Christmas Jumper Day is a lovely opportunity for children to dress in festive clothing, enjoy seasonal games and learn about helping others. Whether you're organising an event at school, planning a nursery celebration or looking for activities to enjoy at home, there are plenty of Christmas Jumper Day activities for kids that need very little preparation. From designing colourful jumpers and playing festive games to indoor adventures and fundraising challenges, these ideas can keep children entertained while encouraging creativity, teamwork and kindness. With Save the Children's official Christmas Jumper Day taking place on Thursday 10 December 2026, here are 30 fun and affordable activities for different ages and abilities.

Top 30 Christmas Jumper Day Activities for Kids

1. Enjoy a Festive Indoor Play Visit at Jungle World Park

Start your Christmas Jumper Day celebrations with an indoor family adventure at Jungle World Park, which offers play activities for children aged 0–12 at its Leyland and Blackpool centres.

Families can plan a festive outing where children enjoy climbing, sliding and playing together before or after their Christmas Jumper Day activities.

At the Leyland venue, children can enjoy multi-level play frames, a large indoor slide, ball pits, trampolines, a dedicated toddler area and other age-appropriate attractions.

Older children can also try laser tag, subject to the minimum age of five, or safari electric go-karts, which carry separate participation rules and charges.

Why kids will love it: Indoor play gives energetic children a chance to move, enjoy games and spend time with friends, even when December weather is cold or rainy.

Planning tip: Families can wear their Christmas jumpers for photographs before play, but should change or remove any loose festive accessories that could catch on equipment. Check the Jungle World Leyland sessions or Blackpool sessions before booking. This is a suggested festive family outing, not an advertised Christmas Jumper Day event.

2. Organise a Christmas Jumper Parade

A Christmas jumper parade is a fun way to begin a school, nursery or family celebration.

Invite children to show their festive outfits while cheerful Christmas music plays.

Create a short, accessible walking route around the room and let children take turns showing their jumpers.

You could introduce playful categories such as the most colourful pattern, funniest festive picture or most imaginative reused outfit.

Learning benefit: Encourages confidence, communication and social interaction.

Tip: Avoid making the event a competition based on who has the most expensive jumper. Every child should feel welcome, including those wearing an ordinary colourful top.

3. Decorate an Old Christmas Jumper

Children don't need a brand-new Christmas jumper to take part.

Find an old jumper or cardigan and give it a festive makeover using large fabric shapes and child-safe materials.

You could add a felt Christmas tree, a large snowman shape or colourful fabric stars.

Adults can attach decorations securely, following the material and clothing instructions.

Let your child choose the colours and arrangement.

Learning benefit: Encourages creativity, decision-making and an interest in reusing clothing.

Safety tip: Avoid pins, dangling decorations, small bells, battery-powered lights and other attachments that could come loose or catch on play equipment.

4. Design Your Own Christmas Jumper on Paper

A paper jumper design activity works well for children who love drawing and colouring.

Draw a large jumper outline on paper or print a suitable template.

Provide coloured pencils, crayons and washable pens.

Encourage children to create designs featuring snowflakes, Christmas trees, reindeer or festive patterns.

Older children can add a name to their design or explain why they chose particular colours.

Learning benefit: Supports creative thinking, pencil control and colour recognition.

For more seasonal crafts and activities, see our guide to Christmas activities for kids.

5. Organise a Christmas Jumper Swap

A jumper swap is a practical way to celebrate without asking every family to buy new clothing.

Invite parents to bring clean, good-condition Christmas jumpers that their children have outgrown.

Arrange the jumpers by size and allow families to choose something suitable.

You can also include festive cardigans and other comfortable winter clothing.

Any unclaimed items can be returned to families or donated with their permission.

Learning benefit: Encourages children to think about sharing, caring for belongings and reducing waste.

Planning tip: Make participation optional. Children should never feel embarrassed if they don't have a jumper to swap.

6. Make Mini Christmas Jumpers for Paper Dolls

Give children paper doll shapes and small paper jumper templates.

Let them decorate the tiny jumpers using crayons, stickers or coloured paper.

Older children may enjoy making several outfits for different characters.

Younger children can decorate larger paper shapes with adult help.

Once finished, children can use the dolls in pretend games or display their designs.

Learning benefit: Encourages hand coordination, imagination and pattern recognition.

Safety tip: Keep craft pieces large for younger children, and let adults handle any cutting.

7. Play Christmas Jumper Bingo

Christmas Jumper Bingo is an easy activity for classrooms, family gatherings and children's parties.

Create bingo cards showing festive pictures such as snowmen, Christmas trees, reindeer, stars and presents.

Call out each picture and ask children to mark the matching image on their card.

Older children can play using written words instead of pictures.

For an added challenge, ask players to describe each picture before marking it.

Learning benefit: Supports listening, concentration, visual recognition and early vocabulary.

Tip: Use pencils or washable markers instead of small counters when playing with younger children.

8. Set Up a Christmas Jumper Photo Booth

Create a simple festive photo corner using paper snowflakes, a colourful backdrop and a few large Christmas props.

Children can pose in their Christmas jumpers with friends or family members.

You could provide large cardboard picture frames and signs reading "Christmas Jumper Day".

Let children choose whether they want an individual or group photograph.

Learning benefit: Encourages self-expression and shared play.

Planning tip: Always ask parents or carers for permission before photographing children or sharing their pictures. Don't make photographs compulsory.

9. Create a Christmas Jumper Colour Sorting Game

Turn colourful jumper designs into an early learning activity.

Draw or print several paper jumpers in different colours.

Ask younger children to sort them into red, green, blue or yellow groups.

Older children can arrange the jumpers by the number of decorations or the patterns they contain.

You could also ask children to count how many red jumpers they can find.

Learning benefit: Encourages colour recognition, sorting and early maths skills.

Tip: Begin with two colours for younger toddlers and introduce more choices as they become familiar with the activity.

10. Play Guess the Christmas Jumper

This guessing game encourages children to notice different colours and patterns.

Ask a few volunteers to stand at the front of the room wearing their festive jumpers.

Describe one jumper without naming its owner.

You might say, "This jumper has a red reindeer and three white snowflakes."

Children then try to identify the correct jumper.

For older groups, let the children take turns giving descriptions.

Learning benefit: Encourages listening, observation and descriptive language.

Tip: Use drawings instead of real jumpers if the children prefer a table-based game.

11. Enjoy Christmas Jumper Musical Statues

Musical statues is one of the easiest Christmas games to organise indoors.

Clear an open space, play cheerful festive music and invite children to dance.

When the music stops, everyone freezes.

Add a seasonal twist by asking them to pose like a Christmas tree, reindeer or snowman.

Let all children remain involved rather than eliminating anyone who moves.

Learning benefit: Encourages movement, balance, listening and coordination.

For more ways to enjoy active play indoors, read our guide to rainy-day activities for kids and families.

12. Organise a Soft Snowball Target Game

Bring winter fun indoors using soft fabric balls or clean, rolled-up white socks as pretend snowballs.

Place several baskets or sturdy targets around a clear play area.

Children take turns aiming for the targets.

Younger children can stand close to the baskets, while older children try longer distances.

Award points for each successful throw or simply let children enjoy practising.

Learning benefit: Encourages hand-eye coordination, concentration and turn-taking.

Safety tip: Use soft equipment and keep the activity away from windows, fragile decorations and crowded walkways.

13. Plan a Festive Jumper Scavenger Hunt

A scavenger hunt is a lovely way to add movement and observation to Christmas Jumper Day.

Prepare a picture checklist showing festive colours and symbols.

Ask children to look for examples around the room, on paper jumper pictures or on willing participants' clothing.

Items could include a snowflake, something green, a reindeer picture or a striped pattern.

Older children can work in small teams to complete the checklist.

Learning benefit: Encourages observation, early reading and cooperation.

Tip: Make sure the game doesn't require anyone to touch another person's clothes.

14. Play Christmas Jumper Pass the Parcel

Give this familiar party game a festive makeover.

Wrap a suitable prize in several layers of reused wrapping paper.

Ask children to sit in a circle and pass the parcel while Christmas music plays.

When the music stops, the child holding the parcel removes one layer.

Between layers, you can add simple challenges such as naming a Christmas colour or making a reindeer sound.

Learning benefit: Encourages patience, turn-taking and listening.

Tip: Keep everyone involved and avoid putting children under pressure to perform a challenge.

15. Try a Reindeer Relay Challenge

A reindeer relay can add some active fun to a school or family event.

Divide children into teams and create a short route using cones or floor markings.

Players carry a lightweight soft toy reindeer to a marker and return it to the next teammate.

Younger children can walk along the route, while older children complete a slightly longer challenge.

Learning benefit: Encourages cooperation, balance and movement.

Safety tip: Choose a non-slip surface and provide seated or non-running alternatives so children with different abilities can join.

16. Play Santa Says

Santa Says follows the familiar rules of Simon Says.

One adult takes the role of Santa and gives instructions.

Children should follow a command only when it begins with "Santa says".

Try instructions such as:

• Santa says clap your hands.
• Santa says touch your shoulders.
• Santa says pretend to wrap a present.
• Santa says point to something red.

Include movements that children can perform while sitting or standing.

Learning benefit: Encourages attention, listening and following instructions.

17. Organise a Christmas Jumper Ball Transfer Race

This game works well for older children and groups that enjoy a little friendly competition.

Set up two baskets for each team, one containing large, soft fabric balls.

Ask children to transfer the balls between baskets using a suitable scoop or both hands.

Give each group the same amount of time and count the balls at the end.

For younger children, remove the time limit.

Learning benefit: Encourages coordination, teamwork and counting.

Planning tip: Keep the baskets on tables or in a clear play area and avoid small balls that could cause choking.

18. Create Christmas Jumper Pattern Challenges

Christmas jumpers often feature repeated colours and shapes, making them useful inspiration for early maths games.

Give children paper jumper templates featuring simple patterns.

One pattern might show a red star, green tree, red star and green tree.

Ask children to choose what comes next.

Older children can create their own patterns for classmates or siblings to complete.

Learning benefit: Encourages logical thinking, sequencing and pattern recognition.

Tip: Begin with two repeating shapes before introducing more detailed patterns.

19. Count the Decorations on a Jumper

Turn festive designs into a simple counting activity.

Draw a large Christmas jumper with different decorations.

Include three stars, four snowflakes and two Christmas trees.

Ask younger children to count each group.

Older children can add the totals together or compare which type appears most often.

You could also ask them to design their own number-based jumper.

Learning benefit: Supports counting, number recognition and comparison skills.

Tip: Keep pictures large and clear so younger children can point to each item as they count.

20. Play a Christmas Jumper Matching Game

Create pairs of paper cards showing identical Christmas jumper designs.

Mix the cards and place them face down on a table.

Children take turns turning over two cards and trying to find a matching pair.

For younger children, begin with only three or four pairs.

Older children can play using more detailed patterns and a greater number of cards.

Learning benefit: Encourages memory, concentration and visual recognition.

Tip: Use sturdy card so younger children can handle the pieces easily.

21. Create a Christmas Jumper Story Circle

A festive storytelling circle provides a quieter break between active games.

Ask children to sit together and imagine that a Christmas jumper has magical powers.

One child begins a story with a sentence such as, "One morning, a little red jumper started to sparkle."

The next child adds another sentence.

Continue until the group has created its own story.

Younger children can contribute pictures, sounds or simple words.

Learning benefit: Encourages language, listening and imagination.

22. Make a Christmas Jumper Paper Garland

Decorate a classroom, nursery room or living room with a garland made from paper jumpers.

Give every child a large jumper-shaped card template.

Let them decorate their jumper using crayons, paint or age-appropriate paper shapes.

Once finished, an adult can attach the jumpers to a wall display or string them together in a supervised decoration area.

Learning benefit: Encourages creativity and a sense of group participation.

Safety tip: Keep garland strings and hanging decorations away from younger children's play areas and sleeping spaces.

23. Bake and Decorate Christmas Jumper Biscuits

Christmas jumper biscuits are a fun kitchen activity for children who enjoy baking.

Use a suitable biscuit recipe and a jumper-shaped cutter, or cut simple shapes before baking.

Once the biscuits have cooled, let children decorate them with coloured icing.

They could make snowflake patterns, reindeer faces or colourful stripes.

Older children can create matching biscuit designs for a festive display.

Learning benefit: Encourages measuring, hand coordination, creativity and following instructions.

Safety tip: Adults should handle the oven and sharp utensils. Check allergies and choose toppings suitable for children's ages.

24. Try Christmas Jumper Colour-by-Number Sheets

Colour-by-number activities combine art and early maths.

Draw a jumper design containing numbered sections.

Assign a colour to each number, such as red for one, green for two and blue for three.

Children then colour each section according to the instructions.

Younger children can use a smaller selection of numbers, while older children try more detailed designs.

Learning benefit: Encourages number recognition, concentration and pencil control.

Tip: Use large, simple sections for preschool children.

25. Make a Christmas Jumper Kindness Wall

Christmas Jumper Day provides an opportunity to talk about kindness and helping other people.

Create a large paper jumper and display it on a wall.

Give children paper stars or heart shapes.

Ask them to draw or write one kind thing they could do, such as helping a friend, sharing a toy or making a card for someone.

Attach the finished shapes to the jumper.

Learning benefit: Encourages empathy, communication and an understanding of kindness.

Planning tip: Keep examples age-appropriate and explain that kindness can take many forms.

26. Host a Christmas Jumper Quiz

A festive quiz is an easy activity for primary-school children and older family members.

Prepare questions about Christmas colours, winter animals, festive songs and seasonal traditions.

For younger children, use large pictures instead of written questions.

Divide older children into teams and give them time to discuss their answers.

Include a short round about the purpose of Christmas Jumper Day and how donations help others.

Learning benefit: Encourages listening, teamwork and general knowledge.

Tip: Use questions that children with different backgrounds and experiences can answer.

27. Make Christmas Jumper Awards and Certificates

A certificate-making activity can help finish a celebration on a positive note.

Give children paper certificates or large rosette templates to decorate.

They can create awards with titles such as:

• Colourful Jumper Award
• Creative Designer Award
• Kindness Star
• Helpful Friend Award
• Great Team Player Award

Encourage children to recognise effort, kindness and creativity rather than expensive clothing.

Learning benefit: Encourages appreciation, creative expression and social interaction.

Tip: Give every child recognition for taking part, whether or not they wore a festive jumper.

28. Organise a Christmas Jumper Day Charity Bake Sale

A charity bake sale can help children understand the fundraising purpose behind Christmas Jumper Day.

Families or staff can prepare suitable baked goods to sell at a school, nursery or community event.

Children can help make posters, organise a display or count totals with adult supervision.

Explain that the money collected will support the chosen fundraising campaign.

Learning benefit: Encourages teamwork, simple money skills and an understanding of charitable giving.

Planning tip: Follow the school's food and fundraising policies, check allergies and provide clear ingredient labels. Avoid making families feel obliged to bake, buy or donate.

29. Enjoy a Sponsored Christmas Jumper Walk

A short festive walk can combine outdoor activity with fundraising.

Choose a suitable route around a school playground, local park or other safe area.

Children can wear their jumpers with appropriate winter clothing and take part in a gentle walk.

Older children may enjoy counting laps or recording how far the group travels.

Families can make optional donations if the event is being organised as a fundraiser.

Learning benefit: Encourages movement, cooperation and awareness of helping others.

Safety tip: Check the weather, choose an accessible route and ensure children stay warm and supervised. Wearing a Christmas jumper shouldn't replace a suitable coat in cold weather.

30. Finish with a Christmas Jumper Singalong and Thank-You Celebration

End Christmas Jumper Day with a cheerful group singalong.

Choose familiar festive songs and invite children to sing, clap, dance or join using simple movements.

Afterwards, gather everyone together and thank them for taking part.

You can display the paper jumpers, certificates and artwork created throughout the day.

If your school or group has collected donations, share the total once it has been checked.

Learning benefit: Encourages shared enjoyment, listening and communication.

Tip: Keep participation voluntary and give children who dislike singing or loud sounds a quieter way to join.

What Is Christmas Jumper Day and When Is It in 2026?

Christmas Jumper Day is an annual fundraising event organised by Save the Children.

Schools, nurseries, workplaces, families and community groups take part by wearing Christmas jumpers and making donations if they can.

The official date for Christmas Jumper Day 2026 is Thursday 10 December.

Organisers can choose another day if that works better for their group.

Save the Children provides materials for participating schools and families, including posters, classroom activities, quizzes and fundraising resources.

You don't have to buy a new Christmas jumper to join. Reusing an old jumper, swapping clothes or wearing something colourful are affordable alternatives.

Best Christmas Jumper Day Activities for Different Ages

Choose activities that suit children's abilities and attention spans.

These are flexible suggestions rather than fixed developmental targets.

Some children enjoy busy group games, while others prefer quieter crafts or storytelling. Provide choices and let children participate in ways that feel comfortable.

How to Organise Christmas Jumper Day at School or Nursery

Planning a Christmas Jumper Day celebration doesn't need to involve an entire day of activities.

Choose a few ideas that suit the number of children, available space and time.

Sample Christmas Jumper Day Schedule

This timetable is only an example. Schools can spread the activities throughout the day, while nurseries may prefer shorter sessions with breaks.

Keep Fundraising Simple and Inclusive

If you're taking part in Save the Children's official campaign, follow its registration and donation arrangements.

The charity suggests a typical donation of £1 for children, but families can contribute what they can afford.

Children should still be able to participate when their families cannot donate or provide a festive jumper.

Reuse clothing, provide paper crafts and make the event welcoming to children who don't celebrate Christmas.

Prepare Materials in Advance

Organise the paper jumper templates, crayons, soft play equipment and any game supplies before children arrive.

Set up separate spaces for active games and quiet activities when possible.

Keep a few spare worksheets available for children who finish early.

Christmas Jumper Day Safety Tips for Parents and Teachers

Festive clothing and decorations should remain comfortable and suitable for children's activities.

• Avoid loose attachments: Small bells, pins, beads and detachable decorations can create choking or catching hazards.
• Keep batteries away from children: Avoid light-up jumpers with easily accessible batteries, particularly around toddlers.
• Choose comfortable clothing: Make sure children can sit, walk, play and use the toilet without difficulty.
• Supervise arts and crafts: Adults should handle sharp scissors, hot glue and any sewing equipment.
• Check food allergies: Follow nursery or school food policies when planning biscuit decorating or bake sales.
• Keep movement games safe: Clear obstacles, avoid slippery floors and provide seated alternatives where needed.
• Consider sensory needs: Some children may prefer soft clothing, lower music volume or a quieter activity area.
• Dress for winter weather: Add appropriate layers and coats for outdoor walks.

A simple jumper with a festive picture is often more suitable for active young children than an outfit with heavy or dangling decorations.

Enjoy Festive Family Time at Jungle World Park

For families in Leyland, Preston, Blackpool and nearby areas, Jungle World Park offers indoor play throughout the year.

Its Leyland and Blackpool centres provide age-appropriate play zones for babies, toddlers and older children.

Families can choose from regular soft play sessions, and both centres advertise disability-friendly sessions with adjustments such as reduced music and lighting changes.

A visit can make a welcome change after a busy school celebration, especially when children want an opportunity to play and move around indoors.

For more festive outings in the local area, see our guide to things to do in Leyland with kids during the Christmas holidays.

If you're organising a separate children's celebration, you can also view the Jungle World Leyland party packages.

Final Thoughts

Christmas Jumper Day is about more than colourful clothing. It's an opportunity for children to enjoy festive activities, spend time together and learn how small acts of kindness can help others.

From jumper decorating and Christmas games to fundraising challenges and indoor family outings, these 30 Christmas Jumper Day activities for kids offer choices for different ages, abilities and budgets.

You don't need expensive supplies or a packed schedule. Choose a few activities that suit your children, reuse materials where possible and keep the celebration welcoming to everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is Christmas Jumper Day in 2026?

Save the Children's official Christmas Jumper Day takes place on Thursday 10 December 2026. Schools, nurseries, workplaces and families can choose another date if needed. Participants usually wear festive jumpers and make an optional donation to support the charity's work.

2. What are the easiest Christmas Jumper Day activities for kids?

Jumper colouring, Christmas Jumper Bingo, musical statues, Santa Says and festive story time are easy activities to organise. Most need only paper, colouring supplies or music. They work well for schools, nurseries and families with limited time or budgets.

3. What can children wear if they don't have a Christmas jumper?

Children can wear an ordinary colourful jumper, a festive T-shirt or comfortable clothes they already own. Families can also swap or reuse older jumpers. A new outfit isn't required to take part in Christmas Jumper Day activities or fundraising.

4. How can schools raise money on Christmas Jumper Day?

Schools can invite optional donations, organise a charity bake sale, arrange a sponsored walk or run simple festive games. Save the Children provides fundraising materials and activity resources. Schools should follow their fundraising and safeguarding policies and avoid placing financial pressure on families.

5. Are Christmas Jumper Day activities suitable for toddlers?

Yes. Toddlers can enjoy large paper jumper colouring, gentle music, simple colour matching, story time and supervised movement games. Choose age-appropriate materials and avoid small decorations, loose buttons and accessible batteries. Keep activities short and allow children to join at their own pace.

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