10 Christmas Fundraising  ideas for your  PTA and School - Class Fundraising UK

10 Christmas Fundraising ideas for your PTA and School

Written by: Alex Whitley

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Time to read 8 min

Are you looking to boost your PTA's Christmas fundraising?

Are you looking to boost your PTA's Christmas fundraising spirit while raising funds for your school? Look no further! We have gathered 10 festive and fabulous fundraising ideas that are sure to bring holiday cheer to your PTA and community. From classic favourites like bake sales and gift-wrapping services to unique and innovative activities like our Christmas Project, we've got ideas to suit every taste and budget. Whether you're aiming to support a specific school project or simply want to spread joy during the holiday season, these ideas will inspire you to get creative and make a difference.

Imagine hosting a school-wide ugly Christmas sweater contest, or organising a North Pole-themed scavenger hunt for families to enjoy together. How about a festive concert showcasing the talent of your school's music department? Or perhaps a winter carnival complete with games, crafts, and treats? With these Christmas fundraising ideas, not only will you raise much-needed funds for your PTA, but you'll also create lasting memories for students, parents, and the entire community. So let's get into the holiday spirit and make this Christmas fundraising season truly special for your PTA!

How planning early can boost your Christmas fundraising goals

As the holiday season approaches, it's the perfect time for Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) to kick their fundraising efforts into high gear. The Christmas fundraising period is a time of heightened community spirit, generosity, and goodwill - making it an ideal opportunity to rally support and raise much-needed funds for your school. During this time of year, people are often more inclined to open their hearts and wallets to support worthy causes. Families are looking for festive activities to enjoy together, and businesses are eager to connect with their local community through sponsorships and partnerships. It's important to plan your Christmas Fundraising early, why? Well, Christmas offers PTA's and Schools the biggest opportunity of the year to raise vital funds to support ongoing projects and the future of those bright little minds.

However, it is also an extremely busy period for everyone involved. That's why we recommend getting in early to make sure you make the best out of your Christmas fundraising, for example by being an early bird you could earn up to 30% commission on our Christmas project! Moreover, the funds raised during the Christmas season can be instrumental in supporting important school projects, purchasing essential supplies, and enriching the educational experiences of students. Whether you're saving up for a new playground, funding extracurricular programs, or simply keeping the school's operations running smoothly, these Christmas fundraising events can make a significant difference in the lives of your students and the broader community.

"By planning my Christmas Fundraising early, I raised an extra £1200 for my PTA!!"

Jenny - Sunniside Primary

PTA Planning Early for Christmas Fundraising

Christmas Fundraising Ideas for your PTA and School

As you prepare to embark on your PTA's Christmas fundraising journey, it's important to have a diverse array of ideas at your fingertips. From classic favourites such as designing a class tea towel to unique and innovative activities, the options are endless when it comes to boosting your Christmas fundraising spirit and raising funds for your school. Let's explore 10 fantastic Christmas fundraising ideas that are sure to delight and engage your community.


Christmas Fundraising Ideas Loading

1. Christmas fundraising Artwork Project

Unleash the creativity of your students and engage the entire school community with a Christmas fundraising artwork project. This fundraiser not only helps to raise significant funds but also fosters a sense of pride and belonging among your pupils.


Class Fundraising will then turn your artwork into a wide range of personalised Christmas gifts such as Christmas baubles, soft toys, Christmas cards, keyrings, mugs and so much more! Encourage parents to shop online where payments are securely taken and managed without having to worry or stress.


A well-organised Christmas fundraising project could raise up to £2500 for your PTA, School, Charity or project. Class Fundraising give you all the tools that you need to succeed and are there every step of the way guiding your fundraising journey.



2. Organising a Christmas Market or Craft Fair

One of the most popular and time-honoured Christmas fundraising ideas is the Christmas market or craft fair. These events offer a wonderful opportunity to showcase the creativity and talent of your school community, while also generating revenue for your PTA.


Begin by inviting students, parents, and local artisans to set up vendor booths and sell their handmade crafts, baked goods, holiday decorations, and other festive items. (Psst, this is a great way to sell your wonderful Christmas fundraising Self Portrait Tea Towels, Tote Bags or Aprons, thank us later!) Encourage participants to get into the holiday spirit by decorating their booths with twinkling lights, garlands, and other seasonal touches. You can even host a contest for the most festive and eye-catching display, with the winner receiving a prize or recognition.


To further enhance the experience, consider adding live music, carolling, or other entertainment to create a truly immersive and joyful atmosphere. Serve up hot chocolate, mulled wine, or other seasonal refreshments, and don't forget to have a dedicated area for gift-wrapping services, which can be an additional Christmas fundraising revenue stream for your PTA.


School Fundraising Christmas Market

3. Self Portrait Christmas Fundraising Project!

Christmas fundraising for your PTA and School can provide you with an opportunity to get creative! A popular classic activity is designing a Custom printed tea towel with a self-portrait drawing of each pupil in the class or school! This is a unique keepsake full of cuteness that parents just love! In fact, look in your kitchen drawers, I wonder if you have one from when you were at school...

Self-portrait projects are great for controlling how much you raise for the PTA or School, with Class Fundraising you set the prices! It doesn't have to be just a tea towel, you can choose to do a tote bag or an apron!

It's FREE to register and these make great additions to any Christmas fundraising event as an extra fundraising opportunity.

4. Hosting a Holiday-Themed Bake Sale or Cookie Exchange

Christmas fundraising wouldn't be complete without the classic bake sale or cookie exchange. These sweet treats are always a hit with families, and they're relatively easy to organise with the help of your school community.


Encourage parents, teachers, and students to bake their favourite holiday-themed cookies, pies, bread, and other delectable treats, and then sell them at a centralised location, such as the school lobby or a local community centre. You can even offer pre-packaged cookie platters or tins for easy gift-giving.


For a unique twist, consider hosting a cookie exchange event, where participants bring a batch of their homemade cookies to swap with others. Attendees can then take home an assortment of different cookies, creating a fun and festive experience while also raising funds for your PTA.


Christmas Fundraising Bake Sale

5. Arranging a Festive Movie Night or Holiday Concert

Another fantastic way to bring the community together and achieve the Christmas fundraising goals for your PTA is by organising a festive movie night or holiday concert. These events not only generate revenue but also provide a wonderful opportunity for families to come together and enjoy the spirit of the season.


For a movie night, choose a classic holiday film or a family-friendly favourite, and transform your school's gymnasium or auditorium into a cosy, cinema-like setting. Sell tickets, popcorn, hot chocolate, and other concessions to boost your fundraising efforts. You can even encourage attendees to come in their pyjamas for a truly comfortable and casual experience.


Alternatively, showcase the musical talents of your school's students by hosting a holiday concert. Invite the school choir, band, and orchestra to perform a selection of festive tunes, and sell tickets to the event. You can also offer refreshments and holiday-themed merchandise for sale, giving your Christmas fundraising an extra boost.


Christmas movie night for PTA fundriasing

6. Collaborating with Local Businesses for Holiday Partnerships

Reach out to local businesses and explore opportunities for Christmas fundraising-related partnerships that can benefit both your PTA and the community. These collaborations can take many forms, from sponsorships and in-kind donations to joint promotional events and revenue-sharing arrangements.


For example, you could approach a local restaurant or bakery and offer to host a "give back" night, where a portion of the sales from a specific day or event are donated to your PTA. In return, the business can receive promotion and exposure through your marketing channels, strengthening its connection with the community.


Another idea is to partner with a local retailer or service provider to offer exclusive discounts or promotions to your school community. This not only generates Christmas fundraising revenue for your PTA but also encourages families to support local businesses during the Christmas fundraising season.


Local Business Partnerships

7. Promoting Your Fundraising Event Through Social Media and Email Marketing

Social Media Fundraising Campaign

In today's digital landscape, it's essential to leverage the power of social media and email marketing to promote your PTA's Christmas fundraising events to help maximise participation and engagement.


Create a dedicated social media campaign across platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter, showcasing the various Christmas fundraising activities, sharing sneak peeks of the preparations, and highlighting the impact the funds will have on your school. Encourage your community to follow along, share your posts, and spread the word to their networks.


Supplement your social media efforts with a well-crafted email marketing strategy. Craft compelling messages that convey the excitement and importance of your Christmas fundraising events, and be sure to include clear calls-to-action for your community to get involved, whether it's purchasing tickets, donating baked goods, or volunteering their time.


8. Engaging the Community through Volunteer Opportunities

Christmas is a time when people are often eager to give back and contribute to their local community. Tap into this seasonal spirit of generosity by offering a variety of volunteer opportunities for your PTA's Christmas fundraising events.


From organising and setting up the Christmas market or craft fair to staffing the bake sale or holiday concert, there are countless ways for parents, teachers, and community members to get involved. Not only does this help to lighten the workload for your PTA organisers, but it also fosters a sense of ownership and investment in the success of your Christmas fundraising efforts.


Consider creating a volunteer sign-up system, either online or through a physical sign-up sheet, that allows individuals to select the tasks or roles that best suit their interests and availability.


PTA Volunteers

9. Festive Fancy Dress!

Who will be crowned the best dressed this Christmas? A great way to lift those Christmas fundraising spirits is to get dressed up in your seasonal best and host a competition for the best-dressed Christmas fan! 

Encourage a £1 donation from each participant and have fun judging those festive creations! 

This would be a great addition to a Christmas Fundraising family fun day!

PTA Christmas Fancy Dress

10. Christmas Craft Day

Let's get crafty with our Christmas fundraising efforts. Host an arts and crafts day where pupils can make an assortment of Christmas creations such as make your own stockings, Christmas crackers, bunting and more! 

This is a perfect way to incorporate your Christmas Fundraising Project with Class Fundraising. Have a focused day to complete your artwork designs whilst offering other activities to keep children engaged.

PTA Craft Ideas

Boosting Your PTA's Christmas Spirit Through Festive Fundraising

So, let's embrace the magic of the Christmas season and work together to make this the most joyful and successful fundraising year yet for your PTA. With these 10 fabulous ideas, you're well on your way to boosting your school's Christmas fundraising spirit and making a meaningful difference in the lives of your students and the broader community.