15 Easy Holiday Fundraising Ideas for Schools

The Magic of Holiday Fundraising for Schools 

The holiday season always feels different at school. Classrooms fill with decorations, kids get excited, and families are already thinking about giving. At the same time, budgets can get tight. Supplies are running low, extracurriculars still need support, and there never seems to be quite enough money to cover it all. That’s where holiday fundraising for schools can make a real difference. A single event can bring the community together, raise funds, and add a little magic to the season.

Seasonal fundraisers also do more than just raise money. They give students a chance to shine, help teachers stock their classrooms, and create memories that families carry with them. It could be a Christmas craft fair, a Hanukkah bake sale, or a Kwanzaa celebration — there’s a festive campaign to fit every school. If you’ve ever wondered, what are fun holiday fundraising ideas for my school? this guide will point you in the right direction.

Keep it handy as you plan. Holiday fundraising ideas for schools aren’t just about dollars raised — they’re about connection, creativity, and making the season brighter for everyone.

Need a place to begin? Paybee helps schools set up donation pages and hybrid events so you can focus on choosing the fundraiser that fits your community.

What Makes a Great Holiday Fundraiser? 

What does it actually mean to run a fundraiser during the holidays? It's about getting the whole community to pitch in. Instead of just asking for money, community school fundraisers are about celebrating the season while raising funds at the same time. These events are as simple as selling hot chocolate at a winter concert or as big as a throwing a holiday market in the gym. The best holiday fundraisers find a creative way to bring people together.

The most successful holiday campaigns are also the most inclusive. By planning events that honor diverse traditions like Diwali, Hanukkah, and Las Posadas, you make sure everyone feels welcome. These aren’t just fundraisers — they're also educational opportunities, helping students learn about different cultures while working toward a shared goal. It’s an easy way to spread generosity beyond just one group.

Why These Festive Ideas Raise More Than Funds 

The holiday season is a special time of year, and for a school, it's also the perfect opportunity to raise money and bring the community together.

These budget school holiday ideas offer a quick and effective way to raise money for new supplies, extracurricular activities, and other essential school programs. Beyond the financial gains, the perks of these campaigns are what really set them apart. By holding fundraisers that get families, friends, and neighbors involved, you create a stronger school community and get people to participate in new ways, while student-led holiday events teach real-world skills — volunteers gain leadership, organization, and teamwork experience.

This is also a perfect time of year to build long-term donor relationships — the goodwill from a festive event can lead to more support down the road. The generosity of the season often means businesses are looking for ways to give, and holiday fundraisers provide a great opportunity for local businesses to contribute.

These events also have a huge impact on school spirit. It’s something different and special. A festive theme or celebration often results in increased interest, with more students and families getting involved than with a typical fundraiser. 

Ultimately, choosing a holiday fundraiser means you're not just bringing in money; you're celebrating creativity, building stronger connections, and reminding everyone of what makes your school community special. 

Your Go-To Guide for Holiday Fundraising Ideas* 

The holiday season brings a sense of magic, and your school's fundraiser should too. This isn't just about raising money — it’s about creating unforgettable memories that last well beyond the event. To keep the stress low and the spirits high, choose a few simple ideas that match your community's energy — whether it’s a one-day pop-up or a festive community celebration. Ready to get started? Here are 15 holiday ideas to boost your budget and get you in the festive spirit.

*Note on Costs: Estimates reflect supplies, class size, and basic setup. Actual costs vary based on donations, participants, and local prices. 

Festive Treats & Sips

Holiday Drinks Station
Set up a table with hot cocoa, spiced cider, and a small selection of hot teas. Add-ons like cinnamon sticks, whipped cream, or peppermint stirrers keep it festive while boosting the price tag. It’s an easy fundraiser that works well at both school and community events, especially if they’re held outdoors.
Cost: 🌲 ($10–$30)

Cookie Swap Fundraiser
Families bring a big batch of their favorite cookies, pay a small fee to join, and leave with a full box of different holiday treats. Add in some hot chocolate or coffee to turn the swap into a cozy social soiree. It’s a simple way to enjoy a wide variety of cookies without spending a ton of money — or even having to step food in the kitchen.
Cost: 🌲🌲 ($40–$100)

Holiday Bake Sale
A classic — and for good reason. Bake sales always do well at school concerts, sports games, and community events. Ask families to contribute cookies, cupcakes, and other sweet treats. To boost sales, have festive “to-go” packaging for gift-giving and offer a discount to those who buy in bulk.
Cost: 🌲🌲 ($40–$90)

DIY Cookie Kits
Offer ready-to-go decorating kits with pre-made sugar cookies, small bags of icing, and a handful of edible sprinkles. Families grab a kit and spend an evening at home decorating without turning the oven on or hunting down supplies they may only use once.
Cost: 🌲🌲🌲 ($100–$250)\

Creative Keepsakes

Seasonal Cards
Take photos of student artwork and turn them into printed card sets or digital downloads. It’s quick and easy to put together and gives families something personal and meaningful to send during the holidays.
Cost: 🌲 ($10–$40)

Student-Made Ornaments
Set aside some time for arts and crafts and have each grade make a selection of unique ornaments. Sell them at Parent-Teacher Conference night or at a pop-up market during school pick-up. Parents love grabbing up keepsakes made by their little ones.
Cost: 🌲🌲 ($50–$100)

Wreath or Centerpiece Sales
Partner with a local florist or farm to provide fresh greenery, then offer pre-ordered wreaths for purchase. Set up a small decorating station where students and volunteers add bows, ribbons, or small ornaments, making each and every wreath unique. Getting kids involved makes it feel personal and adds charm that helps boost sales.
Cost: 🌲🌲🌲🌲 ($200–$350)

Festive Fun & Community Events

Student Carolers
Gather a few students or families, hand out lyric sheets, and sing your way around town while visiting shopping centers, local businesses, or senior living homes (with permission, ofcourse). Keep it light and fun, and set out a tip jar or have a QR code available for easy mobile giving.
Cost: 🌲 ($0–$20)

Holiday Raffle
Ask each classroom or grade to create a themed basket — “movie night,” “baking fun,” “self-care,” or “family game night.” Sell raffle tickets before and during your holiday events, or even online if your school allows digital payments. Raffles work beautifully on their own, or pair them with markets, concerts, and movie nights for an added boost.
Cost: 🌲🌲 ($20–$50)

Reindeer Run
Host a short walk or run where everyone dresses in festive gear — jingle bells on sneakers, Santa hats, scarves, or even DIY antlers. Families pay a small entry fee, and local businesses can help by donating water or hot cocoa for the finish line. It’s a cheerful, family-friendly way to raise funds while burning off some holiday calories.
Cost: 🌲🌲 ($50–$120)

Holiday Bingo Night
Everyone loves to scream “Bingo!” Host a family bingo evening with festive prizes like ornaments, gift cards, or cocoa kits. Charge per card or per round. It’s inexpensive to run, fun for all ages, and a great way to bring people together on a winter night.
Cost: 🌲🌲🌲 ($100–$200)

Cozy Movie Night
Set up a community movie night with blankets, hot cocoa, and a concession table of classic movie treats. Families pay for their ticket, and snacks or drinks help bring in extra funds. It’s low effort, high comfort—the perfect winter fundraiser.
Cost: 🌲🌲🌲 ($120–$220)

Holiday Photo Booth
Set up a backdrop with twinkle lights or a decorated tree and offer props like scarves, hats, and signs. Charge a small fee for photos taken on a phone or have a volunteer with a camera and send the photos to buyers afterward.
Cost: 🌲🌲🌲 ($100–$250]

Sweater Party
Host a relaxed evening event built around an ugly sweater contest. Keep things light by playing music, setting out snacks, and giving away small prizes for the most creative or over-the-top looks. It doesn’t take much planning, but it’s always a hit and adds a healthy dose of holiday cheer.
Cost: 🌲🌲🌲🌲 ($200–$350)

Holiday Market
Turn the gym or cafeteria into a cheerful pop-up market filled with local crafts, baked goods, and handmade gifts. Invite parents, teachers, and local artisans to rent tables, and let students run a snack or cocoa stand on the side. It’s a festive way to fill your space with holiday energy and give families, friends, and neighbors a chance to shop, snack, and socialize.
Cost: 🌲🌲🌲🌲 [$250–$450]

Practical Tips That Help

• Include multiple holidays so more families feel welcome.
• From a social media standpoint, short videos of the preparations work better than long posts. A 20–30 second clip is perfect for social shares.
• Tie the money to something concrete: new books, playground repairs, a field trip, or a classroom wish list. People give more when they know where the money is going.
• Pick two or three ideas and do them well rather than stretching your resources and volunteers thin. A thoughtful, well-run fundraiser brings parents, kids, and teachers together—and that’s worth more than the dollars raised.
• Use the right tools to stay organized. Platforms like Paybee can simplify donation tracking, ticketing, and hybrid events, giving your volunteers more time to focus on the fun parts of the fundraiser.
  
  

How to Get Local Businesses on Board

The holidays are a good time to reach out to local businesses. Shops are busier, families are out in the community, and many owners want to give back before the year ends. A simple ask at the right time can lead to support that helps your fundraiser succeed.

Start with places people already visit. Bakeries, coffee shops, bookstores, florists — anywhere families stop by in December. These businesses are already part of the season, so it’s easy to connect your school’s event with what they’re doing.

Keep your request specific. Instead of a broad “can you support us?” try tying it to an activity: “Would you donate cocoa for our winter concert?” or “Could you provide a small prize for the raffle?” Being clear about with your requests make it easier for them to say yes.

Offer simple recognition. A logo on flyers, a thank-you mention in the school newsletter, or their name printed in the program is often enough. It shows families who stepped up to the plate and gives businesses a reason to keep supporting.

Follow up. A thank-you note or a quick social media shout-out makes a big difference. Businesses feel appreciated and are more likely to say yes again the next time you ask.

Festive Fundraising: Emerging Trends for Schools

Fundraising during the holidays doesn’t look the same as it did even five years ago. Schools are noticing that families don’t connect the same way they used to. Busy schedules and new tech tools are reshaping how communities show up, share traditions, and support fundraising efforts.”

Hybrid events are part of that change. A winter concert can be live on stage while also streaming for parents stuck at work or relatives who are out of town. A holiday concert might be streamed for grandparents who live far away, or a craft fair might also sell items through a simple online shop.

There’s also more attention on sustainability. Bake sales with endless plastic wrap are being swapped for reusable packaging, and student craft projects are leaning more and more on recycled or natural materials. 

Technology itself has become part of the fundraising toolkit. Instead of paper pledge sheets, families can use donation apps. These days, many fundraising groups host online auctions, where families can bid on donated items or experiences from their phones.

Some schools are even testing out digital keepsakes — student-designed graphics or holiday art sold as downloads. It’s new, but it shows how far the idea of a “holiday fundraiser” is expanding.

Finally, many fundraisers are also moving toward making celebrations more inclusive. Highlighting Diwali, Hanukkah, or Las Posadas alongside Christmas makes events more welcoming and educational for students. This approach helps families see their traditions represented and gives the whole community a chance to learn from one another. Inclusivity and spreading joy are what the holidays are all about.

Clearing Holiday Fundraising Hurdles

Even the best-planned holiday fundraisers  hit a few bumps along the way. The good news? Most challenges have simple, practical solutions if you plan ahead.

Not enough volunteers? Invite friends and families to sign up early and let them choose a role they’re familiar with or know they will enjoy. When everyone knows what to do and how to do it the event runs much more smoothly.

Tight promotion budget? Don’t worry about paid ads. A few social posts, a note in the school newsletter, or a quick email often spreads the word more effectively than you’d expect.

Worried about the weather? Outdoor events can be unpredictable. Always have a backup indoor space, or even a simple online alternative, so the fun doesn’t get rained out.

Tracking results feels tricky? Keep it simple: jot down attendance, donations, costs. There’s also plenty of free or low-cost accounting software available to make the financial aspect more organized, as well as more transparent.

Volunteer burnout? Break tasks into small pieces and spread the work. And don’t forget to thank people often — it really matters.

Even small adjustments like these go a long way. When you plan carefully and support your volunteers, your fundraiser can celebrate the season successfully without last-minute stress or confusion.

Wrapping Up - Final Thoughts on Holiday Fundraising

Start with a single idea, get everyone involved, and watch it grow into a holiday tradition everyone looks forward to while filling your school with cheer, togetherness, and a little seasonal magic year after year. 

If you have any questions about holiday fundraisers, or would like to know more about different live, virtual or hybrid fundraising options, contact us here. We’re fundraising experts and we’d love to help.

For more information and classroom-friendly materials, visit these external resources:

• National Education Association – School Funding Resources
  
  
• PTO Today – Parent Involvement Tips
  
  
• Smithsonian – Cultural Holiday Guides
  
  

FAQ’s: You Asked, We Answered.

What are the most budget-friendly holiday fundraising ideas for schools under $100?

Focus on small, simple events. A cookie swap, hot chocolate stand, or handmade ornament sale can usually be pulled together with donated supplies and cost next to nothing.

What are quick-setup holiday fundraising ideas for busy school staff?

Raffles, photo booths, or ready-to-go craft sales are easy wins. They don’t take much prep time and can be set up in an afternoon.

Can holiday fundraising ideas for schools qualify for tax deductions?

If the school is registered as a nonprofit, then yes—many contributions are deductible. Families should confirm with the school or check with a tax professional.

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