When the holidays hit, you might be feeling a little extra strapped for cash. There are presents to buy, parties to throw, and vacations to book. Of course, on top of all of that, there are still bills to pay.
The thing is, holiday celebrations also call for an increase in holiday work. If you’re looking for a money-making way to fill your spare time, here are a few odd holiday jobs that pay more than you might expect.
Haunted House
During the fall months, haunted houses are a major money-making attraction. Everyone wants to go out with their friends to get a good scare, so what if you hosted your own haunted house?
Actors and other staff workers are likely to make minimum wage, but those who put together their own spooky experience can make bank around Halloween season. Small businesses can make around $50,000 during the season, while larger, more elaborate attractions can make millions in profit.
Mall Santa
Nearly every parent ventures out to the mall for their child to take a picture with Santa. But how much do these friendly actors make during the winter months when everyone is rushing to finish their shopping and check tasks off their Christmas to-do list?
Mall Santas can make as much as $75 an hour, although their pay typically averages out to about $30 an hour. Santas that naturally have the same build, beard, and merriment as the beloved holiday character tend to make higher wages due to their believability.
Easter Bunny
Standing in line to take a picture with the Easter Bunny is a classic rite of passage during childhood. But how much do these costumed actors make for sitting down and taking pictures while dressed up in a giant suit?
Although dressing up as a giant fluffy rabbit might not be the most glamorous job in the world, it can pay off big time. On average, freelance Easter Bunny entertainers can make anywhere from $60-$185 hourly. If you stack this kind of spontaneous work with other steady jobs, it can help you put a lot of extra dough into your savings account during the spring season.
