10 Festive Ways to Raise Money with Your Family this Christmas

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than by giving back to your community? Christmas fundraising events are a wonderful way for families to come together, spread some cheer, and make a difference in the lives of those around them. In this article, we’ll explore the top Christmas fundraising ideas for families that are sure to bring joy and generosity to all involved.

Host a Christmas Market or Craft Fair

Set up a stall or a designated area in your home, local park, or community center and invite friends and family to sell handmade crafts, baked goods, or other festive items. This is a great way for children to get involved and learn the value of hard work and entrepreneurship. You can also charge an entry fee or ask for donations to raise funds for your chosen charity.

To make it more engaging, consider having a raffle or auction with prizes donated by local businesses or individuals. Don’t forget to have plenty of festive food and drinks on hand to keep everyone merry and bright!

Organize a Christmas Carol Sing-Along

Get your family and friends together for a fun-filled evening of caroling at a local nursing home, hospital, or other community center. Not only will you be spreading holiday cheer, but you’ll also be raising money for a good cause. You can collect donations or charge an entry fee to attend the event.

Consider partnering with a local choir or music group to add some extra festive flair. You could even have a hot chocolate bar or a bake sale to complement the caroling.

Host a Secret Santa Gift Drive

Ask friends and family members to buy a gift for someone in need, without revealing who they are buying it for (thus making it ‘secret’). This can be a fun way to teach children about the value of giving and kindness. You can also involve local businesses or schools in your Secret Santa drive.

To add an extra element of excitement, consider having a small gift exchange within your own family or among close friends. You could even have a ‘guess who bought my gift’ game!

Hold a Christmas Movie Marathon Fundraiser

Invite friends and family over for a movie marathon featuring their favorite holiday films. Charge an entry fee or ask for donations to raise money for your chosen charity.

You could also have a themed snack bar, with treats inspired by the movies being shown. Consider offering discounts for early bird tickets or special deals for attendees who bring along their favorite holiday treat.

Host a Christmas Baking Competition

Invite friends and family to participate in a baking competition where they can showcase their culinary skills and creativity. Charge an entry fee or ask for donations to raise funds for your chosen charity.

You could have different categories, such as best gingerbread house, most creative use of festive ingredients, or best overall baked good. Consider partnering with a local bakery or chef to provide inspiration and guidance.

Organize a Christmas Toy Drive

Host a toy drive where friends and family can donate new, unwrapped toys for children in need. You can also set up a ‘wish list’ where people can donate specific items requested by local charities or organizations.

Consider partnering with a local school, community center, or church to collect and distribute the donated toys. You could even have a special ‘toy delivery day’ where volunteers get to hand-deliver gifts to families in need.

Host a Holiday Craft Day

Invite friends and family over for a fun-filled afternoon of holiday crafting, such as making ornaments, decorations, or cards. Charge an entry fee or ask for donations to raise funds for your chosen charity.

You could also have stations set up with different craft activities, such as knitting, sewing, or woodworking. Consider partnering with local artisans or crafters to provide inspiration and guidance.

Host a Christmas Story Time Fundraiser

Gather friends and family around for an evening of festive storytelling, featuring classic tales, local authors, or even your own personal holiday memories. Charge an entry fee or ask for donations to raise money for your chosen charity.

You could also have a themed snack bar, with treats inspired by the stories being shared. Consider partnering with a local library, bookstore, or writing group to provide inspiration and guidance.

Host a Festive Fundraising Gala

Invite friends and family over for an evening of fine dining, entertainment, and merriment as you raise funds for your chosen charity. Charge tickets in advance or ask for donations at the door.

You could have a silent auction, raffle prizes, or even a special ‘Fundraising Fundraiser’ where attendees can donate to raise additional funds. Consider partnering with local businesses or organizations to provide support and resources.

Host a Christmas Volunteer Day

Organize a day of volunteering for your friends and family at a local soup kitchen, nursing home, or other community center. Ask for donations or charge an entry fee to raise funds for your chosen charity.

You could also have a ‘volunteer appreciation’ component where volunteers are thanked and recognized for their efforts throughout the year. Consider partnering with local organizations or charities to provide resources and support.

As you can see, there are many fun and festive ways to raise money with your family this Christmas season. Whether it’s hosting a market, caroling, or participating in a fundraising gala, every event has the potential to bring people together and make a real difference in the lives of those around us.