Top 10 Christmas Fundraisers for Schools (That Raise Big Money with Less Stress)

The holiday season is one of the best times for schools to raise money — whether it’s for new clubs, upcoming events, or next year’s big plans.

It’s a wonderful time when Christmas cheer shines in the twinkling lights along Main Street, wafts from grandma’s oven as she bakes her world-famous cookies, and gently settles in with the crisp, cool winter air.  It’s a special season when families feel festive and communities come together — even if only for a little while.

But it’s also an especially busy time for families and schools alike. In fact, it’s one of the busiest times of the year. With so many responsibilities, so many fundraising ideas, and so little time, how do you choose something that works and keeps the Christmas spirit alive?

To help your school stand out and achieve its financial goals this holiday season, here are 10 proven Christmas fundraiser ideas for schools — including one that has helped schools and nonprofits raise over $100 million in the past 50 years!

10 Simple, Profitable Christmas Fundraising Ideas

1. Holiday Wreath Fundraisers

Raise Spirits (and Funds) with Fresh, Festive Evergreens

Selling evergreen wreaths and Christmas décor is one of the easiest and most profitable ways for schools to raise money during the holidays. With Mickman Brothers' Holiday Fundraiser, your school can offer premium, handcrafted decorations made from fresh, sustainably harvested Minnesota balsam fir.

As a leader in the field, Mickman Brothers has helped thousands of organizations raise over $100 million since the company was founded in 1975. You will even be paired with a dedicated fundraising coach, so whether you have a quick question or need help planning your fundraiser, your coach is ready to support you every step of the way. It is no surprise their holiday fundraisers become beloved community traditions.

Why It Works:

·         There’s Demand: Families are already buying new holiday décor, and every home has a front door — imagine all the sales opportunities! Offering a beautiful, affordable option makes their decision easy.

·         Eco-Friendly & Made in the USA: Their fresh evergreens are biodegradable, long-lasting, and sustainably sourced here in the US. Better yet, Mickman Brothers has planted over a million trees across all 50 states!

·         Great Profits: Amazingly, there are no upfront costs, and you set your own profit margin with their bulk delivery option. You even get a custom online storefront where they handle shipping, and you earn 15% profit.

·         Streamlined Support: They offer free marketing materials — brochures, flyers, posters, even door hangers — plus digital tools and dedicated customer support. This keeps fundraising easy for you and your volunteers.

“This is the simplest fundraiser to sell! Quality product and very satisfied customers bring people back year after year to order again and again. It is as simple as that... The profits help defray costs for our competitive team’s uniforms and gymnastic meet expenses.”
— Emerald City Gymnastics Team, WA

2. Christmas Cookie Decorating Kits

Sweet Fun for All Ages — and Easy to Sell

Package delicious sugar cookies, creamy icing, colorful sprinkles, and edible decorations into ready-to-go kits. Kids love decorating, and parents appreciate a holiday activity that does not require shopping or prep work.

·         Sell individually or in bundles for holiday parties and classroom gifts

·         Partner with a local bakery or have a parent committee assemble kits

·         Promote as a fun gift idea for PTAs, grandparents and neighbors

 

3. Letters from Santa Fundraiser

Deliver Holiday Magical Christmas Fundraiser Straight to the Mailbox

Spark a child’s imagination with a personalized letter from Santa himself. For a small donation, families can surprise their little ones with a handwritten note that makes the season feel even more magical.

·         Use holiday-themed stationery and include a fun story about the North Pole

·         Offer add-ons like small pouches of “reindeer food” or elf drawings

·         Great for PTAs or literacy programs to manage together

 

4. Holiday Craft Fair

Bring the Community Together (and Raise Funds Too)

Invite local vendors, school clubs, and budding student entrepreneurs to showcase their handmade gifts at a craft fair. It’s a fun, feel-good event that brings the community together while giving back to your school.

·         Charge a vendor table fee, offer concessions, and raffle prizes

·         Include kid-friendly craft zones or photos with Santa or Mrs. Claus

·         Make it an annual tradition and grow attendance year over year

 

5. Hot Cocoa & Caroling Night

Simple to Host, Memorable for Families

Transform your gym or cafeteria into a cozy winter wonderland with twinkling lights, warm cocoa, and holiday tunes. It’s a heartwarming night that families in your community will look forward to year after year.

·         Offer a mix of traditional carols and student performances to rev the audience

·         Sell mugs, cocoa packets, or holiday treats like candy canes for extra revenue

·         Perfect for family-friendly evenings right before the winter break

 

6. “Elf Your Yard” Fundraiser

Surprise & Delight with Secret Yard Makeovers

Picture this: after dark, volunteers quietly “elf” a family’s yard with cheerful signs, candy canes, and festive props. It’s a playful, memory-making fundraiser that spreads joy (and giggles) across the neighborhood.

·         Use plastic candy canes, elf footprints, or inflatable yard décor

·         Offer tiered donation options to raise additional funds (basic, deluxe, etc.)

·         Works well for student councils or drama clubs looking for hands-on involvement

 

7. Digital Holiday Talent Show

Go Virtual — and Viral

Encourage students to record skits, perform popular dance routines, or sing holiday songs then upload them to a password-protected page. Families can donate to watch, vote for their favorites, and cheer on the performers — all from the comfort of home.

·         Get local businesses to sponsor prizes and encourage participants

·         Offer a “fan favorite” category to increase engagement and viewership

·         Involve families and extended, trusted networks beyond the school

 

8. Ornament Design Contest

Turn Student Art into Holiday Keepsakes

Let students design their own ornaments, then let the school vote for their favorites. The winning designs can be printed on ceramic or acrylic keepsakes for families to purchase — perfect for parents, grandparents, teachers, and holiday tree memories for years to come.

·         Creates a sense of pride and participation among the student body

·         Add student names or class years to make them timeless keepsakes

·         Great as a cross-grade project that involves art teachers and parent volunteers

 

9. Themed Raffle Baskets

Low Cost, Big Fun, and Even Bigger Profits

Have each class pitch in to build a themed basket — think Movie Night, Spa Day, Coffee Lovers, or Family Game Night. Display them at school or online, then raffle them off to raise funds and spark some friendly competition.

·         Display baskets at school or online with detailed descriptions and images

·         Use a digital raffle platform, like GalaBid, for wider reach and participation

·         Great for end-of-semester celebrations, theatre performances, or winter concerts

 

10. Virtual Holiday Fundraising Store

Raise Funds Without Leaving Home

Set up an online store filled with holiday gifts, school-branded gear, and Mickman Brothers’ wreaths. It’s easy to manage, scalable for any group size, and perfect for families who prefer to shop from home.

·         Promote on social media and email newsletters for maximum reach

·         Allow long-distance relatives and alumni to support the school from afar

·         Offer bundle deals or free shipping thresholds to encourage larger orders

 

Final Wrap-Up (Pun Intended)

The right fundraiser doesn’t just raise money — it brings people together and makes the season feel a little more special. With the right ideas, your school can spread some much-needed holiday cheer and reach its financial goals.

Whether you go all-in on a Christmas wreath fundraiser or mix in a few of these creative Christmas fundraising ideas, you’ll be setting your school up for a season of success (and a lot less stress).

About the Author
Sean Lamson is the Customer Service & Sales Manager, Events Coordinator, and proud member of the marketing team at Mickman Brothers. He specializes in school and nonprofit fundraising campaigns, with a focus on seasonal marketing and community outreach. When he’s not behind a keyboard, you’ll find him brainstorming new ways to make holiday giving more joyful — and a lot less stressful — for organizations across the country.

Ready to get started?

Learn more about our Holiday Fundraising Program — a time-tested way to raise funds, build school spirit, and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.

FAQs: Christmas Fundraisers for Schools

What is the best, most profitable Christmas fundraiser for schools?

Many schools find that selling fresh holiday wreaths and decorations is one of the most profitable Christmas fundraisers. With no upfront cost, national shipping, and high repeat customer satisfaction, programs like Mickman Brothers’ Holiday Fundraising Program often help schools raise thousands with minimal stress.

How early should we start planning a school Christmas fundraiser?

It is best to start planning in August or September. This gives you time to gather volunteers, promote the fundraiser, and maximize participation and sales before the holiday rush in November and December.

Can we run a Christmas fundraiser entirely online?

Yes! Many schools now offer virtual holiday fundraising options, including online storefronts where supporters can shop for wreaths, ornaments, or digital events. Mickman Brothers, for example, offers a fully online fundraising solution with national delivery.

Are holiday fundraisers suitable for small schools or clubs?

Absolutely. Smaller schools, sports teams, and even individual classes can succeed with focused fundraisers. The key is choosing a product or event that matches your group’s size and volunteer capacity — like wreath sales, cookie kits, or raffle baskets.

How do we promote our school fundraiser effectively?

The most successful fundraisers use a mix of email, social media, and word-of-mouth. Mickman Brothers provides free marketing materials and tips to help your team reach families, alumni, and the broader community with ease.

What makes a Christmas fundraiser successful?

The most successful school fundraisers:

·         Solve a seasonal need (like decorations or gifts)

·         Are easy to participate in

·         Offer quality products or memorable experiences

·         Have clear goals and communication from start to finish

Can friends and family in other states participate?

Yes! With a virtual storefront or national shipping option (like what Mickman Brothers offers), you can include supporters from across the country — perfect for reaching grandparents, extended family, and alumni.