30+ Best Winter Side Hustles To Make Extra Money This Season

women working on laptop

Looking to make a little extra cash this winter? Today I’ll be sharing over 30 winter side hustles to help you make more money during the colder months.

Whether you’re looking to make some additional money for Christmas or you want to start the year off right increasing your income potential there are some great winter side hustles you can consider.

Below you’ll find, winter side hustle ideas for:

  • Outdoor work
  • Online and work at home
  • The holiday season
  • More side job ideas
over 30 winter side hustles to make extra cash

Outdoor Work

Outdoor winter side hustles satisfy a distinct demand, providing essential services that many are unable or unwilling to do themselves. With the right gear, you can turn the season’s hurdles into a profitable venture. 

snow removal

1. Snow Removal

Have a shovel? Then you’re ready to get started making some cash on the side by shoveling sidewalks and driveways in your neighborhood.

So many people either aren’t able to clear the snow or just don’t want to, so this is your opportunity to offer snow removal services. 

How to get started:

  • Make simple flyers that highlight your service and deliver in your local area – even better if you can hand deliver to people so you can say hi
  • Share your services in local Facebook groups, or by posting to bulletin boards in local shops or on signposts.
  • Schedule jobs and show up on time and ready to work

How to charge: There are two key ways to charge for snow removal service:

  1. Price for the season
  2. Price per removal

2. Clean Off Cars From Snow

This can be offered as an additional service on top of the shoveling gig or as a separate offering. It’s a simple thing for you to do but it provides a big payoff for your potential clients.

3. Fall Yard Clean Up

Raking leaves, trimming perennials and winterizing some plants can be a big help for people. 

An effective business in this niche involves both physical labor and an understanding of basic horticulture, ensuring that clients feel confident in your ability to look after their gardens and lawns during the cold weather.

So, if you already enjoy gardening and have a green thumb, put your skills to use and offer yard clean-up at the end of the fall.

4. Eavestrough Cleaning

If you’re not afraid of heights and you have a ladder, cleaning eavestroughs is a great way to earn some extra cash before winter begins.

To get started: 

  • Invest in basic equipment like gloves, a scoop, and a portable container for debris removal. 
  • Don’t forget about safety precautions. Make sure your ladder is stable and wear non-slip shoes. Use a safety harness if conditions warrant. When on the roof, maintain a low center of gravity and be vigilant of icy patches.

5. Dog Walker

Dog walking becomes a valued service during the cold winter months, as pet owners may prefer staying cozy indoors. 

You can contact a local dog-walking business and see if they need help or you can start your own business. Here are some great tips on everything you need to know about starting a dog walking business > How To Start A Dog Walking Business.

Online and work-at-home Opportunities

Seize the power of the internet and tap into online side hustles from the comfort of your own home. With a laptop and a connection, you can transform into a digital entrepreneur.

woman working on laptop

6. Start a Blog

I’ve been blogging now for almost 7 years and my very first blog now has a steady stream of income coming in every money – in the range of $2500 – $3500.

My long-term goal is to have a bigger full-time income from that blog, but in the meantime, it is certainly a great contributor to my annual income.

On another one of my websites (I have a few!) I have a free blogging course you can sign up for to learn about how to set up your own blog. 

The Free Blogging Course shares:

  • How to select your niche
  • Tips to set up your domain name and WordPress hosting
  • Installing your website theme
  • How to create a logo
  • Having the right legal pages
  • Content writing and page structure tips
  • And so much more!

Sign up here: How To Start a Blog 

7. Sell Christmas Digital Goods on Etsy

If you enjoy being creative and are great at programs like Canva, this is a fun way to make some extra money over the winter.

Sell your Christmas-themed digital designs:

  • Create festive invitations
  • Holiday cards
  • Festive wall art
  • Coloring pages
  • Christmas Planners
  • Holiday gift tags

8. Test Websites

Yes, you can get paid to check out companies’ websites and give feedback. My favorite to work with is UserTesting. They pay $10US for every website you review, which can add up over time as many tests can take just $10 to 15 minutes.

9. Sell Stuff on Facebook Marketplace

Sell items you no longer need and turn them into cash with Facebook Marketplace. Here are some tips to get started:

  • Gather Your Goods: Collect items you don’t use. Whether it’s an old set of skis or a stack of books, if it’s in good condition, it’s likely sellable.
  • Take Clear Photos: Quality images sell products. Capture your items in bright, natural light from multiple angles so your potential buyer can easily see all of the features. 
  • Write Descriptive Listings: Be honest and detailed. Mention the brand, size, condition, and any other relevant features. A thorough description can reduce questions and help your items sell faster. 
  • Price Fairly: Research to see what similar items are selling for and price yours competitively. Build in room for negotiation but also know your bottom line.
  • Stay Safe: Arrange for pickups in public spaces when possible. If a buyer needs to come to your home, try to have someone with you during the exchange.
  • Be Responsive: Reply promptly to inquiries. Good communication builds trust and can lead to a quicker sale.

10. Virtual Assistant

If you have strong organizational skills and are comfortable with technology, offering virtual assistance services can be a lucrative winter side hustle. 

As a virtual assistant, you can offer the following services:

  • Scheduling appointments
  • Email management
  • Community management (social media(
  • Customer support
  • Data entry
  • Expenses
  • Research
  • Digital paperwork

11. Tutoring

Share your expertise by teaching subjects you’re passionate about. Many platforms allow you to connect with students worldwide without leaving your home. 

To get started, sign up for a website like Preply so you can begin teaching online. You can set your own rate and teach whenever you have availability.

12. Teach English as a second language

According to EnglishClub.com you will need a bachelor’s degree in any subject and complete a 120-hour TEFL certification course.

The best way to get started is to work with an online teaching company such as:

  • Skooli
  • VIPKid
  • Preply
  • QKids
  • iTutorGroup
  • BEILS Turkey
  • Whales English
  • English Hunt

13. Online Surveys

Participate in market research by completing surveys. Compensation varies, but it can be a flexible way to earn from home.

I’m adding this even though the money potential is low. However, you can work from home and do this in your spare time to see how it goes for you.

Some popular survey online platforms:

  • Swagbucks
  • InboxDollars Surveys
  • Google Opinion Rewards
  • Survey Junkie
  • Ipsos iSay 
  • Opinion Outpost

I would still recommend UserTesting or another winter side job from this list.

14. Print-On-Demand Business

Design graphics for t-shirts, mugs, and other items that a print-on-demand service can fulfill. This way, you create once and sell indefinitely, with no need to handle inventory. 

To get started try Printify – a popular print-on-demand company.

Winter Side Hustles For Christmas

The festive season offers some of the best side hustles out there – that you can make good money from. From getting creative with crafts, to helping people with various services there’s something for almost everyone.

making a Christmas wreath

15. Sell crafts/handmade goods

If you’re crafty why not make some extra money making beautiful handmade goods?

You can sell them online on Etsy or in Christmas markets.

Here are some ideas that are in high demand:

  • Soy or beeswax candles scented with essential oils
  • Mason jar cookie mix
  • Handmade ornaments
  • Gift baskets
  • Jewelry
  • Handmade soap
  • Hair accessories – scrunchies, headbands
  • Crochet stuffed animals
  • Bath bombs
  • Pet accessories
  • Festive table runners
  • Quilted tree skirts

16. Make Wreaths

Not only can you make wreaths to sell to people locally (local markets, etc), but you can also set up workshops to teach people how to make their own.

As above you can sell wreaths at local Christmas markets. And for the workshops, you can arrange this at your local community center or church.

17. Gift Wrapping

If you enjoy gift wrapping like I do this is a great way to earn some extra money over the holidays.

To get started:

  • Gather quality materials such as paper, ribbons, and bows. 
  • Practice various wrapping techniques to showcase your skills. 
  • Set up a designated wrapping area in your home or offer mobile services. 
  • Next, advertise your service. Target those who might struggle with wrapping due to time constraints or limited dexterity.
    • Use social media, local community boards, and word-of-mouth to spread the word. 
  • Offer a range of pricing options, from basic wraps to deluxe packages, ensuring there’s something for every budget. 
  • Finally, provide excellent customer service to encourage repeat business and referrals.

18. AirBnB Host

Going away for the holidays? Why not put your home up on AirBnB to make some extra income while away?

Tips to AirBnB your place:

  • Set a competitive yet profitable price
  • Ensure your home offers a cozy holiday experience. Decorate and add festive touches like a hot chocolate stand.
  • Take high-quality photos of your space to attract potential renters. 
  • Do some online research on the best ways to succeed with AirBnB

19. Christmas Tree Farm

Get a job at a local Christmas tree farm. This can be a fun way to make more money this winter season and get into the festive spirit too.

20. Decorate people’s homes for the holidays

Have that Christmas decor touch? Offer indoor and outdoor decoration services such as:

  • Displaying outdoor Christmas lights
  • Adding garlands indoors and outdoors
  • Displaying Christmas decorations around the home – both inside and out

A good way to get started is to take photos of your own home and decorate friend’s homes. You can ask for testimonials as well.

This will allow you to showcase your skills so you can pick up some paid jobs.

21. Hot Chocolate Station

Purchase a booth at Christmas markets, farmers markets and local events and have your very own hot chocolate station.

This can be a great side hustle as people always love eating and drinking and typically there aren’t a lot of vendors who offer drinks at markets.

P.S. My sister did this for a number of years and it was such a success that she had to hire help to fulfill all of the customer’s orders.

22. Christmas Tree Delivery

Offering to deliver Christmas trees directly to people’s homes is a huge benefit to people who don’t have cars. A great place to target this type of customer is in the city.

As an added service you can also offer to set up the tree in their tree stand.

23. Seasonal Retail Job

Most retailers need to hire extra staff during the holiday season so why not jump on board to make some extra cash in a relatively easy way.

Get over to your mall and local restaurants and see who’s hiring. 

More Winter Side Hustle Ideas

24. Food delivery driver (UberEats/Doordash)

25. Car service driver (Uber/Lyft)

26. Pet sitting – check out an app like Rover to find local opportunities

27. House Sitting – look the plants and keep an eye on people’s homes when they go off on vacation

28. Babysitting – you may have babysat as a kid, but why not now? Try an app like Sitly to find jobs

29. Clean homes – clean homes before a holiday party or for a New Year refresh.

30. Join a focus group – Look for local focus groups or try and online focus group 

31. Personal shopper – ideal for elderly people who can’t get out during the icy, cold conditions and all it takes is a trip to the local grocery store and pharmacy in most cases.

Tips for Your Winter Side Hustle

Choose Something You Enjoy & Are Good At

With everything in life, we’ll be much more successful if we enjoy what we’re doing and if we’re good at it. This makes the experience of having a winter side hustle more rewarding and a lot of fun.

Set Up A PayPal Account

If you’re doing an online side hustle most of these pay to your PayPal account especially if you live outside the US.

So go ahead and set one up now. Once you receive your payments it’s super easy to transfer the money to your regular bank account.

Local Marketing

Don’t be afraid to go old school and print flyers to put in local businesses, bulletin boards, and drop off at people’s homes. You can also knock on the door to tell people about your service. 

Also, promote on local community boards (on Facebook or NextDoor). If you offer a good service/product you’d be surprised how many people will be interested.

Final Thoughts on Winter Side Hustles

As we’ve navigated the landscape of winter side hustles, here are a few key takeaways:

Snowy, cold weather offers unique possibilities for earning, from snow removal to dog walking. These outdoor jobs fulfill seasonal needs for those who don’t have time or can’t take care of them.

Stay cozy with digital side hustles. Whether it’s blogging, selling crafts on Etsy, or website testing, there are loads of ways to make money online in the winter. 

Embrace festive side hustles. Don’t forget the festive hustle of the holiday season, creating and selling Christmas crafts or offering a gift-wrapping service can be both fun and lucrative.

Hard work does pay off. Never forget this. So, get out there and see what you can do!

Happy side hustling!

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