The holiday season is here, and with it comes the perfect chance to bring people together, spread a little joy, and raise money for something that matters. Whether you're part of a school club, a local nonprofit, or just someone with a heart for helping, Christmas is one of the best times of year to launch a fundraiser.
People are already in the giving spirit, so it’s a great opportunity to connect with them in a meaningful way.
You don’t need a huge team or a big budget to make a real difference. With the right idea and a little planning, you can run a fundraiser that’s fun, memorable, and actually works. From hot chocolate stands to virtual caroling contests, there’s a wide range of ways to get started, and we’ve seen what works.
At Harness, we’ve helped groups like yours pull off some amazing holiday campaigns. So, if you're ready to try something new this season, we’ve got you covered.
Want expert support for your holiday campaign? Discover how Harness can power your next fundraising event with smart tools and dedicated service.
Classic Christmas fundraiser ideas that still work
Some ideas stick around because they just work. They're simple, familiar, and people love them, especially during the holidays. If you’re looking for something tried-and-true, start here.
1. Host a holiday gift wrapping service
Set up a booth at a school, mall, or local business where people can drop off their gifts to be wrapped. Ask for small donations in exchange for wrapping, and make it feel festive with music and decorations. This is a great way to offer a helpful service while raising money, plus, it’s a great fit for volunteers of all ages.
2. Set up a Christmas tree sale
Partner with a local farm or supplier and sell trees in your community. You can offer pickup or delivery options to make things even easier. Add in extras like wreaths or ornaments for extra fundraising power. This idea works especially well for schools and churches with open outdoor space.
3. Organize a holiday-themed bake sale
Cookies, brownies, and peppermint treats, everyone loves holiday desserts. Set up a stand at a winter event, after school, or even online with pre-orders. Package things nicely and offer bulk options for people buying for parties or gifts. It’s sweet, simple, and can bring in steady donations.
4. Sell tickets to a winter wonderland dance or gala
A themed party is always a hit. You can go big with a formal fundraiser or keep it low-key with a student-led dance. Sell tickets ahead of time, offer snacks or drinks, and add in a raffle or photo booth to boost donations. These events give people something to look forward to, and they’re fun to plan, too.
5. Offer a gingerbread house decorating contest
This one’s great for kids, families, or even office teams. Charge a small entry fee and let people decorate their gingerbread creations at home or in person. Post photos online and let the community vote on a winner. You’ll get lots of engagement, and lots of laughs.
6. Launch a Christmas decoration contest in your neighborhood
Encourage neighbors or businesses to go all out with lights and decorations. Set up a judging panel or let people vote with donations. Offer a prize for the winner, and make sure to share photos on social media. It builds community spirit and brings in funds at the same time.
School and high school fundraising ideas
When students get involved, fundraisers feel more personal, and more fun. These ideas are perfect for high schools, student clubs, or PTA groups looking to make an impact without overcomplicating things.
7. Holiday movie night on campus
Transform your gym or auditorium into a cozy holiday theater. Sell tickets, popcorn, and hot cocoa, and invite families to bring blankets and enjoy a classic movie. It’s easy to set up, and you can run it more than once with different films for younger and older audiences.
8. Ugly sweater day or holiday costume contest
Ask students and teachers to wear their wildest holiday outfits and donate to participate. You can add categories like “Funniest Sweater” or “Most Original Costume” and hand out small prizes. It’s low-effort, high-energy, and brings a lot of smiles.
9. Run a candy cane gram campaign
Sell small candy canes with handwritten notes that students can send to friends or teachers. Deliver them during class periods or homeroom. This is a quick and easy way to raise money, and it builds a sense of connection during the season.
10. Start a snowflake or ornament decorating workshop
Set up tables with craft supplies and let students make their own holiday decorations. Charge a small fee for materials, or ask for donations at the door. You can even sell some of the finished ornaments at a school event or holiday market.
11. Set up a holiday-themed fun run or reindeer dash
Pick a short route around the school or neighborhood and encourage students to dress up in holiday gear, Santa hats, elf ears, you name it. Ask participants to raise small donations from family and friends. It’s great for school spirit and healthy activity.
12. Coordinate a winter wear donation drive
Ask students to bring in coats, hats, and gloves to donate to families in need. Add a challenge, like class competitions, to keep things engaging. This isn’t a fundraiser for money, but it makes a big impact and reminds students what the season is all about.
Virtual and remote-friendly fundraising ideas
Sometimes in-person events aren’t possible, or you just want to include people who live farther away. These virtual-friendly ideas make it easy to raise money from anywhere, with tools your supporters already use every day.
13. Host a virtual gingerbread house decorating challenge
Ask people to build and decorate their gingerbread houses at home, then submit photos online. You can charge a small entry fee and let your community vote with donations. The house with the most “votes” wins! It’s fun, visual, and perfect for sharing on social media.
13. Send digital holiday cards to donors
Create a set of holiday-themed eCards and offer them in exchange for a small donation. Supporters can send them to friends, family, or coworkers. You can even let them personalize a message. It’s a simple way to raise funds and help people spread cheer at the same time.
14. Organize a live-stream holiday concert or karaoke night
Invite local performers, students, or volunteers to sing carols or play holiday music live online. Ask for donations to tune in, or let people donate song requests in real time. It’s entertaining, interactive, and doesn’t require a big budget.
15. Launch a “12 days of giving” social media campaign
For 12 days in December, share daily stories, photos, or giving challenges on your social platforms. Keep it short and heartfelt, people love seeing real moments. You can tie each day to a donation goal or a specific need in your community.
16. Use a text-to-give platform to drive small donations
Make it easy for people to give in the moment by setting up a keyword-based donation option. Share it everywhere: events, emails, social media, even posters. These quick donations can add up fast, and they’re perfect for supporters who don’t carry cash.
17. Create a donation-based advent calendar or countdown
Design a simple online calendar where each day unlocks a new reason to give, a story from your work, or a small gift (like a digital download). Keep it light, joyful, and focused on impact. It keeps people coming back and builds excitement over time.
Partner with local businesses to boost reach and results
Local businesses want to support their communities, and the holidays are a perfect time to team up. When you collaborate, you get more visibility, more resources, and more people behind your cause.
18. Offer branded gift baskets or sponsor-a-product campaigns
Work with a local bakery, coffee shop, or artisan to create holiday gift baskets. Add your group’s name, a donation message, or even a thank-you note inside. A portion of each sale can go to your fundraiser. It’s a win for everyone: you raise money, and the business gets extra customers.
19. Ask local cafes to run a holiday drink or treat fundraiser
Have a nearby café feature a “Charity Cocoa” or “Holiday Latte” for a week. Every time someone buys it, a portion goes to your organization. You can help promote it, and they get more foot traffic. Even a small promotion like this can make a big difference.
20. Plan a charity raffle featuring items from local vendors
Ask local businesses to donate gift cards, products, or services. Bundle them into a raffle and sell tickets online or in person. People love the chance to win, and you raise funds without spending much upfront.
21. Set up a holiday market or shopping night with vendor booths
Host a small event where local makers and shops can sell their goods. Charge vendors a table fee or ask for a percentage of sales. Add music, lights, and maybe a photo booth to turn it into an experience. These markets are great for both fundraising and community connection.
22. Run a “round up” campaign at checkout counters
Ask stores or restaurants if they’ll let customers round up their purchases to support your cause. “Would you like to round up 42 cents to support our school?” is easy for cashiers to ask, and those cents add up quickly over a few weeks.
Add a festive twist to tried-and-true fundraising efforts
You don’t have to start from scratch. Sometimes the best way to boost your fundraising is to take what already works, and give it a holiday spin. These simple updates can make your efforts feel fresh and seasonal without needing a whole new plan.
23. Turn your existing fundraiser into a holiday-themed version
Already have a trivia night, raffle, or silent auction planned? Add a few Christmas touches: change the name, decorate with holiday colors, or offer festive prizes. Even small tweaks can make your event feel new and exciting.
24. Add snow-themed decor, music, or branding to your campaign pages
If you're running a digital fundraiser, update your donation page with winter graphics, snowflakes, or Christmas lights. Add a holiday playlist or countdown clock to give it that extra bit of seasonal charm. It sets the mood and makes the experience more fun.
25. Bundle donations with rewards like handmade ornaments
Give donors something small in return for their gift. A thank-you card, holiday cookie recipe, or handmade ornament goes a long way. People love feeling appreciated, especially during this season of giving.
26. Invite donors to share holiday messages on your site or social channels
Create a place where supporters can post who they’re giving in honor of, or why they’re supporting your cause this Christmas. These kinds of messages help build momentum and inspire others to get involved.
27. Highlight impact stories tied to the season of giving
Share real stories of how your organization makes a difference this time of year. Whether it’s helping families during the holidays or giving kids a safe place to gather, show your supporters the heart behind the fundraiser. It’s one of the best ways to connect and motivate giving.
Planning tips to maximize your Christmas fundraising success
Running a holiday fundraiser doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little prep and a few smart moves, you can make your campaign smooth, simple, and effective, even if it’s your first time. Here’s what we’ve learned from doing this with dozens of teams like yours.
Start early and map your fundraising calendar
As soon as Halloween wraps up, people start shifting into holiday mode. That means early November is a great time to start planning. Pick your fundraiser dates, create a task list, and give yourself at least two weeks to promote. Trust us, those weeks fly by.
Use social media to build anticipation and drive engagement
Don't just post once and hope for the best. Create a steady drumbeat of posts leading up to your fundraiser. Share behind-the-scenes prep, teasers, countdowns, and impact stories. If you're using images or video, even better, those tend to get the most clicks and shares.
Include visuals, videos, and real-time progress updates
People love to see the difference they’re making. Whether it's a thermometer graphic showing donation totals or photos of your team setting up, make it easy for supporters to follow along. Every update is a chance to remind folks you're still accepting gifts.
Offer low-barrier ways to give through small donations
Not everyone can give $50 or $100, but a lot of people can spare $5. Make sure your campaign messaging emphasizes that every gift helps. Text-to-give, roundup donations, and quick mobile-friendly forms make giving on the go super easy.
Don’t forget to follow up and say thank you
This part is huge. After the fundraiser, take time to send thank-you notes, share results, and highlight what those funds will do. It makes people feel valued, and more likely to support you next time.
Bring people together
The right Christmas fundraiser idea can do more than just bring in donations, it can bring people together, lift spirits, and remind your community what really matters. Whether you’re planning a simple bake sale or a full-on holiday event, the key is to keep it personal, keep it joyful, and focus on making giving easy.
And remember, you don’t have to do it all on your own. With the right support, tools and a little creativity, even a small team can pull off something great.
Partner with Harness this holiday season and turn your fundraising efforts into lasting community impact.
