platforms often boost pay rates, add holiday bonuses, or offer special incentives to make these jobs appealing. For gig workers, that means the chance to earn more in a few weeks than they might at other times of the year.

Several key factors drive up seasonal earnings:

Consumer Spending Surge – In recent years, U.S. holiday retail sales have topped $950 billion (National Retail Federation). This massive spending fuels hiring across retail, delivery, and customer service roles.
High Travel and Dining Demand – Rideshare and food delivery apps saw record activity during December. Days like Christmas and New Year’s Eve are especially profitable, with surge pricing and bigger tips boosting driver income.
Growth in E-Commerce – Online shopping spikes in November and December, prompting UPS, FedEx, and Amazon to bring on thousands of seasonal workers. Starting pay often ranges from $21–$25 per hour, with added bonus opportunities.
Competition for Workers – With so many businesses needing extra help, employers raise wages to fill roles quickly. Some retailers now offer higher holiday pay specifically to attract seasonal staff.
App-Based Incentives – Platforms such as DoorDash, Uber, and Lyft roll out “peak pay,” streak bonuses, and time-based incentives to ensure enough gig workers are available during busy hours.

Top Seasonal Gigs for the Holidays

Smiling delivery man holding a cardboard box in front of a van.

Not all holiday hustles are created equal. Some offer steady shifts with guaranteed pay, while others reward you for working during peak demand hours.

To help you find the best fit, here’s a breakdown of the top seasonal side hustles this holiday season, what you can expect to earn, and why demand spikes during the holidays.

1. Rideshare Driving (Uber & Lyft)

The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year for rideshare drivers. Between holiday parties, airport runs, and late-night events, demand surges from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve.

Earnings Potential: Nationwide averages run about $18–$25 per hour, but drivers in high-demand states like Washington have reported $30+/hour during peak times. On New Year’s Eve, some experienced drivers make $500–$600 in a single night thanks to surge pricing and tips.
Why It’s Seasonal Gold: People avoid driving after parties, travel spikes around Christmas, and airports see record traffic. Lyft and Uber often send out special holiday streak bonuses to encourage drivers to stay active.
Platforms: Uber, Lyft.

2. Food & Grocery Delivery

Food delivery demand peaks on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, as people celebrate at home while most restaurants remain closed for dine-in service. Grocery delivery apps also see record order volumes in the days leading up to Thanksgiving and Christmas, with households stocking up for holiday meals and gatherings.

Earnings Potential: Most drivers earn $15–$20/hour, with peak pay bonuses and tips pushing totals higher. In states like Alaska and Hawaii, averages can hit $18–$20+/hour.
Why It’s Seasonal Gold: DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Instacart all see demand spikes during holiday weeks. The day before Thanksgiving is Instacart’s single busiest day of the year. Apps also offer “peak pay” incentives during these crunch periods.
Platforms: DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart, Shipt.

3. Package Delivery

Holiday e-commerce shopping means record-breaking package volumes. Major carriers hire aggressively and offer strong hourly wages.

Earnings Potential: UPS and FedEx pay $20–$25/hour or more, plus overtime. UPS seasonal roles start at $21/hour with opportunities for end-of-season bonuses. Amazon Flex drivers typically earn $18–$25/hour depending on region and route size.
Why It’s Seasonal Gold: Package delivery never slows down in December. With millions of online orders, the demand for couriers and helpers is steady and reliable, making this one of the best-paying seasonal gigs.
Platforms: UPS, FedEx, Amazon Flex.

4. Retail & Customer Service Jobs

Big-box stores and department chains bring on thousands of seasonal workers to handle the holiday shopping rush.

Earnings Potential: Retail associates usually earn $13–$17/hour, while higher-demand roles (Target, Amazon fulfillment, Macy’s) can pay $18–$24/hour. Remote customer service jobs for order handling or call support typically pay $15–$20/hour.
Why It’s Seasonal Gold: Holiday shopping is intense, and stores need extra staff for stocking, sales, and checkout. Customer service roles spike to manage the 300–500% surge in online orders.
Platforms/Employers: Amazon, Target, Macy’s, JCPenney, seasonal call centers.

5. Pet Sitting & House Sitting

With families traveling for the holidays, demand for sitters skyrockets. Many sitters raise their rates for holiday bookings.

Earnings Potential: Average around $22/hour, with top earners making $37/hour or more. Some Rover sitters charge $75+ per night for Christmas and New Year’s week.
Why It’s Seasonal Gold: Families prefer to keep pets at home instead of boarding kennels, especially during long trips. House sitting adds extra income if you bundle the two.
Platforms: Rover, Wag, TrustedHousesitters.

6. Event & Niche Holiday Gigs

Some of the most unique (and surprisingly lucrative) side hustles only exist this time of year.

Holiday Decorators: Can earn $33/hour, with some making thousands per week installing lights and displays.
Gift Wrappers: Average around $18/hour; many offer per-package rates for big clients.
Personal Shoppers: Typically earn $16/hour, sometimes more for last-minute gift buyers.
Professional Santas & Performers: They earn an average of $60/hour, with premium private events paying up to $500/hour.
Why It’s Seasonal Gold: Families, businesses, and malls all want festive experiences. These gigs are niche, but they can be some of the highest-paying side hustles if you have the skills or gear.
Platforms: TaskRabbit, GigSalad, Thumbtack, CoolWorks.

Regional Differences in Demand

Holiday side hustle earnings vary depending on location. Some areas see huge spikes in rideshare and event work, while others provide steadier pay through package delivery, retail, or niche services. Knowing where the demand is highest helps you focus on the most profitable gigs.

Big City Demand for Rideshare and Events

Major metros like New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami are prime markets during the holidays. Tourism, nightlife, and nonstop celebrations push rideshare demand from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve. In NYC, December is one of the busiest months for Uber and Lyft, with many drivers earning $30+ per hour on peak nights. Event work such as catering, bartending, and Santa gigs is also plentiful, fueled by corporate parties and public events.

Suburban and Small Town Demand for Package Delivery and Retail

Outside city centers, suburban and rural areas thrive on holiday e-commerce. UPS, FedEx, and Amazon lean heavily on suburban hubs to handle seasonal surges. Package handlers and driver helpers often make $20–$25 per hour with consistent hours. Retailers in shopping centers and malls also expand hiring, paying around $13–$18 per hour depending on location.

Tourist Destination Demand for Seasonal Work

Travel hubs like Orlando, Las Vegas, Colorado ski towns, and California or Florida beach cities turn into holiday hotspots. Visitors need rides, food deliveries, and short-term help, creating peak earning opportunities. Drivers near airports often earn above-average rates, while resorts and tourist towns offer premium seasonal roles in retail, hospitality, and events.

Affluent Neighborhood Demand for Pet Sitting and House Sitting

Wealthy suburban areas drive strong demand for pet sitting and house sitting. Families leaving for holiday trips prefer in-home care and are willing to pay premium rates. In affluent zip codes, sitters frequently earn $75–$100 per night during peak weeks, with jobs on Rover and Wag filling quickly ahead of the holidays.

Regional Pay Variations in Delivery Apps

Food and grocery delivery apps show interesting pay differences by state:

Alaska and Hawaii regularly top earnings charts, with averages above $18–$20/hour, partly due to higher costs of living and fewer drivers on the road.
California, New York, and Washington offer higher pay rates (often $20+/hour for food delivery) thanks to dense populations and strong holiday demand.
Southern states like Texas and Florida see large order volumes but slightly lower average hourly earnings, around $15–$18/hour, because of higher driver availability.

Tips for Getting Started Before the Busy Season

The holiday rush comes quickly, and the best-paying opportunities go to those who are prepared in advance. If you want to make the most of seasonal gigs, start early and set yourself up for success.

Apply Before Demand Peaks

Most companies begin hiring in September and October, and many gig apps require onboarding or background checks that can take a week or more. Waiting until December could mean missing out on the highest-paying jobs. Apply early for retail or package delivery, and get approved on platforms like DoorDash, Uber, or Rover before demand spikes.

Choose the Right Gig for Your Lifestyle

Pick a side hustle that matches your strengths and schedule. If you enjoy driving, rideshare or delivery might be the best fit. Pet lovers can find great opportunities in pet sitting, while those who prefer steady hours may thrive in retail or package delivery. Aligning your work with your skills makes handling long holiday weeks easier and increases earning potential.

Prioritize Key Dates

Some days bring exceptional earnings opportunities:

The day before Thanksgiving (busiest grocery delivery day).
Black Friday and Cyber Monday (retail and package delivery surges).
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (spikes for rideshare and food delivery).
New Year’s Eve (highest-paying night for rideshare).

Working these dates can make one shift worth several regular days.

Prepare Your Tools and Setup

Being equipped can save you time and stress:

Drivers: Winterize your car, check your tires, and keep tools like an insulated food bag or phone mount.
Delivery workers: Use a cart or dolly for heavy packages and dress for the weather.
Retail staff: Invest in comfortable shoes for long shifts.
Pet sitters/decorators: Stock up early on essentials like pet supplies, ladders, or extension cords.

Watch for Holiday Incentives

Platforms often roll out special bonuses in December. Uber and Lyft add surge or streak bonuses, DoorDash offers “peak pay,” and UPS or FedEx sometimes reward seasonal workers with end-of-season bonuses. Keep an eye on emails and app notifications to plan your schedule around these offers.

Take Care of Yourself

The holiday season is fast-paced, and burnout can sneak up quickly. Stay healthy by getting enough rest, eating well, and staying hydrated. Be extra cautious when driving in winter conditions and follow safety protocols with customers. The better you care for yourself, the longer you’ll be able to keep earning.

How to Manage Multiple Gigs for Maximum Income

Combining different seasonal side hustles is one of the most effective ways to boost your holiday earnings. Many gig workers stack jobs — for example, running package deliveries in the morning and switching to rideshare at night. With smart planning, you can capture peak demand in several industries and significantly increase your cash flow.

Focus on High-Pay Windows

Each gig has its own busiest hours. Rideshare peaks late at night, food delivery surges around mealtimes and holidays, and package delivery is steady during the day. Instead of scattering your energy, schedule shifts around these high-demand windows. A well-planned day might include a UPS morning shift, Instacart runs in the afternoon, and Uber driving on New Year’s Eve. This way, every hour you work lands closer to top pay.

Stay Organized With Scheduling Tools

Managing multiple gigs can get chaotic without structure. Use digital calendars, reminders, or gig apps like Solo and Gridwise to track hours, trips, and earnings. These tools even compare platform pay so you can prioritize the most profitable option. If you prefer simplicity, a spreadsheet mapping out your week works just as well. Organization keeps your income steady and avoids last-minute overlaps.

Take Advantage of Holiday Incentives

Seasonal bonuses can add up quickly. Uber and Lyft roll out streak or surge bonuses, DoorDash offers peak pay, and UPS or FedEx may reward seasonal staff for completing the season. Keep an eye on notifications and emails so you can shift focus when bonuses pop up. Treat these as multipliers on your hard work — same time, bigger paycheck.

Keep Standards High Across All Jobs

When balancing gigs, it’s easy to rush, but service quality pays off long-term. High ratings on delivery apps lead to more orders, and professionalism in pet sitting or retail gigs means repeat opportunities. Communicate clearly, check details twice, and maintain a positive attitude. Quality work increases tips and builds reliability that lasts beyond the holiday season.

Protect Yourself From Burnout

The holiday rush is short but demanding. Overloading your schedule might feel profitable at first, but exhaustion can cut into earnings and health. Block out at least one rest period each week, and skip low-paying jobs that drain your time. One or two peak shifts are often worth more than several slower ones. Pace yourself so you can finish the season strong and still enjoy the extra income.

Final Thoughts

The holidays bring plenty of hustle opportunities — from rideshare on New Year’s Eve to package delivery, retail shifts, or pet sitting. With smart planning and early preparation, these short weeks can become some of the most profitable of the year.

Focus on the gigs that fit your lifestyle, schedule around peak-demand days, and pace yourself to avoid burnout. Seasonal work can boost your holiday income while also opening doors to future opportunities. And if you need flexible funding to support your hustle, Giggle Finance is here to help.

Work smart, stay safe, and start the new year both financially stronger and ready for what’s ahead.

References

AP News – Retailers Hiring for the Holidays