Christmas fundraising ideas

But our canals need many hands to look after them. Christmas is a great time to spread cheer while raising money for a cause you care about.

20 Christmas fundraiser ideas

Make a difference this Christmas and support your local canal with one of our festive fundraising ideas.

1. Christmas quiz

Planning a Christmas quiz to kick off the office party? Getting the family together to test each other’s general knowledge? Ask everyone to donate before taking part.

2. Raffle

Organise a Christmas raffle and donate the proceeds to charity.

3. 'Wear a Christmas jumper' day

Encourage everyone to don their ugliest Christmas jumper while donating to an important cause.

4. Festive bake sale

If you’ve got space in your kitchen, bake a Yule log, Christmas cake, or mince pies to sell and raise money for charity.

5. Sell Christmas cards

If you’ve got an artistic streak, have a go at designing your own Christmas cards and selling them. Why not paint your favourite canal scene?

6. Donate last hour’s pay

We know that the Christmas season can be tight for many, but even a small donation can make a huge difference. Encourage your colleagues to donate their last hour’s pay before breaking up for the holidays.

7. Santa costume run

Dig out your Santa hats and lace your trainers to race your friends for charity.

8. Christmas concert

Host a carol concert with your favourite festive tunes and ask your guests for donations.

9. Craft fair

Organise a Christmas fair to sell everything from handmade baubles to Christmas jumper knitting patterns.

10. Christmas auction

Whether you want a pre-Christmas clear out or receive gifts you feel could go to a better home, auctions are excellent and exciting ways to raise money.

11. Christmas fitness challenge

Why wait until the new year to set yourself a challenge? Head to your nearest towpath for a walk or run this Christmas period. Gain sponsors while meeting your fitness goals or sign up for one of our fundraising running challenges to stay on track.

12. Christmas dinner party

If you have any stuffing going spare, organise a Christmas dinner party to raise money.

13. Yule log eating challenge

Who can finish their Yule log first? Or instead of an eating challenge, see who can design the best cake.

14. Karaoke night

Get ready to rock around the Christmas tree and donate any funds raised.

15. Christmas tree collection service

If you know of somewhere to dispose of old Christmas trees, offer your collection services to friends, family and neighbours for a small fee.

16. Cold water plunge

Get even colder this winter and plunge yourself into an ice bath.

17. Scavenger hunt

Create a Christmas-themed scavenger hunt along your local canal.

18. Mulled wine tasting

Nothing gets you in the festive spirit like mulled wine in front of the fire. Why not treat your friends to a tasting of the best wines in return for a donation?

19. Advent calendar

Set yourself a goal for each day of Advent and ask sponsors to support you. Whether it’s a day without coffee or a run along the towpath, you choose how hard your challenge is.

20. Pledge to make a difference

Don’t wait until the new year to pledge a ‘new you’. Start working towards your goals now and raise money for your efforts – and successes.