Winter can be one of the best times to boost your income—if you know where to look. Whether you want to cover holiday costs, save for the year ahead, or simply make the most of your free time, there are plenty of flexible ways to earn extra money when it’s cold outside without committing to long hours. From seasonal jobs to creative freelance work, opportunities are everywhere. In this guide, you’ll find 13 practical side hustles and freelance ideas to help you earn extra cash this winter—whatever your skills or schedule.
1. Holiday Decorating Services
Holiday decorating can be a fun and rewarding way to earn extra income during the winter. Many families and small businesses love festive lights and decorations. Still, they often lack the time or energy to handle them. That’s where you can step in. Offer services like hanging outdoor lights, decorating Christmas trees, setting up indoor displays, and even packing everything away after the season. Promote your services through word of mouth, Facebook Marketplace, and local community groups. You’ll need some basic supplies — ladders, extension cords, and storage tubs — plus a good eye for design. For safety, consider working with a partner for larger outdoor jobs. Rates typically range from $50 to $100 or more per hour, or you can offer flat-rate packages. It’s a great way to bring in extra cash while spreading holiday cheer.
2. Seasonal Delivery Driving
Winter, the festive season, is an ideal time to try delivery driving. Demand skyrockets as people order more from department stores online and opt for food delivery to avoid the cold. Companies like Amazon Flex, DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart, and Shipt frequently hire additional drivers during the holiday season. The work is flexible at this time of year, requiring no special skills — just a dependable car and a smartphone — and can be fitted around your other commitments. You can choose to deliver packages, groceries, or restaurant meals, depending on your area. Tips are often generous during the holidays. However, be prepared for winter weather; investing in snow tires or keeping basic winter gear in your car is wise if you live in an area with snow. Delivery driving offers one of the quickest ways to earn extra money in winter with minimal setup.
3. Freelance Writing
Winter is a prime season for freelance writing. The surge in seasonal marketing and New Year campaigns fuels the demand for fresh content. Businesses, blogs, and e-commerce stores seek additional content—such as gift guides, holiday newsletters, product descriptions, blog articles, and social media posts. Many also want to kick off the year with updated content, opening a window of opportunity.
You don’t need to be a professional journalist to start. If you can write clearly and adjust your tone for different audiences, you can build a strong portfolio. The best way to start is with a freelance platform. Online platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer are beginner-friendly. At the same time, seasoned writers can find better-paying gigs through direct outreach or job boards such as ProBlogger and Contena.
A simple website or profile showcasing your writing samples and rates is helpful. Begin with short articles or blog posts. As your skills and confidence grow, you can gradually take on larger projects.
4. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
Winter travel brings a spike in demand for pet sitters and dog walkers. Many families leave town for the holidays during winter break and need reliable care for their pets. This is your chance to offer drop-in visits, overnight stays, or regular walks. It’s flexible work that pairs well with other gigs and is especially rewarding if you’re passionate about animals.
Platforms like Rover and Wag make it easy to connect with local pet owners, manage bookings, and get paid securely. Many clients leave generous tips, particularly during the holiday rush.
If you prefer to find clients independently, consider advertising through local neighborhood Facebook groups or community boards. Having references and some basic experience with various breeds and temperaments helps. Be prepared for chilly walks and icy conditions if winter hits your area hard.
5. Virtual Assistant Work
The end of the year can be a whirlwind for entrepreneurs, local businesses, and small business owners — making it a perfect time to earn money through winter side hustles by offering virtual assistant (VA) services. Many individuals need help juggling administrative tasks, such as managing emails, scheduling appointments, handling invoices, conducting research, providing customer support, and keeping social media up to date. They’re trying to wrap up the year and get ready for the next.
As a VA, you can work from home, set your own hours, and support several clients at once. It’s an ideal winter side hustle if you’re organized and comfortable using online tools like Google Workspace, Zoom, Trello, and Canva. You can find your first clients through platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Belay or by connecting in small business Facebook groups. Many virtual assistants (VAs) earn between $15 and $40 per hour, depending on their skills. If you do well, clients may keep you on after winter — giving you a steady income throughout the year.
6. Online Tutoring
Winter is also a great season for online tutoring. Many parents want to help their children catch up or get ahead during the holiday break. Some are seeking extra academic support before the new term begins. In contrast, others aim to keep learning engaging through creative activities.
You can tutor in core subjects like math, English, science, or test prep — or offer lessons in areas where you have special skills. Popular platforms include Wyzant, Tutor.com, and Varsity Tutors, which cater to U.S.-based students. VIPKid offers opportunities to teach English to children overseas, though availability for U.S. tutors varies with changing policies. You can also promote your services through local parent groups or community networks.
Tutoring typically pays between $15 and $50+ per hour, depending on your subject knowledge and experience. It’s a flexible and rewarding side hustle, especially if you’re comfortable teaching via Zoom or similar tools.
7. Sell Handmade Goods
Winter is a great time to sell handmade goods. People are searching for special gifts and cozy seasonal items. If you enjoy crafting and want to develop new skills like marketing to the public or selling at a craft fair, you might make winter accessories, home décor, or holiday-themed products. Popular ideas include candles, knitted scarves and hats, ornaments, personalized gifts, and handmade soaps.
It’s easy to reach buyers using platforms like Etsy and Facebook Marketplace. You can also sell at local craft fairs, holiday markets, or pop-up shops — customers often love buying directly from makers.
To succeed, utilize clear product photos, thoughtful descriptions, and attractive packaging — presentation truly matters during the gift-giving season. Start small to see what sells, then grow based on demand. This is not only a great way to earn extra money but also a chance to turn a hobby into a steady income stream during the winter.
8. Snow Removal Services
In snowy regions, snow removal can be a profitable side job in the colder months. Many people — especially older residents or those short on time or equipment — need help keeping their driveways and walkways clear.
Getting started is simple. You’ll need a sturdy snow shovel or a snow blower for larger jobs. Promote your services through local Facebook groups, community boards, or by distributing flyers in your neighborhood.
Typical rates to shovel snow range from $20 to $50 per job, depending on property size and snowfall depth, with higher rates during big storms. To earn trust and repeat business, be reliable, arrive early after snowfalls, and consider offering seasonal package deals.
While it’s hard work in cold weather and a physically demanding task, snow removal can be one of the most lucrative winter gigs if you’re fit and ready for it, and you’ll be sure to find plenty of potential clients.
9. Freelance Graphic Design
Winter sparks high demand for freelance graphic designers. Businesses, both large and small, seek fresh visuals for holiday promotions, social media campaigns, digital ads, New Year’s newsletters, and printed materials such as holiday cards and flyers. If you have design skills—whether gained through formal training or self-taught via tools like Canva, Adobe Illustrator, or Photoshop—this is an excellent seasonal side hustle.
Clients can be found on platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or 99designs or by contacting small businesses directly. Many companies require fast turnarounds during this busy season, so flexibility and clear communication are essential for building repeat business. How much money you make will depend on your experience, but fees typically range from $25 to $75+ per hour or per project, depending on the project’s complexity. It’s a great way to earn money from home while helping businesses shine during the competitive holiday season.
10. Rent Out Extra Space
Winter travel creates an ideal opportunity to earn extra income by renting out unused space. If you have a spare room, consider listing it on Airbnb. Holiday travelers often seek affordable, homey alternatives to hotels, especially in family-friendly areas or near ski resorts. The amount of money you earn will depend on your location, but short-term stays can yield substantial returns during peak travel periods in tourist-friendly areas.
Alternatively, rent out unused garages, basements, or storage space through platforms like Neighbor.com. Many people need temporary storage for holiday decorations, gifts, or seasonal equipment. These rentals require minimal effort—just keep the space clean and secure. Pricing varies by location, but even modest spaces can bring in $50–$200 per month. To attract renters, write a clear listing, upload quality photos, and set expectations regarding availability and access. Renting out extra space is a straightforward, low-maintenance side hustle for property owners that can provide a reliable source of passive income during the winter months.
11. Sell Unused Items Online
Winter is an ideal time to declutter and turn your unwanted items into extra cash. Many people shop online during the holiday season—and bargain hunting in the weeks after—SO you have a perfect opportunity to sell unused items. Look around your home for gently used clothing, electronics, toys, kitchen gadgets, books, and décor. Platforms like eBay, Poshmark, Mercari, and Facebook Marketplace make it easy to list and sell items both locally and across the nation. Fashion sells exceptionally well on Poshmark, while Facebook Marketplace is ideal for furniture and home goods. eBay and Mercari welcome a wide range of products. To help your listings stand out, take clear photos, write honest descriptions, and price competitively. You might be surprised how quickly the earnings add up—many people make hundreds of dollars. Plus, you’ll start the new year with a cleaner home and a little extra money.
12. Provide Gift Wrapping Services
During the busy holiday season, gift wrapping is in high demand—a creative and profitable side hustle for the winter. Many love giving beautifully wrapped gifts but lack the time or skill to do it themselves. You can offer wrapping services to friends, family, and neighbors or even partner with local shops or markets to provide in-store wrapping. Stock up on quality wrapping paper, ribbons, tags, boxes, tape, and scissors. Offering sample styles—classic, luxury, fun for kids, and eco-friendly—helps attract a diverse range of customers. You can charge per gift or create package deals (such as wrapping five gifts for $25). Spread the word through local Facebook groups, community boards, or word of mouth. It’s a rewarding way to earn extra income and help others add a special touch to their gifts.
13. Test Websites and Apps
Testing websites and apps is a flexible side hustle you can do from home—perfect for earning extra cash in winter. Companies are constantly seeking feedback to enhance their digital products. Platforms like UserTesting, TryMyUI, and Userlytics pay you to test websites and apps by completing simple tasks while recording your screen and sharing your thoughts. Most tests take 10–20 minutes and pay $10–$20 each. All you need is a computer or smartphone, a solid internet connection, and clear communication. Sign-up is free, and once approved, you’ll get test invitations based on your profile. While not a full-time income, website and app testing can provide a steady stream of extra money—especially when combined with other side gigs. It’s also a fun way to explore new tech trends.
Ways To Make Extra Money During the Winter: Some Final Thoughts
Bringing in extra money during winter is easier than you might think—and with so many flexible options, there’s something for everyone. Whether you choose a hands-on seasonal job or a cozy side hustle from home, a little effort now can go a long way. Want even more ideas? Explore our full collection of side hustle and gig work articles on 22Gigs. You’ll find plenty of tips and inspiration to help you get started.
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