Christmas Jumper Day ideas for adults and kids

Christmas Jumper Day is the one day a year when wearing a reindeer with a flashing nose to work or school is actively encouraged. It’s run by Save the Children, and the idea is simple: wear something festive, make a donation to Save the Children and have a bit of fun with friends, family or colleagues. Here are our favourite ideas for adults and kids, from shop-bought classics to DIY jumpers that cost next to nothing.

When is Christmas Jumper Day?

It usually falls on a Thursday in December, but the exact date changes each year. For the 2026 date, check Save the Children’s website, which also has fundraising packs for schools and workplaces. Your school or office might also pick its own day to fit around the Christmas timetable, so it’s worth asking.

Why take part? The money raised helps Save the Children’s work with children in the UK and around the world, and it’s a lovely excuse to get people together in the run-up to Christmas Day.

Funny jumper ideas for adults

If you’re going to wear a novelty jumper, you might as well go all in. These get the most laughs in the office:

• The 3D hairy chest: a printed bare chest with a tinsel or fluffy detail. Daft, harmless and always a hit.
• Pun jumpers: “Sleigh all day”, “Yule be sorry”, “Santa to the pub”. The cheesier the better.
• Light-up jumpers: LED trees, reindeer or flashing lights. Brilliant on a grey December afternoon.
• Costume-style jumpers: printed elf, Santa or snowman outfits that look like fancy dress but feel like a sweatshirt.

Browse our men’s Christmas jumpers for more funny prints and knits.

Cosy and classic festive knitwear

Not everyone wants a joke on their chest. A proper knitted Fair Isle or snowflake design looks smart enough for meetings and you’ll wear it all winter.

A quick word on buying. Most budget festive jumpers are acrylic, which is warm and cheap but can bobble after a few washes and get sweaty in a heated office. Cotton-mix sweatshirts breathe better. Novelty sizing is all over the place, so read the measurements rather than trusting S, M or L, and if you’re between sizes, go up. Wash inside out on a cool cycle and dry flat, and a decent jumper will see you through plenty of Decembers.

Our women’s Christmas jumpers include knitted reindeer, snowflakes and oversized styles, and you’ll find everything in one place in our Christmas jumpers section.

Christmas Jumper Day ideas for kids

For school, comfort matters most. Kids will be sitting in class, running around at break and probably getting paint on it. A few tips:

• Choose a sweatshirt-style jumper over chunky wool, which can get itchy and hot in a warm classroom.
• Light-up jumpers are a huge hit, but check the battery pack is secure and remove it before washing.
• Avoid jumpers with small sewn-on parts like pom-poms or bells for younger children, as they can come loose.
• Size up slightly so it fits over a school shirt and still fits next year.

See our full range of kids Christmas jumpers for more designs.

DIY Christmas jumper ideas

You don’t need to buy new. Some of the best DIY Christmas jumper ideas start with a plain jumper from the back of the wardrobe or a charity shop, and they’re kinder to the planet too. Try these:

1. Felt shapes: cut out a Christmas tree, snowman or reindeer face from felt and stitch or fabric-glue it on.
2. Tinsel trim: sew tinsel around the cuffs, neck and hem for instant sparkle.
3. Pom-pom snowman: three white pom-poms down the front, a felt hat and a scarf made from ribbon.
4. Bauble tree: a green felt triangle with mini plastic baubles or buttons sewn on.
5. Fabric paint: stencil snowflakes or a festive slogan. Let it dry fully before wearing.
6. Rudolph: a brown jumper, googly eyes, a red pom-pom nose and felt antlers at the shoulders.

How to get involved at school and work

Taking part is easy, and wearing your knit is the main event. A few extras help raise money for Save the Children and make the day more fun:

• Best jumper vote: everyone donates to vote for their favourite.
• Jumper swap: bring in old jumpers to swap, with a small donation per swap.
• Festive bake sale: mince pies, gingerbread and brownies with a sprinkle of icing sugar snow.
• Christmas quiz at lunch: a quick ten-question quiz with an entry donation.
• Decorate the office or classroom: pair the day with a bit of tinsel and a festive playlist.
• Share your photos: a group snap on social media helps spread the word. Ask before posting pictures of other people, and check the school’s rules on photos of children.

If your office is planning a full party later, our guide to office Christmas party costume ideas has team themes that build on the jumper idea. And if you want to add festive hats or headbands, have a look at our Christmas accessories.

Which jumper suits you?

Style	Best for	Wear it again?	Effort
Funny print	Office laughs	Christmas only	None
Light-up	Kids and party lovers	Each December	Low, remember the batteries
Fair Isle knit	Smart dressers	All winter	None
Costume-style	Fancy dress fans	Christmas parties	None
DIY decorated	Crafty families and budgets	Every year if well made	Medium
Charity-shop upcycle	Eco-minded wearers	Yes, and it saves waste	Medium

Want to turn your jumper into a proper outfit? Pair it with ideas from our Christmas fancy dress ideas guide.

Frequently asked questions

When is Christmas Jumper Day 2026?

It usually takes place on a Thursday in December, but the date changes each year. Check Save the Children’s website for the confirmed date. Some schools and workplaces choose their own day, so it’s worth checking locally too.

Do you have to donate on Christmas Jumper Day?

Donating is encouraged, as it’s a fundraiser for Save the Children, but there’s no set amount. Many schools suggest a small donation per child. Give what you can, and nobody should feel left out for not having a new jumper.

What can I wear if I don’t have a Christmas jumper?

Decorate a plain jumper with felt shapes, tinsel or safety-pinned decorations. A red or green top with a Santa hat or festive headband works too. Charity shops are also a good place for a cheap jumper to upcycle.

Are light-up Christmas jumpers safe for kids?

Generally yes, as long as the battery pack is secure and closed so little fingers can’t open it. Remove the light unit before washing. Avoid jumpers with small loose parts for younger children.