5 Businesses You Can Start With No Capital During the Christmas Season

For many Kenyans, the Christmas season is a time to slow down, travel upcountry, and reconnect with family. But it is also one of the most cash-intensive periods of the year. 

Between transport costs, food, gifts, and social obligations, December spending can stretch even the most disciplined budgets.

The good news is that the festive season also creates unique income opportunities—especially for people willing to trade time, skills, or existing assets for extra cash. Some of these opportunities require little to no capital and are best suited for one-person businesses that peak in December.

Here are practical one-person business ideas you can start during the Christmas season without putting money down up front.

Also Read: 5 Growing Businesses You Can Start With Ksh20K

1. Freelancing as a Gig Worker (Filling Staff Gaps)

December creates temporary labour shortages across many sectors as full-time employees go on annual leave. Hotels, event planners, hospitals, offices, and retail outlets often need short-term support to keep operations running smoothly.

This creates opportunities for freelancers and gig workers to step in as temporary replacements. Common roles include event support staff such as ushers and logistics assistants at corporate parties, temporary receptionists or customer service agents in hotels, and locum professionals such as nurses or administrative assistants.

The advantage of this option is that it requires little to no financial investment. You are selling your time and existing skills. The key is to target opportunities that align with your experience so that you can plug in quickly without additional training or equipment. Many of these jobs are advertised informally through WhatsApp groups, social media, or word of mouth, making it easier to get started quickly.

2. Letting Your House on Airbnb

If you live in a desirable area—particularly in Nairobi or its metropolitan surroundings—you can turn your home into a source of income during the festive season. December sees a spike in demand for short-term accommodation, especially from Kenyans in the diaspora and local travellers who prefer homely spaces over hotels.

Many Kenyans travel upcountry or to the coast during Christmas, leaving their primary homes vacant. If your house is in good condition, you can list it on Airbnb or similar platforms and earn income while you’re away.

This option requires no capital if you already own or rent the space. You’re simply monetising an asset you already have. 

The main effort involves listing the property, managing bookings, and ensuring the space is presentable. For many people, the December income from a single listing can significantly offset holiday expenses.

Also Read: 10 Profitable Businesses to Start With Ksh50K in Kenya

3. Tour Guiding

Travel and leisure activities increase significantly during the festive season. Both tourists and local travellers are eager to explore new places, creating demand for tour guides and local experience hosts.

You don’t need to be a professional guide to take advantage of this opportunity. If you are familiar with your local area, you can offer guiding services based on your knowledge. This could involve helping visitors navigate the city, recommending attractions, accompanying them to local spots, or organising simple day trips.

Platforms like Airbnb Experiences also allow individuals to list local activities. For rural residents, this could mean guiding urban visitors on nature walks, hikes, or cultural experiences. For urban dwellers, it could involve city tours, road trips, or curated game drive experiences.

The business relies entirely on your time and local knowledge, making it a zero-capital venture with high seasonal demand.

4. Gift Wrapping and Custom Gifts

December is peak gift-giving season, and many people are willing to pay for convenience and creativity. Gift wrapping and custom gift preparation can be started with no capital if structured correctly.

Instead of buying materials upfront, you work on a client-funded model. The customer pays for gift materials—such as wrapping paper, ribbons, flowers, or items for money bouquets—and you source and assemble them. Your profit comes from the service fee you charge for your creativity and time.

This business works best if you already have creative skills or an eye for presentation. It’s flexible, scalable, and ideal for people who want to operate from home or on a per-order basis during the festive rush.

Also Read: 10 Businesses to Start With Zero Cash Capital in Kenya

5. Kids’ Entertainment Services

Christmas is a busy time for parents. With family gatherings, events, and outings, many parents look for affordable ways to keep their children engaged and supervised.

If you enjoy working with children, you can offer simple entertainment services such as storytelling, organising games, supervising playdates, running holiday-themed activities, or basic face-painting using supplies provided by parents.

This opportunity requires creativity and patience rather than equipment or capital. Parents often already have toys and materials, meaning your role is to manage activities and keep children occupied safely. This service can be offered in homes, estates, or small gatherings and is especially valuable during the festive season.

Wrapping Up

The Christmas season doesn’t have to be financially draining. With the right approach, it can become a chance to earn extra income without dipping into savings or taking loans.

Whether you choose to freelance, rent out your home, guide visitors, offer creative gift services, or entertain children, the key is to act early, market yourself within your network, and deliver reliable service. Even a short-term hustle during December can make a meaningful difference to your finances and help you start the new year on a stronger footing.

If you’re willing to trade time and skills for income, December offers more opportunities than most people realise.