38 Amazing Christmas Fundraisers for Schools
By Whit Hunter on
Want to build an effective fundraising campaign?
Our team is here to give you more details and guides on how to grow your fundraiser.

Christmas is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to start spreading some extra cheer through your school community—and maybe raise a bit of money while you’re at it!
Schools are always in need of extra funds, whether it's for classroom supplies, special events, or exciting projects. A fun and festive Christmas fundraiser can make a world of difference. Plus, it’s a great chance to bring everyone together, share in the holiday spirit, and work toward a common goal.
In this blog, we’ll share 38 Christmas fundraising ideas for schools that will get everyone in the holiday spirit. Let’s make this Christmas unforgettable- with plenty of smiles, laughter, and the support your school needs to thrive!
1. Snowman Scavenger Hunt
A Snowman Scavenger Hunt is a fun way to get everyone moving while raising money for your school. Hide small snowman figures or winter-themed trinkets around the school or throughout the local community.
Charge an entry fee for students and families to participate; whoever finds the most items wins a cool prize. It's a simple, festive way to get everyone involved and excited during the holiday season.
How It Raises Funds: You collect entry fees from participants.
Approximate Budget:
Small trinkets or snowman figures: $20-$40.
Prize for the winner: $15-$25.
2. Ugly Holiday Sweater Day
Want to add some laughter to the school halls? Organize an Ugly Holiday Sweater Day. Both students and teachers can pay a small fee to wear their ugliest, most over-the-top holiday sweaters.
At the end of the day, hold a vote to pick the "ugliest" sweater and award a small prize.
How It Raises Funds: Participation fee for wearing ugly sweaters.
Approximate Budget:
Prize for the ugliest sweater: $10-$20.
Decorations for a voting booth (optional): $5-$10.
3. Holiday Cookie Kit Sales
Holiday Cookie Kit Sales are perfect for getting families into the holiday spirit. Put together cookie kits with pre-measured ingredients and sell them to students and parents.
Baking together at home becomes a fun holiday tradition, and you can even include a school-branded cookie cutter to make it extra special. It’s one of those Christmas fundraising ideas for schools that people love because it’s simple and sweet.
How It Raises Funds: Families purchase the cookie kits.
Approximate Budget:
Ingredients (flour, sugar, decorations): $1-$2 per kit.
Packaging and school-branded cookie cutter: $1-$2 per kit.
4. Hot Chocolate-on-the-Go Stand
Set up a Hot Chocolate-on-the-Go Stand in the school parking lot as parents pick up their kids. For a small fee, families can grab a cup of hot cocoa to help them warm up after a long day.
You can make it a "drive-thru" style, so people don’t have to leave their cars. It's a great Christmas fundraiser for schools to spread warmth (literally) and cheer while bringing in some funds.
How It Raises Funds: Sell hot chocolate cups to parents and community members.
Approximate Budget:
Hot chocolate mix and cups: $20-$40.
Optional toppings (marshmallows, sprinkles): $10-$15.
5. Christmas Karaoke Night
Bring everyone together for a night filled with singing, laughter, and classic holiday hits. Host a Christmas Karaoke Night where students, parents, and teachers can show off their vocal skills.
Charge an admission fee or ask for a donation for each song performance.
How It Raises Funds: Collect admission fees and charge per song.
Approximate Budget:
Karaoke machine rental or setup: $50-$100.
Refreshments (optional): $20-$30.
6. Gift Wrapping Station
Offer a gift-wrapping service at the school for parents and community members who could use a helping hand during the busy holiday season. Students can help wrap gifts with care, and you can charge per gift wrapped.
It's a convenient holiday fundraiser for schools and parents, with the funds directly supporting school programs.
How It Raises Funds: Charge per gift wrapped.
Approximate Budget:
Wrapping paper, tape, and ribbons: $25-$40.
Scissors and other supplies: $5-$10.
7. “Elves for Hire” Service
Imagine students becoming “elves” for a day! Students can volunteer to help out with small chores for teachers or parents. These elves can do tasks like carrying books, running errands, or decorating classrooms.
Charge a fee for hiring an “elf” to make this one of those Christmas PTA fundraising ideas that are fun and helpful at the same time.
How It Raises Funds: Charge a fee for each elf's help.
Approximate Budget:
Elf hats or small costumes pieces (optional): $15-$25.
Promotional posters or flyers: $5-$10.
8. Handmade Ornament Sale
Get creative with a Handmade Ornament Sale. Students can make their own ornaments, like painted pinecones, felt decorations, or salt dough creations.
These can be sold to family and friends. It’s a great way to allow kids to express their creativity while raising money for the school.
How It Raises Funds: Sell handmade ornaments to family, friends, and community members.
Approximate Budget:
Craft supplies (paint, felt, glue): $50-$75.
Packaging materials (optional): $5-$10.
Not sure why schools need funds? Check our blog on 5 Reasons Why School Fundraising Is Important.
9. Polar Express Movie Night
Transform a school room or gym into a cozy movie space with blankets, sleeping bags, and pillows, and screen a holiday favorite like "The Polar Express."
You can charge an admission fee and sell classic movie snacks like popcorn, candy canes, and hot chocolate.
How It Raises Funds: Charge an admission fee and sell snacks during the event.
Approximate Budget:
Movie license and equipment rental (if needed): $50-$100.
Snacks (popcorn, hot chocolate, candy canes): $30-$40.
10. Christmas Tree Sale
A Christmas Tree Sale is a perfect Christmas fundraising idea for schools that can bring in a lot of interest from the community. Partner with a local tree farm to get Christmas trees at a discount or on consignment.
Then, set up a sale at the school. You can offer different tree sizes to fit all families' needs. It’s one of the more traditional Christmas fundraisers for schools, but it always works because everyone loves a fresh tree for their home.
How It Raises Funds: Sell trees at a markup.
Approximate Budget:
Partner with a tree farm or wholesaler: Varies based on the agreement.
Marketing materials (posters, flyers): $10-$20.
11. Silent Auction of Student Artwork
Let students get creative by making winter or holiday-themed artwork, then hold a silent auction where parents can bid on their children’s pieces. This helps raise money and gives parents a meaningful keepsake they’ll cherish.
Make sure to provide a range of art materials so every child can participate, and set up a nice display to showcase all the pieces.
How It Raises Funds: Parents place bids on student artwork.
Approximate Budget:
Art supplies (paint, brushes, canvas/paper): $25-$40.
Display materials for the auction: $10-$15.
Pro Tip: Why not host the silent auction online with BetterWorld’s Free Online Auction Software and keep all the money you raise? Request a demo to find out more!
12. Reindeer Run
Get everyone moving with a Reindeer Run! Participants can wear reindeer antlers or other festive gear and run laps around a track or designated area.
Charge a registration fee and encourage runners to find sponsors to donate a small amount for each completed lap.
How It Raises Funds: Charge a registration fee and encourage participants to get sponsors.
Approximate Budget:
Reindeer antlers or festive gear (optional): $15-$25.
Refreshments for runners (water, snacks): $20-$30.
13. Gingerbread House Competition
Bring families together with a Gingerbread House Competition. Invite families to enter as teams and create their best gingerbread house. Charge an entry fee and have a panel of judges (teachers or staff) decide on the winners.
The prize can be simple, like a holiday-themed gift basket or a small trophy. This kind of Christmas fundraiser makes for a fun afternoon filled with laughter and creativity.
How It Raises Funds: Charge an entry fee for participating families.
Approximate Budget:
Gingerbread kits or supplies for each team: $10-$15 per kit (participants could also bring their own).
Small prize or trophy for the winner: $10-$20.
14. Caroling for a Cause
Get a group of students together for some holiday caroling! You can go around the neighborhood or perform at a local event.
Community members can donate to request a specific song or just donate to support the school.
How It Raises Funds: Collect donations for song requests or general entertainment.
Approximate Budget:
Songbooks or lyric sheets: $5-$10.
Festive attire for carolers (optional, like Santa hats): $10-$15.
15. Holiday Balloon Pop
Add some excitement with a Holiday Balloon Pop game. Fill festive-colored balloons with small prizes like candy, small toys, or even gift cards, and have participants pay to pop a balloon to see what they win.
It’s a lot of fun for kids and a quick way to raise money at school events or during lunchtime.
How It Raises Funds: Charge a fee for each balloon popped.
Approximate Budget:
Balloons and helium (if needed): $15-$25.
Small prizes (candy, small toys, gift cards): $20-$30.
16. Winter Wonderland Photo Booth
A Winter Wonderland Photo Booth is perfect for creating lasting memories while raising funds for the school. Set up a Christmas-themed booth with fun props like Santa hats, fake snow, and reindeer antlers.
Families can pay to take photos with these props and create keepsakes for the season. It’s a simple and festive way to add cheer and raise funds through a holiday fundraiser for schools.
How It Raises Funds: Charge a fee per photo session.
Approximate Budget:
Photo Booth Cost: $250-$550.
Props (hats, fake snow, antlers): $20-$30.
Backdrop and decorations: $15-$25.
17. Wreath-Making Workshop
Host a Wreath-Making Workshop for families to create their own holiday wreaths. You provide all the materials, and participants can pay an entry fee to join in the fun.
Each person gets to take home their festive wreath, which is a great decoration for the holiday season. It’s one of those Christmas fundraising ideas for schools that combines creativity and community spirit.
How It Raises Funds: Charge an entry fee for the workshop.
Approximate Budget:
Wreath-making supplies (wreath forms, greenery, decorations): $5-$10 per wreath.
Space setup and decorations: $10-$15.
18. Festive Hat Day
Hosting a Festive Hat Day makes a regular school day a bit more fun. Students pay a small fee to wear their favorite holiday hats all day—anything from Santa hats to reindeer antlers.
The more creative, the better! This type of Christmas fundraiser is an easy way to bring some holiday spirit into the school while raising funds.
How It Raises Funds: Charge a participation fee.
Approximate Budget:
Promotional flyers or posters: $5-$10.
Prizes for the most creative hat (optional): $10-$15.
19. Candy Cane Grams
Candy Cane Grams are a sweet way to spread holiday cheer. Sell candy canes that students can send to their friends or teachers with personalized notes.
Students love sending and receiving these small treats, and it’s an easy way to raise money while spreading kindness throughout the school. This holiday fundraiser is always a hit, especially around Christmas.
How It Raises Funds: Charge a fee for each Candy Cane Gram.
Approximate Budget:
Candy canes: $15-$25.
Note cards and ribbons: $5-$10.
20. Decorate-a-Door Contest
In a Decorate-a-Door Contest, each classroom gets to show off its creativity by decorating its door with holiday themes. People can pay to vote for their favorite door, and the winning class receives a small prize.
It’s a simple Christmas fundraiser for schools to bring out some holiday spirit while raising money.
How It Raises Funds: Charge a fee for each vote.
Approximate Budget:
Craft supplies for decorations: $20-$40.
Prize for the winning class: $10-$15.
BetterWorld makes elegant fundraising solutions for students, parents & alumni
Use high-quality consignment items from BetterWorld partners
Add important videos or live-streaming directly to your BetterWorld page
Save time by allowing donors to upload items directly to your auction
Automatically charge your winners, accept donations, and send receipts with one simple click.
21. Elf Bootcamp
An “Elf Bootcamp” is perfect for younger students who love a bit of adventure. Set up an obstacle course with holiday-themed challenges, like jumping over candy cane hurdles or crawling through “Santa’s chimney.”
Charge a small participation fee, and hand out "Elf Certificates" to everyone who completes the course. It’s one of those holiday fundraisers for schools that’s easy to set up and fun for all.
How It Raises Funds: Charge a participation fee.
Approximate Budget:
Supplies for the obstacle course: $50-$100.
Certificates for participants: $5-$10.
22. Christmas Lights Walking Tour
Turn the school grounds into a festive wonderland by setting up a Christmas Lights Walking Tour. Decorate paths with lots of colorful Christmas lights and invite families to take a stroll.
Charge an admission fee for the tour and offer hot cocoa for an extra cozy touch.
How It Raises Funds: Charge an admission fee and sell hot cocoa.
Approximate Budget:
Christmas lights (if not already available): $50-$100.
Hot cocoa supplies: $10-$20.
23. Holiday Pet Parade
A Holiday Pet Parade is a great way to involve families and furry friends in a fundraiser. Have families bring their pets dressed in holiday costumes and parade them around the school. Charge a small participation fee and set up fun categories like "Best Pet Costume" or "Most Festive Duo" for extra excitement.
It’s one of the cutest and silliest Christmas PTA fundraising ideas – bringing joy to both kids and adults.
How It Raises Funds: Charge a fee for each pet entered.
Approximate Budget:
Small prizes for category winners: $10-$20.
Promotional flyers or posters: $10-$20.
24. Reindeer Raffle
The Reindeer Raffle adds a festive twist to the usual raffle. Everyone who buys a ticket gets a small prize, like a "Reindeer Goodie Bag" filled with treats or small trinkets, making this delightful for everyone involved.
It’s a simple and effective way to host a Christmas fundraiser for schools, encouraging more ticket sales since no one leaves empty-handed.
How It Raises Funds: Sell raffle tickets and give each participant a small prize.
Approximate Budget:
Small prizes for goodie bags: $20-$40.
Raffle tickets and promotional materials: $10-$15.
25. Socks for Santa
"Socks for Santa" is all about selling colorful, holiday-themed socks to students, parents, and teachers. Everyone loves cozy socks in the winter, especially with festive themes that get everyone in the holiday spirit.
Set up a booth or an order form, and sell these socks to raise funds. It’s one of the Christmas fundraising ideas for schools that’s practical and fun for everyone.
How It Raises Funds: Sell holiday-themed socks at a markup.
Approximate Budget:
Bulk purchase of socks: $50-$100.
Packaging (optional, like holiday bags): $10-$15.
26. Holiday Mystery Boxes
Surprise its Holiday Mystery Box time! Fill the boxes with small holiday-themed gifts, like toys, candy, or school supplies, and sell them at a set price.
As far as holiday fundraisers for schools go, a mystery box is easy to put together and exciting for all!
How It Raises Funds: Sell each mystery box at a set price.
Approximate Budget:
Items for the mystery boxes (candy, trinkets, toys): $50-$100.
Boxes and wrapping: $10-$15.
27. Letters from Santa
Shhhh… Parents Only. Offer parents the opportunity to have personalized Letters from Santa sent to their children. Charge a small fee for each letter, and make sure they include personal touches like the child’s name and a mention of something special they did this year.
Letters from Santa is a magical Christmas fundraiser that brings the sparkle and mystery of Santa to children while raising money for the school.
How It Raises Funds: Charge a fee for each personalized letter.
Approximate Budget:
Stationery and envelopes: $10-$15.
Printing or handwritten supplies: $5-$10.
28. Festive Furry Friend Adoption (Stuffed Animals)
Host a "Festive Furry Friend Adoption" event where kids can adopt a stuffed animal for the holidays. Each stuffed animal comes with its own adoption certificate, making it extra special.
Set up a booth at a school event or during lunchtime, and charge a fee for each adoption.
How It Raises Funds: Students pay to "adopt" their favorite stuffed animal.
Approximate Budget:
Bulk purchase of stuffed animals: $50-$80.
Printing adoption certificates: $5-$10.
29. “Name the Snowman” Contest
Get everyone involved with a “Name the Snowman” Contest. Build a GIANT snowman for display at the school, and let students pay to submit their suggested names. Pick the winning name on a specific day and offer a small prize to the student with the best suggestion.
It is a classic Christmas fundraising idea for schools that is easy to organize and encourages creativity and engagement from the community.
How It Raises Funds: Charge a small fee for each name submission.
Approximate Budget:
Materials for building the snowman (or decorating a fake one): $10-$20.
Prize for the winning name: $10-$15.
30. Meet With Santa
Bring a little magic to the school by organizing a “Meet With Santa” event. Have someone dress up as Santa and set up a cozy area where students can meet Santa, take a picture, and share their wish lists.
Charge a small fee for each visit or photo, and you’ve got a classic holiday fundraiser for schools that brings everyone together for some festive fun.
How It Raises Funds: Charge a fee for each photo or visit with Santa.
Approximate Budget:
Santa costume rental or purchase: $30-$50.
Photo printing supplies (if offering printed photos): $25-$50.
31. Santa’s Story Time
Host a Santa’s Story Time for younger students. Have someone dressed as Santa read holiday stories to kids in a decorated area of the school. Charge an entry fee for kids to join in, and add some hot cocoa or cookies to make it more festive.
It’s an easy Christmas PTA fundraising idea that brings the magic of Christmas to life while raising funds.
How It Raises Funds: Charge an entry fee for the storytime session.
Approximate Budget:
Santa costume rental or purchase: $30-$50.
Holiday books for storytelling (or borrow from the library): $0-$10.
Hot cocoa and cookies (optional): $15-$20.
32. Holiday Poinsettia Sales
Selling poinsettias is a classic way to raise money during the holiday season. Set up a poinsettia sale where families and community members can purchase these beautiful holiday plants.
They’re perfect for decorating homes and offices, and all proceeds go to supporting school activities.
How It Raises Funds: Purchase poinsettias in bulk at a discount and sell them at a markup.
Approximate Budget:
Bulk purchase of poinsettias: $100-$150.
Promotional materials (flyers, order forms): $10-$15.
33. Holiday Hula Hoop Challenge
The Holiday Hula Hoop Challenge is active, festive, and fun! Get dressed up in Christmas-themed costumes—like elves, reindeer, or Santa and participants compete to see who can keep their hula hoop spinning the longest. Charge an entry fee to join the contest and let the good times spin
You can also give out a small prize to the winner. It’s an engaging holiday fundraiser for schools that can bring students and families together for some festive fun.
How It Raises Funds: Charge a participation fee for each contestant.
Approximate Budget:
Prizes for winners: $10-$20.
Hula hoops (if participants don’t bring their own): $25-$50.
34. DIY Snowman Kit Sale
Make Christmas even more fun with DIY Snowman Kits! Each kit includes everything needed to build a snowman—buttons, a scarf, a carrot nose, and instructions. Sell these kits at school events or through order forms; families can use them for fun whenever it snows.
This is one of those Christmas fundraisers for schools that parents and kids alike will enjoy, as it encourages outdoor family time.
How It Raises Funds: Sell each snowman kit at a fixed price.
Approximate Budget:
Items for each kit (buttons, scarf, carrot, packaging): $5-$10 per kit.
Printing instructions and promotional flyers: $5-$10.
35. Christmas Talent Auction
The Christmas Talent Auction is an excellent way to highlight and engage the skills of students, parents, and community members. Individuals can offer up their talents—whether it’s baking, making artwork, or giving a guitar lesson, ironing—and others can bid on these services or items.
All the proceeds will go towards supporting school initiatives. It’s a unique Christmas PTA fundraising idea that’s sure to get the community engaged while raising important funds.
How It Raises Funds: Hold an auction where people bid on different talents and services.
Approximate Budget:
Promotional flyers or posters: $10-$15.
Small thank-you gifts for talent donors (optional): $20-$30.
36. Virtual Holiday Talent Show
If gathering in person is tricky, a Virtual Holiday Talent Show is a perfect way to showcase student talents. Students can perform from home, whether it's singing, dancing, or showing off other creative skills. Charge an entry fee for participants and invite families to tune in for a cozy evening of entertainment.
It’s a modern take on Christmas fundraising ideas for schools that works well when in-person events are limited.
How It Raises Funds: Charge an entry fee for performers and possibly sell virtual tickets for families to watch.
Approximate Budget:
Virtual event hosting software: Free With BetterWorld’s Virtual Fundraising Event Platform.
Digital prizes or certificates for participants: $5-$10.
37. Christmas E-Card Sale
Christmas E-Card Sales are a great way to spread the Christmas spirit while supporting the school and being eco-friendly. Use student artwork to create festive e-cards, then sell these digital cards online.
Families can send them out instead of traditional paper cards, helping to reduce waste.
How It Raises Funds: Sell digital Christmas cards online.
Approximate Budget:
Digital design software: $0 - Use free tools.
Online promotional materials: $5-$10.
38. Christmas Cake Walk
A Christmas Cake Walk is a classic school event that’s always fun. Set up a cake walk in the school gym, where participants walk around numbered spots while holiday music plays. When the music stops, a number is drawn, and whoever is standing on that number wins a festive cake or holiday baked treat.
Charge a fee to join the walk, and watch everyone have fun while raising money. It’s an exciting holiday fundraiser for schools that kids and parents will love.
How It Raises Funds: Charge an entry fee for each participant in the cake walk.
Approximate Budget:
Cakes or baked goods (can also be donated by parents): $20-$40.
Decorations and music setup: $10-$20.
Transform Your School's Fundraising with BetterWorld This Christmas
Christmas is one of the best times of the year for school fundraising since everyone’s in the giving spirit. You don’t want to miss out on this huge opportunity to gather those much-needed funds for your school.
That’s why making the most of all the resources available is critical. And what better resource than an online fundraising platform like BetterWorld?
With BetterWorld’s Free School and PTO Fundraising Software, the possibilities are endless. You can set everything up in just five minutes and start receiving donations instantly. It’s an easy and effective way to support your Christmas fundraising ideas for schools.
For sports teams, our Free Online Sports Team Fundraising Software helps every team—from school clubs to larger groups—raise the funds they need. Run multiple campaigns without limits and make the most of this giving season.
And let’s not forget alumni! Our Free Alumni Engagement Software enables you to connect with your school’s greatest asset—your alumni. Just set it up, pick a campaign, and share it. That’s how simple it is to boost your Christmas fundraisers for schools with BetterWorld.
Plus, all our tools are free and come with unlimited use, which means you keep every dollar you raise. Don’t just take our word for it—over 100,000 organizations trust BetterWorld, and more than 97% say they’d use us again.
Sign up today, make the most of this Christmas season, and raise the funds your school deserves!

Join 100,000+ amazing nonprofits, organizations, and fundraisers on BetterWorld

Let our FREE fundraising tools help you raise more funds with less effort