The holidays are made for giving—and they’re one of the best times of year to fundraise. From Thanksgiving through New Year’s, families are already gathering, shopping, and looking for ways to spread joy. That makes it the perfect season to raise money for your school, sports team, church, or nonprofit.
At Midland Fundraising, we’ve seen groups turn holiday events into major wins—whether it’s selling cookie dough for family bake nights, running a festive carnival, or hosting a cozy hot chocolate stand. In this guide, we’re sharing 15 creative holiday fundraising ideas (including a few of our favorites!) plus practical tips to help you make the most of the giving season.
Let’s make this holiday one to remember—for your cause and your community.
For schools, sports teams, and nonprofits, fundraising is more than just covering costs—it’s about keeping programs alive and communities thriving. The money raised supports things like classroom supplies, new uniforms, travel expenses, and community projects that might not otherwise be possible.
Beyond the dollars, fundraisers bring people together. They create shared moments, spark volunteer involvement, and remind supporters that they’re part of something bigger. During the holiday season especially, fundraisers can strengthen bonds and spread generosity at a time when people are already looking for meaningful ways to give back.
The holiday season isn’t just about gifts under the tree—it’s a natural fundraising sweet spot. Families are in the giving spirit, communities are gathering, and everyone’s looking for meaningful ways to spread joy. Here’s why your group should take advantage:
Generosity is at its peak. People are more inclined to give back between Thanksgiving and New Year’s—making it easier to hit ambitious fundraising goals.
Built-in gift potential. Fundraisers like Midland’s Holiday Wishes Catalog or Candle Fundraiser double as ready-made presents, solving shopping stress while supporting your cause.
Family-centered traditions. Cookie dough sales and gingerbread contests tie directly into holiday baking and decorating—turning fundraising into cherished family time.
Seasonal events draw crowds. From winter carnivals to cozy hot chocolate stands, festive fundraisers naturally attract bigger audiences than a typical spring car wash.
Perfect timing for year-end giving. Nonprofits often see a surge in donations as supporters look for tax-deductible contributions before December 31. Pairing this with Midland’s donation drive tools makes it seamless.
Bottom line: the holidays give you the stage, the spirit, and the supporters—all you need is the right idea and a little Midland know-how to maximize profits.
Cookie dough is the MVP of holiday fundraisers. Families are already baking, entertaining, and gifting—so tubs of dough practically sell themselves. With Midland’s seasonal cookie dough program, your group can earn up to 50% profit while giving supporters something they’ll actually use.
Launch early—October or November—to catch holiday bakers before grocery store shopping peaks.
Use Midland’s hybrid online store so supporters can share links with out-of-town family.
Offer cookie dough as part of a holiday bundle (ex: pair with candles or the Holiday Wishes Catalog).
Pro Tip / Midland Insight: Groups that set a per-family sales goal (like “sell 5 tubs each”) consistently outperform those without one.
Case Example: A Michigan elementary PTO sold over 1,200 tubs last December—raising $7,500 in profit while stocking freezers across the community for holiday baking nights.
Handmade ornaments are keepsakes that families treasure year after year. Hosting a workshop gives kids (and adults!) the chance to create something special while raising funds for your cause. Charge a small fee per ornament or per entry, and provide supplies like clear bulbs, paint, glitter, and ribbons.
Partner with a local craft store or ask families to donate supplies.
Add a holiday bake sale table for extra revenue.
Offer a “take-home kit” option so families who can’t attend can still participate.
Pro Tip / Midland Insight: Promote it as a family night—schools that frame it as “an event, not just a fundraiser” usually see higher turnout.
Case Example: One Ohio middle school charged $10 per ornament, hosted 80 families, and raised over $2,000 in just one Saturday afternoon.
Between holiday shopping and jam-packed schedules, gift wrapping is a chore most people would gladly outsource. Set up a booth at your school, local church, or even partner with a mall, offering gift wrapping for donations.
Stock up on festive paper, ribbons, and gift tags—buy in bulk to cut costs.
Offer tiered pricing (e.g., $3 small, $5 medium, $7 large) to make it easy for donors.
Add a donation jar for “tips” to boost profits.
Pro Tip / Midland Insight: Pair this fundraiser with a Midland Candle Fundraiser—shoppers love grabbing a gift and having it wrapped in one stop.
Case Example: A high school cheer team in Indiana wrapped presents for two weekends in December and brought in $1,500 to cover travel uniforms.
Candles are one of the easiest holiday sellers—they’re affordable, practical, and double as instant gifts. Midland’s candle fundraiser offers high-quality, seasonal scents that families buy by the dozen (with up to 50% profit for your group).
Promote candles as “stocking stuffer solutions” and teacher gifts.
Bundle them with Midland’s Holiday Wishes Catalog for maximum reach.
Use Midland’s free marketing flyers and digital tools for fast promotion.
Pro Tip / Midland Insight: Groups that encourage online sharing (especially with grandparents and relatives) often double their sales compared to in-person only.
Case Example: A youth dance team in Kentucky sold over 600 candles in November, covering recital costumes without dipping into parent fees.
Few things scream “holiday spirit” like a gingerbread house contest. Charge an entry fee, provide kits (or let families bring their own), and award prizes for categories like “Most Creative,” “Winter Wonderland,” or “Best Team Effort.”
Get local bakeries or grocery stores to sponsor or donate kits.
Host the contest at a winter carnival or school holiday event to draw a crowd.
Sell hot chocolate and baked goods on-site for bonus revenue.
Pro Tip / Midland Insight: Snap photos of each house and run a Facebook voting contest—it builds engagement and can drive online donations.
Case Example: A PTO in Illinois raised $1,200 from entry fees and concessions while creating a new school tradition families asked to repeat every year.
Bundle up and take pledges for laps walked around a track, school, or decorated holiday route. Families love this fundraiser because it combines fitness, fun, and festive lights. With Midland’s pledge-a-thon platform, donations are tracked online—no paperwork required.
Time it for early December and encourage costumes (Santa hats, reindeer antlers).
Offer hot cocoa at the finish line to make it more of an “event.”
Encourage pledges per lap, not just flat donations, for higher totals.
Pro Tip / Midland Insight: Schools using Midland’s pledge software often see a 30–40% boost compared to paper pledges.
Case Example: A Texas elementary school logged 8,000 laps in one night—raising nearly $10,000 and earning coverage in the local paper.
A cozy hot chocolate booth at winter festivals, tree lightings, or school concerts is a simple, high-profit fundraiser. Add toppings like whipped cream, candy canes, or marshmallows for a fun upsell.
Use crockpots for easy serving and prep toppings in advance.
Price cups at $2–$3, with “deluxe” upgrades for $1 extra.
Bundle with Midland’s Cookie Dough Fundraiser—nothing pairs better than warm cookies and cocoa.
Pro Tip / Midland Insight: Position your stand near high-traffic entrances—supporters often buy before they even sit down.
Case Example: A youth hockey team in Minnesota raised $800 in one night selling cocoa at a community rink holiday showcase.
With Midland Fundraising, your group can earn up to 50% profit on festive favorites like cookie dough, candles, and our Holiday Wishes Catalog. Plus, our hybrid online tools make it easy for supporters near and far to shop.
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Custom holiday cards are a heartfelt way to spread cheer—and a fundraiser people actually look forward to. Partner with Midland’s print partners or run a student art contest to create unique designs. Supporters can purchase packs of cards while knowing the proceeds go right back into your school or team.
Offer multiple pack sizes (10, 25, 50) to encourage bigger purchases.
Market as “send love and support your school” for emotional appeal.
Tie in social media—post winning student artwork to spark extra orders.
Pro Tip / Midland Insight: Bundle cards with Midland’s Candle Fundraiser or Holiday Wishes Catalog—buyers often grab both.
Case Example: A Michigan elementary art program raised $1,800 in one holiday season selling card packs designed by 3rd–5th graders.
Pledge-a-thons aren’t just for spring—they can shine during the holidays, too. Think read-a-thons, service-a-thons, or even “acts of kindness” challenges tied to holiday giving. With Midland’s pledge-based platform, tracking donations online is simple and secure.
Theme your pledge-a-thon around giving (ex: “12 Days of Kindness”).
Encourage families to share the pledge link in holiday cards or emails.
Offer fun prizes—holiday movie nights, stockings, or gift cards.
Pro Tip / Midland Insight: Online pledge pages make it easy for relatives across the country to support—perfect during holiday family outreach.
Case Example: A youth choir in Pennsylvania ran a December “Sing-a-thon,” raising $6,200 in pledges to cover spring tour travel costs.
Transform your gym, church, or community center into a winter wonderland packed with games, food, and raffles. Sell tickets at the door and offer activity punch cards for easy tracking. Think snowman ring toss, cookie walk, or holiday photo booth.
Secure local business sponsors for game booths or prizes.
Mix in Midland’s Popcorn & Peanuts Fundraiser for irresistible concessions.
Offer pre-sale tickets online for busy families.
Pro Tip / Midland Insight: Groups combining fun booths with a few high-dollar raffles (like donated electronics) usually triple revenue.
Case Example: A Kansas elementary carnival drew 300 families and netted $7,500—covering field trip expenses for the entire year.
Nothing brings laughs (and donations) like an ugly sweater bash. Charge an entry fee, add a contest with silly prizes, and keep the night going with music, cocoa, and holiday photo ops. Great for high school groups, churches, and sports teams.
Sell themed concessions (ugly sweater cookies, anyone?).
Add extra categories like “Most Festive” or “Best DIY Sweater.”
Pair with a Midland Cookie Dough Fundraiser for take-home fun.
Pro Tip / Midland Insight: Encourage attendees to post photos on social media with a hashtag—it spreads awareness and boosts future turnout.
Case Example: A small-town church youth group raised $1,200 at their ugly sweater night—covering retreat fees for all teens.
Fresh holiday wreaths are a timeless tradition. Families love hanging them on doors, and they make easy gifts for neighbors, grandparents, or coworkers. By partnering with Midland’s suppliers, your group can sell beautiful wreaths with solid profit margins.
Launch sales in early November before families buy elsewhere.
Offer pre-orders and schedule a single pickup day for convenience.
Upsell with bows, candle add-ons, or gift tags.
Pro Tip / Midland Insight: Pair wreath sales with Midland’s Holiday Wishes Catalog—many supporters will check both off their list at once.
Case Example: A marching band in Wisconsin sold 350 wreaths in three weeks, earning $4,200 profit to fund new uniforms.
A bake sale with a holiday twist is always a crowd-pleaser. Think sugar cookies, fudge, pies, and gingerbread treats. Host it during a concert, basketball game, or tree-lighting event for maximum visibility.
Encourage festive packaging (holiday tins or boxes).
Set up a “buy now, freeze for later” section with pies and cookie trays.
Combine with Midland’s Cookie Dough Fundraiser for pre-made options.
Pro Tip / Midland Insight: Promote allergy-friendly or gluten-free options—these items sell out first and boost inclusivity.
Case Example: A PTO in Tennessee raised $1,100 in one night selling holiday-themed baked goods during the winter band concert.
Ring in the new year with a night of fun, food, and dancing. Sell tickets, secure a local venue, and add revenue streams with raffles or silent auctions. Perfect for booster clubs or nonprofits looking for a “big event” fundraiser.
Partner with local restaurants for catering donations.
Offer tiered tickets (general vs. VIP tables).
Secure sponsorships from local businesses for added profit.
Pro Tip / Midland Insight: Add a “Midnight Balloon Drop” raffle—each balloon contains a prize ticket or small gift card. It’s festive and profitable.
Case Example: A booster club in Ohio netted $12,000 from a single New Year’s gala, covering tournament travel for the entire basketball season.
Once the holiday is over, families need an easy way to dispose of Christmas trees. Offer curbside pickup or a central drop-off for donations. Partner with a local recycling facility or landscaper to keep disposal simple.
Charge a flat fee (like $10–$20 per tree).
Promote before Christmas so families plan ahead.
Recruit volunteers with trucks for pickups.
Pro Tip / Midland Insight: Brand it as “Go green for a good cause”—eco-friendly messaging resonates strongly with today’s supporters.
Case Example: A high school environmental club in Oregon recycled 200 trees, earning $3,000 for new science lab equipment.
Holiday fundraisers do more than raise money—they spark joy, strengthen community ties, and create traditions families look forward to year after year. From cookie dough sales to winter walk-a-thons, the season is packed with opportunities to meet your goals while spreading holiday cheer.
At Midland Fundraising, we’ve helped thousands of schools, teams, and nonprofits turn seasonal events into success stories—with up to 50% profit, no minimums, and hybrid online tools that make participation simple for every supporter.
So whether you’re planning a classic bake sale, a cozy hot chocolate stand, or a full-blown holiday gala, we’ll provide the products, tools, and guidance to make your fundraiser shine.
Partner with Midland Fundraising today and give your community a season full of generosity, joy, and lasting impact.
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