Christmas Jumper Day 2025 is more than just a chance to show off festive knitwear. Organised by Save the Children, it’s a national fundraising event that combines holiday fun with a meaningful cause.
Whether you’re at work, in school, or at home, it offers an easy way to get involved and make a difference.
This guide explores how individuals and groups across the UK can participate, raise funds, and support children in need both locally and globally.
What Is Christmas Jumper Day And Why Does It Matter In 2025?
Christmas Jumper Day is an annual fundraising campaign initiated by Save the Children UK. Every December, individuals across the country wear their most eye-catching or outrageous Christmas jumpers while donating to support children living in difficult conditions.
The concept is simple but powerful. People donate a small amount, usually £2 to £5, in exchange for wearing their jumpers at school, work, or home.
The 2025 campaign builds on over a decade of success, and it’s more relevant than ever due to the growing global need for humanitarian aid, child health support, and access to education.
In 2024 alone, the campaign raised £2.8 million. This funding contributed to critical relief, such as:
- Distributing baby kits for newborns in conflict zones
- Providing school meals and vouchers in the UK
- Supporting families with agricultural aid in drought-affected regions
Since 2012, more than £40 million has been raised, benefiting millions of children both in the UK and globally.
When Is Christmas Jumper Day 2025 And How Can You Prepare?
Christmas Jumper Day 2025 will take place on Thursday 11 December. This is the official date promoted by Save the Children, but participants can choose an alternate day that fits their calendar.
Preparation is straightforward and can be done well in advance:
- Register your event or group on the Save the Children website
- Note the date in school diaries, office calendars or community boards
- Print and display campaign posters
- Encourage participants to donate online or bring cash for collection
- Organise logistics, including photo stations, games or donation boxes
It’s also important to brief participants about the purpose of the campaign to inspire more meaningful engagement. For organisations, this may involve internal communications, a kick-off email, or a staff meeting announcement.
How Can Workplaces Participate In Christmas Jumper Day 2025?
Workplaces across the UK have embraced Christmas Jumper Day as an enjoyable and effective way to support a meaningful cause while engaging employees.
Whether your team works in an office, hybrid setup, or remotely, there are plenty of ways to get involved and encourage donations to Save the Children.
Create A Festive Atmosphere In The Office
Encouraging staff to wear their best (or worst) Christmas jumpers is just the beginning. Offices can go further by creating a festive environment that enhances participation.
Consider the following:
- Decorate communal areas with tinsel, lights, or themed posters
- Play holiday music in the background during breaks
- Set up a dedicated donation station or QR code banner near the entrance
Creating a vibrant, inclusive atmosphere increases morale and gives staff a reason to engage with the campaign beyond just clothing.
Organise A Jumper Competition
One of the most popular workplace activities is a Christmas jumper competition. It adds a friendly sense of rivalry and makes the day more memorable.
Types of jumper competitions include:
- Funniest jumper
- Most creative homemade jumper
- Best team-themed jumper
- Most environmentally friendly design
Winners can receive small prizes, extra holiday points, or even a featured mention in the company newsletter.
Host A Fundraising Activity
Supplement jumper-wearing with simple fundraising initiatives that require minimal effort but generate significant contributions.
Some effective ideas include:
- A festive bake sale with homemade cakes and biscuits
- Raffle draws with donated prizes
- Desk decorating contests with a small entry fee
- Coffee mornings or holiday lunches with optional donations
These events can be done over a lunch break or combined with end-of-year gatherings to maximise engagement.
Involve Remote And Hybrid Employees
With many businesses now operating remotely or on flexible schedules, it’s important to make virtual participation just as engaging.
Suggestions for remote teams:
- Host a virtual jumper day call via Zoom or Microsoft Teams
- Set up a shared photo album or internal social feed to display jumper selfies
- Run an online jumper competition using voting polls
- Encourage remote teams to fundraise through shared JustGiving pages
Digital engagement tools such as Slack, Yammer, or internal intranets can help maintain inclusion across distributed teams.
Set Departmental Or Team Fundraising Goals
In larger organisations, breaking down fundraising targets by team or department can create a sense of purpose and healthy competition.
Tips for managing this:
- Assign team leads to monitor progress
- Use a visual leaderboard in the office or online
- Recognise top-performing teams with small incentives
- Match employee donations to double the impact
Gamifying your fundraising effort motivates more employees to get involved, especially when there’s visibility and recognition for team contributions.
Share Your Impact Internally And Externally
Once your workplace has completed its activities, it’s important to share the results to celebrate success and inspire others.
Ways to share include:
- Sending a wrap-up email with the total raised and highlights from the day
- Featuring event photos in internal newsletters or digital screens
- Posting updates on your company’s LinkedIn or Instagram pages
- Submitting a short story to local press or Save the Children for wider exposure
This transparency reinforces your company’s commitment to social responsibility and encourages future participation.
How Can Schools Join The Festive Fun And Support The Cause?
Schools have consistently been among the top supporters of Christmas Jumper Day. The event not only brings joy but also teaches children about compassion, empathy, and global responsibility.
Participation in schools may include:
- Pupils and teachers wearing Christmas jumpers on the designated day
- Jumper design competitions using arts and crafts
- Classroom activities from Save the Children’s downloadable resource packs
- Assigning each class a fundraising target
- Sharing photos or video highlights in the school newsletter or website
Engaging students in these activities creates a deeper understanding of why they are participating, making it more than just a dress-up day.
Schools can also involve parents through letters, newsletters, or parent-teacher communications encouraging donations and awareness.
What Are The Best Ways To Celebrate Christmas Jumper Day At Home?
Families and individuals who are not part of a workplace or school environment can still fully participate in Christmas Jumper Day 2025. The home setting offers flexibility and creativity when planning fundraising activities.
Ideas for celebrating at home include:
- Hosting a small gathering with friends or family wearing festive jumpers
- Preparing a themed meal or hot chocolate station with a donation box nearby
- Creating an online JustGiving fundraiser and encouraging social media shares
- Designing homemade jumpers using old clothes and craft supplies
- Holding a family jumper photo shoot and sharing with a donation link
These small-scale efforts, when combined across the UK, contribute significantly to the campaign’s success. They also offer a chance for families to discuss global issues and the importance of giving.
Where Can You Find Resources And Sign-Up Details For Christmas Jumper Day?
Save the Children provides all the necessary tools for a successful event. Upon signing up, participants receive a welcome email with access to an online hub containing a variety of downloadable materials.
These include:
- Printable posters and banners
- Activity packs for different age groups
- Fundraising tips for schools, workplaces, and individuals
- Templates for emails and social media posts
- A JustGiving link or team fundraising code
All of these resources are free and designed to make participation as easy as possible.
Once registered, participants can return to the resource hub any time to download updates or add new materials to their campaign.
Why Should You Consider Second-Hand Or Eco-Friendly Christmas Jumpers?
With growing concerns about the environmental impact of fast fashion, Save the Children strongly encourages sustainable choices when participating in Christmas Jumper Day.
Instead of buying a brand-new jumper, participants can:
- Purchase a second-hand jumper from a local charity shop
- Reuse a jumper from previous years
- Host a jumper swap with colleagues or neighbours
- Create a unique design by decorating an old jumper using items found at home
This eco-friendly approach helps reduce textile waste and supports the idea of conscious consumerism. It also aligns with the broader goals of Save the Children, which include sustainable development and community empowerment.
Eco-Friendly Jumper Alternatives
| Option | Benefit | Where to Access or How to Do It |
| Charity Shop Purchase | Reduces waste and supports charities | Local high street or online platforms |
| Reuse from Previous Years | No cost and sustainable | From wardrobe or previous event |
| Upcycled Homemade Jumpers | Encourages creativity and reuse | Use old jumpers, fabric, and glue |
| Jumper Swap With Friends | Cost-effective and community-driven | Set up a local or school-wide event |
How Much Impact Has Christmas Jumper Day Made Over The Years?
The influence of Christmas Jumper Day is measurable both in pounds raised and lives changed.
Since its inception, the campaign has helped deliver critical support to children in conflict zones, communities affected by climate change, and low-income families in the UK.
In 2024 alone, the campaign’s £2.8 million in donations translated to:
- 1.4 million packets of drought-resistant seeds for farmers in Kenya
- 280,000 supermarket vouchers for UK families to provide meals
- 77,777 baby care kits for families in Gaza
Cumulatively, over £40 million has been raised since 2012. More than 25 million children and teachers have participated in schools, and more than 17 million people have joined in through workplaces and communities.
These numbers underscore the campaign’s powerful blend of community engagement and meaningful change. Each year adds to the legacy and reach of the initiative.
How Can You Donate Or Pay In Your Christmas Jumper Day Contributions?
Donations can be collected and paid in using a variety of methods, making it easy for individuals and groups of all sizes.
Available options include:
- JustGiving fundraising pages set up during registration
- Text donations using unique team codes provided by Save the Children
- Bank transfers with details provided in the campaign resource pack
- Postal donations by cheque for those unable to donate online
The charity provides clear instructions on how to finalise and report your donations. It’s advisable to collect and submit funds promptly after your event so the organisation can allocate them quickly to projects in need.
Payment receipts and thank-you messages are typically sent once the funds are received, offering closure and recognition to participants.
How Can You Spread The Word About Christmas Jumper Day 2025?
Promoting your event helps raise awareness and encourages others to get involved. This ripple effect can significantly boost overall fundraising success.
Effective promotion methods include:
- Sharing photos and stories on social media with donation links
- Creating posters or flyers for schools, offices, and community boards
- Including Christmas Jumper Day in your organisation’s newsletters or websites
- Asking local newspapers or radio stations to feature your event
- Encouraging group members to forward digital invitations to friends and family
Save the Children’s resource hub includes ready-made templates and branding materials that make it easy to promote your event professionally.
Conclusion
Christmas Jumper Day 2025 is more than just a chance to wear a festive sweater it’s a nationwide movement that combines celebration with meaningful change. Whether at work, school, or home, getting involved is simple and rewarding.
With the help of Save the Children’s comprehensive resources and your own creativity, you can make this year’s event the most impactful yet.
Mark your calendars for Thursday, 11 December 2025, pull on your jumper, and start planning your contribution to a brighter future for children across the world.
FAQs about Christmas Jumper Day 2025?
What is the official theme for Christmas Jumper Day 2025?
While there’s no fixed theme, the core message remains consistent: have fun and raise funds by wearing your silliest jumper for a good cause.
Can small businesses get involved in Christmas Jumper Day?
Absolutely. Whether you’re a team of five or fifty, small businesses can register, access resources, and raise money just like larger organisations.
Are there any Christmas Jumper Day packs for download?
Yes. Upon registration, Save the Children provides downloadable resources including posters, activity sheets, social media graphics, and more.
How do I create a JustGiving page for my group?
After signing up, you’ll be guided through setting up a group or team JustGiving page. This makes collecting donations and tracking your progress easy.
Can I host a virtual event for Christmas Jumper Day?
Yes. Virtual jumper competitions, video call quizzes, and online bake-offs are all great ways to involve remote participants.
Are second-hand jumpers accepted or encouraged?
They are highly encouraged. The event promotes sustainability, and second-hand or DIY jumpers are both fun and environmentally responsible.
Is there a deadline for sending in donations after the event?
While there is no strict cut-off, it’s advised to send in donations as soon as possible after the event to maximise impact and support timely initiatives.
