Putting on a Festive School Christmas Fair

The festive season in schools brings the familiar Christmas plays, class parties and of course, a Christmas fair. Whether you're a seasoned organiser or planning your first event, here's a selection of ideas and hints to make your Christmas Fete unforgettable — and even profitable! 

1. Set Your Goals and Budget

Before getting stuck into the details, think about your objectives:

• Fundraising target: How much do you hope to raise? Are you fundraising purely for the school or for a charity as well?
• Create a budget: Allocate a budget for decorations, materials, and any external services.

2. Plan Early and Delegate

Start planning at least 3 months in advance. Form a committee and assign tasks based on everyone’s strengths, such as:

• Venue set-up — to get you started with the festive decorations, have a look at our Christmas Tree Bunting resource.
• Stall management
• Marketing and promotion
• Finance

Tip: Determine if this a PTA-run event or organised by the school, then engage parents and local businesses early – Christmas is a very busy time of year!
 

3. Christmas Fair Stalls

A variety of stalls ensures broad appeal, making sure they reflect your community. Here are some popular Christmas craft ideas:

• Craft stall: Sell handmade items like ornaments, cards or jewellery created by students.
• Local crafters: Look out for small business owners who could set up a stall.
• Bake sale: Ask people to donate cakes or tray bakes for selling – don’t forget to mention if you are a nut free school. For some idea on what parents, teachers, or the class could make, check out this recipe for Victorian-inspired peppermint creams, or these ones for fudge, biscuits, flapjacks and rock cakes.
• Second-hand and donation stall: Books, toys, and clothes can be big sellers.
• Silent auction: See if local businesses will donate items, experiences or vouchers

Tip: Consider a wrapping station, so that families can leave with their gifts already wrapped.
 

4. Organise Fun Christmas Fair Games

Games keep the energy high and encourage repeat visits. Here are some engaging Christmas fair game ideas:

• Elf trail: Set up a trail of elf mischief around your school to follow to find a prize at the end.
• Bouncy castle: Always a winner! Make sure you plan for space, power and risk assessments.
• Santa’s lucky dip: Fill a box with wrapped prizes—children love the element of surprise! 

Tip: Offer small prizes or candy canes to keep children excited!

5. Plan Festive Christmas Entertainment

Add Christmas activities that engage and entertain everyone:

• Santa’s Grotto: A merry space where children can meet Father Christmas – see if you can find a willing staff member to dress up.
• Carol singing: Involve the school choir or music club.
• Photo booth: If you have an instant camera or photo printer, set up a festive photo spot with props, then charge a small fee for printing.

Tip: Schedule entertainment to happen throughout the event. 

6. Promote Your Fair

Good promotion is key to a successful turnout. You could use:

• Social media: Share updates, countdowns, and sneak peeks.
• School newsletters: Include key event details and call outs for support.
• Local community boards: Reach a wider audience beyond the school.

Tip: Run a school competition getting the kids to design a poster. 

Final Tips:

Have a plan B in place in case helpers can’t make it or the venue needs to change. You can’t always count on the weather!

A carefully organised Christmas fair goes beyond school fundraising—it can be a joyful celebration that can bring a school and local community together and create lasting memories. Happy planning!
 

I have been a teacher for nearly 12 years, working in South East London primary schools. For the last 6 years, I’ve worked in an independent prep school in Kent. I’ve taught all the way from EYFS to Year 6, as well as teaching music and drama. Before teaching, I worked in London’s West End as a sound technician in shows like The Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia and The Lion King. I’ve also performed in smaller local productions, most recently in Legally Blonde. As well as full time teaching, I also direct and choreograph my school’s annual Year 6 Leavers’ Show to sell-out crowds, combining my two passions: musical theatre and teaching!

To see resources written by Kirsty, click here.