Holiday Giving Made Fun
The holiday season is magical. Streets glow with lights, kitchens fill with the smell of baked cookies, and communities come together to celebrate. It’s also the most generous time of the year. People are actively looking for ways to give back — not just through shopping and gift-giving but through supporting causes that matter.
For fundraisers, this season presents an incredible opportunity. With the right idea, you can raise money while giving your supporters a festive experience they’ll remember. Instead of sending yet another email asking for donations, you can invite people to participate in something joyful — and that’s what makes the difference.
In this blog, we’ll share 10 holiday fundraising ideas that spark joy and generosity. Whether you’re running a school fundraiser, a church program, a nonprofit initiative, or an individual campaign, these ideas are simple to implement and scalable for groups of all sizes. Even better — CausePilot has tools to make them easy to set up, manage, and track.
1. Holiday Auction 🎁
Auctions are a classic — and the holidays make them extra powerful. People are already shopping for gifts, so give them a chance to bid on unique items that also support a cause.
Best Practices:
- Collect donated items from local businesses — gift cards, themed baskets, or services.
- Offer experiences that can’t be bought in stores (a cooking class, a behind-the-scenes tour, dinner with a local leader).
- Use CausePilot’s auction feature to host online or hybrid bidding, so supporters can participate even if they’re at home sipping cocoa.
Holiday auctions combine fun competition with generosity, often leading to bids far higher than the item’s retail value.
2. Hot Cocoa Stand ☕
Move over, lemonade stands — winter has hot cocoa! Kids love helping, families love buying, and it creates a warm, nostalgic vibe.
Set up at a school event, holiday market, or church gathering. Add toppings like marshmallows, candy canes, or whipped cream for extra delight. Collect donations in person and share a QR code that links to your CausePilot fundraiser page so those who can’t attend can still give.
3. Tree Decorating Contest 🎄
Few things bring out creativity like a holiday tree contest. Invite families, businesses, or classrooms to decorate trees, then display them at a central location.
Donors can “vote” with their dollars using your CausePilot shop page — every $1 = 1 vote. The tree with the most donations wins!
It’s festive, community-driven, and can raise significant funds with the right promotion.
4. Holiday Raffle Basket 🎁
Create themed baskets like “Cozy Night In” (blankets, cocoa, books) or “Holiday Feast” (gift cards to restaurants, gourmet foods).
Sell raffle tickets online through CausePilot, and announce winners during a live-stream or in-person event. Raffles are simple to organize and appeal to wide audiences.
5. Santa Photos 🎅
Who doesn’t want a holiday photo with Santa? Partner with a photographer (professional or volunteer), and offer quick photo sessions. Families pay a small fee, and proceeds go to your cause.
Upload photos digitally for easy sharing, and add upsell items like printed holiday cards.
6. Carol-a-thon 🎶
Caroling is already a holiday tradition — why not add fundraising? Gather singers or choirs and collect pledges per song sung.
Supporters can sponsor the group (“$20 for every house you visit”), or make direct donations through your CausePilot page. This fundraiser spreads cheer while raising money.
7. Cookie Exchange 🍪
Host a holiday cookie swap. Bakers bring dozens of cookies, and guests pay a donation to fill a box with a variety.
Turn it into an event by offering hot cocoa, music, and raffles. With CausePilot, you can sell tickets in advance to secure attendance.
8. Winter Fun Run ❄️
Themed runs are popular year-round, but a December run is especially festive. Encourage participants to wear Santa hats, elf outfits, or holiday pajamas.
Sell tickets with CausePilot’s event tool, and add a costume contest at the finish line for extra fun.
9. Gift Wrapping Station 🎁
Set up a booth at a local mall, church, or community center. Volunteers wrap gifts for tips or set fees, with all proceeds going to your fundraiser.
Offer QR codes linked to your CausePilot page for donors who don’t carry cash.
10. New Year’s Eve Countdown Party 🎉
Host a family-friendly event to close out the year. Sell tickets for admission, add raffles, and include fun activities like a balloon drop or mock midnight countdown for kids.
CausePilot’s ticketing and raffle tools make it easy to manage registrations and maximize revenue.
Joyful Giving = Generous Giving
The holidays are about joy, generosity, and connection. By choosing fundraisers that let people participate in something festive, you’re not just asking for money — you’re offering an experience that creates memories.
Whether it’s an auction, cocoa stand, raffle, or New Year’s Eve party, the key is to make fundraising fun. With CausePilot, you’ll have the tools to manage the details and keep the focus on what really matters: raising funds and lifting hearts.
👉 This December, let your fundraiser sparkle with joy — and watch generosity flow.
More resources: https://www.hmhco.com/blog/fun-christmas-classroom-activities-for-school
