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Side Hustles That Make $1000+ in December 2025
The holiday rush creates unique side hustle opportunities that simply don't exist during other months. Actually, many seasonal gigs require minimal startup costs but deliver substantial returns due to high demand and willingness to pay premium prices. Additionally, these temporary ventures can fit around your existing schedule, making them ideal for anyone seeking extra income.
This guide explores five proven holiday side hustles specifically designed to generate $1000+ in December 2025. From transforming packages with gift wrapping services to brightening neighborhoods with light installations, each opportunity taps into seasonal needs that consumers gladly pay for when time is limited and holiday stress is high.
Gift Wrapping Services
Image Source: MAPP Academy
Gift wrapping presents a perfect holiday side hustle opportunity because many people dread wrapping presents themselves. This gap creates a lucrative service market that requires minimal investment yet delivers substantial returns. The demand spikes dramatically throughout December as shoppers seek professional help with their holiday packages.
What gift wrapping services are
Gift wrapping services transform ordinary packages into beautifully presented gifts. Professional wrappers use specialized techniques, quality materials, and creative designs to elevate gift presentation beyond what typical consumers can achieve. These services range from mobile operations where you pick up gifts from clients' homes to retail partnerships where you set up a wrapping station in stores during the holiday rush.
Furthermore, gift wrapping businesses primarily focus on the holiday season but can extend to year-round operations for birthdays, weddings, and corporate events. Michelle Hensley, founder of Nifty Package Co., started as a mobile gift wrapper in 2015 and eventually built a full-fledged business after her meticulous wrapping style caught attention on Instagram 1.
How to get started with gift wrapping
Starting a gift wrapping side hustle requires minimal upfront investment. First, develop and practice your wrapping skills to ensure professional-quality results. Subsequently, decide on your business model – mobile service, home-based operation, or retail partnership.
Setting clear terms and conditions is essential – specify what items you will wrap, your availability, and liability issues. Creating a simple website or social media presence helps showcase your work and attract clients. Many successful wrappers find Instagram particularly effective for displaying their wrapping style and generating business.
The average gift wrapper earns up to $21 per hour according to Indeed, though freelancers on platforms like Fiverr, Upwork or Thumbtack charge anywhere from a few dollars to over $50 per hour depending on complexity 2.
Tools and materials for gift wrapping
Quality tools make a significant difference in professional gift wrapping. Invest in these essentials:
- Premium wrapping paper: Avoid cheap paper that tears easily. Look for thicker options like Stone Wrapping Paper made from crushed marble and limestone 3
- Quality scissors: Sharp scissors like Westcott Titanium Bonded Scissors ensure clean cuts without jagged edges 3
- Specialized tape: Consider Scotch GiftWrap Tape or Supertape (double-faced tape) for invisible seams 3
- Wire-edged ribbon: Medium width (1½ inches) ribbon with wire maintains shape for professional-looking bows 3
Organizing your workspace efficiently improves productivity. Paper cutters, ribbon dispensers, and proper storage systems help manage inventory and speed up the wrapping process, especially when handling multiple orders.
How gift wrapping services make $1000+ in December
Gift wrapping services can be incredibly profitable during December. Michelle Hensley's Nifty Package Co. generated over $316,000 in gift wrapping services alone last year, with approximately 50% of annual revenue occurring during the holiday season 1. While most side hustlers won't reach that scale immediately, charging $5-$10 per package can quickly add up 4.
Corporate clients offer particularly lucrative opportunities. Hensley secured her first major contract with Too Faced Cosmetics, wrapping 400 gifts 1. Similarly, businesses seeking gift wrapping for employee recognition and client appreciation provide steady income throughout December.
Mobile gift wrappers enjoy flexibility in scheduling and low overhead costs compared to brick-and-mortar operations. Many charge premium rates during December due to high demand, with some professionals commanding $180+ per hour for their expertise 2.
To maximize earnings, consider offering tiered pricing based on package size and complexity. Premium options like sustainable wrapping materials or personalized embellishments can justify higher rates while attracting eco-conscious customers.
Holiday Light Installation
Image Source: YouTube
Hanging holiday lights emerges as one of the most profitable seasonal side hustles available in December. With homeowners and businesses seeking professional displays without the hassle of climbing ladders themselves, this service remains in high demand throughout the season.
What holiday light installation involves
Holiday light installation requires comfort working at heights, basic understanding of electrical systems, and strong customer service skills 5. Professional installers transform ordinary buildings into festive showcases by strategically placing lights along rooflines, trees, bushes, and other exterior features. Beyond simply hanging lights, the service typically includes consulting with clients on design, securing all necessary materials, ensuring safe electrical connections, and often removing the display after the holidays.
Most installers offer two business models: leasing lights to clients (where you retain ownership) or selling lights outright with installation included. The leasing model provides recurring revenue as clients return year after year 6.
How to start a light installation side hustle
To launch a successful light installation business, begin by developing a comprehensive business plan that outlines your services, pricing strategy, target market, and marketing approach 5. Next, establish your business legally and obtain proper insurance—non-negotiable considering the height and electrical risks involved 5.
Consider starting small with residential clients and gradually expanding to commercial properties, which offer larger contracts. Many successful installers report that yard signs generate exceptional returns—some entrepreneurs find that deploying 1,000 yard signs (approximately $3,500 investment) can generate $100,000+ in revenue 7.
Start marketing in late October or early November, as the busy season typically runs from November 1st to the end of January, with the two weeks before and after Thanksgiving being most hectic 8.
Equipment needed for light installation
Quality equipment separates professional installers from amateurs:
- Ladders: Invest in sturdy aluminum extension ladders (18' and 32' recommended) with safety accessories like stand-off arms and levelers 9
- Commercial-grade lights: Avoid retail store lights which frequently fail—use professional-grade products designed for durability 10
- Safety gear: Fall protection equipment, work gloves, and proper footwear 8
- Installation tools: Wire cutters with insulated handles, fabric tool belt, electrical tape, stapler with insulated staples, zip ties in various sizes 9
For larger jobs or commercial properties, consider renting lifts initially rather than purchasing a bucket truck, which requires significant investment 10.
How holiday light installation earns $1000+
The profitability of holiday lighting is impressive—existing service businesses that add Christmas light services often achieve profit margins between 25%-45% versus the 10-15% typical for most service businesses 11. Moreover, residential installations typically cost between $200-$500, while commercial jobs command significantly higher rates 5.
A well-organized crew of three installers can bring in $2,400+ per day with net profits exceeding $1,000 12. Successful installers charge premium rates—while many competitors price at $4-6 per foot, top businesses charge $8-14 per foot for identical work by focusing on selling the emotional experience rather than technical aspects 7.
Even first-year operators can achieve substantial earnings—a well-run Christmas light installation business can generate over $150,000 in its first season 12. The key to maximizing profits lies in efficient scheduling, proper pricing, and offering add-on services like maintenance and storage throughout the season 10.
Personal Shopping and Errand Running
Image Source: House Cleaning and Property Management Service in the Hamptons
The holiday season's time crunch creates perfect conditions for personal shopping and errand running services to thrive. As shoppers juggle packed schedules, many gladly outsource their to-do lists to those willing to brave crowded stores on their behalf.
What personal shopping and errand running includes
Personal shopping and errand running services encompass a variety of tasks that busy people need help completing during December. These services typically include:
- Gift shopping for clients' holiday lists with personalized recommendations
- Grocery shopping for holiday meals and parties
- Package shipping and mailing holiday cards
- Waiting in lines at popular restaurants or stores
- Running miscellaneous errands like picking up dry cleaning or returning items
The beauty of this side hustle lies in its flexibility—you can specialize in one area or offer comprehensive services. For instance, during holiday seasons, people pay as much as $35 per hour just to have someone wait in line for them 2.
How to become a personal shopper
To launch a personal shopping side hustle, first research the position thoroughly to ensure it matches your personality and skills. Next, choose your niche—whether fashion, groceries, or general errands—and familiarize yourself with local stores and products.
Although not mandatory, some shoppers pursue certifications in areas like fashion styling or image consulting to enhance their credibility 13. Meanwhile, developing strong interpersonal skills remains essential since you'll work directly with clients to understand their needs and preferences.
Best platforms for finding clients
Several platforms connect personal shoppers with potential clients:
TaskRabbit offers diverse opportunities with average hourly rates of $27 for waiting-in-line services and $32 for running holiday errands 2. Instacart and Shipt focus on grocery shopping with earnings between $15-$22 per hour 1 14. Furthermore, apps like Dumpling allow shoppers to create personal profiles for clients to find them, with earnings potential up to $32 per hour 15.
Local community groups and social media likewise provide excellent channels for promoting your services without platform fees.
How personal shopping makes $1000+ in December
Personal shopping becomes exceptionally lucrative in December as consumer demand skyrockets. For instance, one TaskRabbit worker reported earning between $5,000-$6,000 monthly, with waiting-in-line jobs representing up to 35% of that income around winter holidays 2.
Hourly rates vary by location and service type—grocery and errand runners typically charge around $20 per hour, whereas fashion personal shoppers command $120+ per hour 16. In contrast, most errand services charge between $25-$40 hourly, with the national average at $30 17.
To reach the $1,000 mark in December, focus on scheduling multiple clients daily and offering premium services like rush deliveries or after-hours errands with surcharges. Consequently, even at average rates, you'd need only about 35-40 hours of work throughout the month.
Freelancing for Holiday Projects
Image Source: Side Hustle Nation
Freelance work flourishes during December as businesses seek extra help with holiday-related projects. This digital side hustle requires minimal startup costs yet offers substantial earning potential from the comfort of your home.
What holiday freelancing opportunities exist
The holiday season generates numerous freelance opportunities across multiple industries. Writing jobs spike as companies need content for websites, blogs, and holiday-related articles 18. Graphic designers find abundant work creating holiday-themed graphics, logos, and illustrations for seasonal marketing campaigns 18. Furthermore, virtual assistants become highly sought-after as executives need help managing busy holiday schedules 18. Tech professionals also benefit from increased demand for coding and web development services 18.
How to find freelance gigs during the holidays
Finding holiday freelance work requires strategic planning. Start searching for opportunities in early fall, as clients often secure help before the rush intensifies 19. Plan for unexpected days off from your regular job—these become perfect opportunities to complete freelance projects 19. Building relationships with clients during this period is essential; casual conversations often lead to stronger professional connections and potential rate increases 19.
Top platforms for holiday freelancing
Several platforms connect freelancers with holiday projects:
Upwork features thousands of listings across various fields including development, design, finance, administrative support, and marketing 20.
Fiverr serves as a popular marketplace for digital marketing, graphic design, writing, and video production 21.
Freelancer allows employers to categorize job postings and filter applicants by skills or location 21.
Contently specializes in content marketing opportunities 21.
How freelancing can generate $1000+ in December
Freelance photographers earn approximately $40,658 annually, making December's portion substantially higher due to increased demand for holiday event photography 22. Many companies happily bring on freelancers for seasonal positions rather than hiring permanent staff 20. The flexibility of freelance work enables you to choose which projects to accept, working at your own pace while maximizing earnings 21. By focusing on high-demand days immediately before and after major holidays, you can significantly increase your income potential 23.
Dressing Up as Santa Claus
Image Source: GigSalad
Becoming Santa Claus represents one of December's most entertaining yet lucrative holiday side hustles. Professional Santas blend performance skills with holiday magic to create memorable experiences while generating impressive seasonal income.
What being a holiday character entails
Professional Santas need more than just appearance—they require genuine enthusiasm for spreading holiday cheer. The role demands excellent interpersonal skills, particularly when interacting with children. Santas must remain in character for hours, maintaining a convincing "Ho Ho Ho" throughout long sessions 3. Nevertheless, they face unique challenges—never being "off duty" in public and answering unexpected questions from suspicious children 3.
How to start a Santa Claus gig
Starting your Santa career begins with developing an authentic appearance—a well-groomed beard (real or high-quality fake) plus a proper costume costing between $500-$1000 3. Many professionals attend specialized Santa schools to learn essential skills like photo techniques, rapport building with children, sign language basics, and storytelling 24. Some successful Santas build their business gradually, initially volunteering to gain experience 25.
Tools and platforms for booking gigs
Several platforms connect Santas with potential clients. HireSanta.com offers no-cost inclusion in their marketing database, handling client payments plus paperwork 26. Alternatively, GigSalad, Thumbtack, and social media platforms help market your Santa services 27. Creating a professional website showcasing your appearance, testimonials, and rates generally increases booking opportunities 27.
How dressing as Santa earns $1000+ in a week
Professional Santas command impressive hourly rates—typically $30 with top performers earning $75+ hourly 3. A busy Santa working private or corporate events can earn $20,000+ during the brief holiday season 3. The highest demand period runs from November through December, with one Santa reporting $14,700 earned during Christmas week alone 28. First-year operators primarily earn through mall appearances ($5,000-$12,000 per season), corporate events, and private home visits 4.
Conclusion
The holiday season certainly offers unique opportunities to transform December from a month of spending to one of substantial earning. As we've seen, these five holiday side hustles require relatively minimal startup costs yet deliver impressive returns due to high seasonal demand. Gift wrapping services capitalize on people's desire for beautifully presented packages without the hassle. Holiday light installation taps into homeowners' willingness to pay premium rates for professional displays. Additionally, personal shopping services thrive when time-pressed consumers gladly outsource their errands. Freelancing for holiday projects allows you to leverage existing skills from home, while portraying Santa Claus combines performance with significant earning potential.
What makes these opportunities particularly attractive is their flexibility. You can choose one that aligns with your existing skills, schedule constraints, and financial goals. Though each requires different levels of investment and expertise, all five share the ability to generate $1000+ during December alone.
Time remains limited, however. Starting your preparation early ensures you'll be ready when peak demand hits. Whether you invest in quality wrapping supplies, purchase proper lighting installation equipment, or develop a Santa persona, the upfront work pays dividends through repeat customers and premium pricing.
The most successful holiday entrepreneurs understand that beyond technical skills, exceptional customer service drives referrals and higher rates. They focus on selling experiences rather than merely providing services. After all, people gladly pay more during this emotional season when seeking ways to reduce stress and maximize celebration.
Therefore, consider which of these opportunities best matches your talents and interests. The perfect side hustle allows you to enjoy the festive season while significantly boosting your December income. Your next holiday could be both merrier and more profitable than ever before.
