As the holidays approach, Taskrabbit is seeing a surge in demand for seasonal side work, with certain gigs commanding more than $50 per hour.
The platform’s chief commercial officer, Chris Ager, notes that Taskrabbit experiences a noticeable uptick in requests for cleaning and decorating services beginning in late October.
“Winter is an incredibly hectic time for our clients,” Ager explains. “Internally, we refer to it as ‘hosting season’—a period when people need their homes guest-ready for visiting friends and relatives.”
Bringing in gig workers during the holidays helps individuals tackle “those tasks that simply don’t fit into a packed schedule of work and family obligations,” he adds.
The seasonal rush also attracts a wave of new Taskers to the platform. For full-time employees, holiday gigs offer a way to supplement income without sacrificing flexibility.
“Many people are seeking additional earnings during the holidays to cover what tends to be a costly time of year,” Ager says.
Drawing from Taskrabbit’s 2024 data, here are the most sought-after and well-compensated winter side hustles.
**Holiday Cleaning**
Demand for holiday cleaning services rose 26% last year, Ager reports. Cleaning ranks among the platform’s most robust categories overall, and the pre-holiday rush drives even more homeowners to seek help preparing their spaces for guests. This gig offers steady work at an average hourly rate of $44, according to Taskrabbit.
**Hanging Holiday Lights**
Installing holiday lighting demands “a particular skill set—and the right tools,” Ager points out. That’s why many homeowners turn to gig workers to illuminate their properties, paying an average of $49 per hour. Last year, requests for this service doubled year-over-year, and interest remains strong.
**Running Holiday Errands**
Taskrabbit saw a 17% increase in holiday errand requests in 2024. While errands are always popular, end-of-year needs get highly specific, Ager says. “We encounter truly unique requests—everything from delivering Christmas trees to tracking down newly released toys before they sell out.” The average hourly rate for holiday errands is $32.
**Waiting in Line**
Line-waiting jobs climbed 18% year-over-year, per Taskrabbit’s data. Clients frequently hire Taskers to secure the latest toys and tech releases, and Ager has observed growing demand for restaurant reservation line-sitters. For those willing to trade time for cash, the gig pays an average of $27 per hour.
**TV Mounting**
TV mounting requests jumped 14% in 2024. The winter spike reflects clients finally addressing home improvement tasks they’d deferred. “Summer is so packed with travel, sports, and outdoor activities that many household projects get pushed aside,” Ager notes. “They become urgent again when the holidays arrive and hosting begins.” Requiring specialized expertise, this gig ranks among the most lucrative, with an average hourly rate of $52.