How to Organize a Community Holiday Party Fundraiser

A holiday party fundraiser is a fantastic way to celebrate the festive season while bringing the community together for a good cause. Whether it’s for a specific holiday like Christmas, Hanukkah, or New Year, adding live entertainment can make the event even more special. This guide will help you organize a successful community holiday party that features entertainment as the highlight, all while raising funds for your cause.

What You’ll Need:

  • A venue that suits the size of the audience and holiday-themed decor

  • Entertainment (e.g., a comedy hypnotist, magician, carolers, or a band)

  • Volunteers to assist with setup, ticket sales, and activities

  • Promotional materials to attract attendees

  • Fundraising activities to maximize donations

  • A timeline for planning (at least 2-3 months)

Choosing the Entertainment

Selecting the right entertainment is essential to make your holiday party memorable. Here are some things to consider:

  • Holiday-Themed Entertainment: Choose entertainment that fits the holiday spirit. Carolers, a festive comedy hypnosis show, or a holiday magic act can set the right mood for your event.

  • Interactive Elements: Entertainment that involves the audience, like a comedy hypnosis show or a sing-along, can create a fun and festive atmosphere.

  • Family-Friendly: Ensure the entertainment is appropriate for all ages so that families can enjoy the event together.

Incorporating Fundraising Activities

Adding fundraising activities throughout your holiday event can help maximize the funds raised. Here are some ideas:

1. Ticket Sales and VIP Packages

  • General Admission: Set an appropriate ticket price to encourage as many people as possible to attend. Offer discounts for early ticket purchases.

  • VIP Packages: Sell VIP tickets that include perks like front-row seating, exclusive refreshments, or a holiday-themed gift bag. VIP tickets add value and help raise additional funds.

2. Raffles and Silent Auctions

  • Raffle Tickets: Sell raffle tickets for a chance to win holiday-themed prizes, such as gift baskets, handmade decorations, or gift cards from local businesses.

  • Silent Auction: Hold a silent auction for items like holiday decorations, donated goods, or local services. Announce the auction results at the end of the entertainment to keep excitement high.

3. Concessions and Merchandise

  • Concessions: Sell holiday-themed snacks and drinks. Items like hot cocoa, cookies, and cider can create a cozy atmosphere. The Gypsy Queen Food Truck could be a festive addition, offering items like hot chocolate, mini donuts, and other treats, with a portion of sales going to the fundraiser.

  • Holiday Merchandise: Sell items such as ornaments, holiday cards, or branded merchandise. If the entertainer has merchandise, offer it for sale with a percentage of proceeds going to the cause.

4. Games and Activities

  • Holiday Games: Organize games like “Guess the Number of Candies” in a jar, or a “Holiday Bingo.” Charge a small fee to participate, and offer prizes for winners.

  • Photo Booth: Set up a holiday-themed photo booth where families and friends can take festive pictures. Charge a small fee per photo or offer packages for digital and printed photos.

Securing Sponsors

Sponsors can help offset costs and boost your overall fundraising amount. Here’s how to attract sponsors for your holiday party:

  • Local Businesses: Approach local businesses and offer sponsorship opportunities. Provide recognition through banners, mentions during the event, and their logo on promotional materials.

  • Sponsored Activities: Allow businesses to sponsor specific activities, such as the photo booth or raffle. This gives them visibility and helps cover event costs.

Promoting the Event

Effective promotion is essential to ensure a successful turnout for your holiday party fundraiser. Here are some strategies:

  • Social Media: Use social media to create event pages, share updates, and generate excitement. Post festive content, including teasers about the entertainment and holiday activities.

  • Community Groups: Promote through local community groups, schools, and churches. Highlight the charitable aspect of the event and the entertainment to attract more attendees.

  • Flyers and Posters: Place flyers and posters in community centers, schools, local businesses, and other high-traffic areas. Include key details such as the event date, time, ticket prices, and entertainment lineup.

Event Timeline

Here’s a suggested timeline to help you stay organized while planning your holiday party fundraiser:

  • 3 Months Before: Secure the venue and book entertainment. Reach out to potential sponsors and start planning additional fundraising activities.

  • 2 Months Before: Begin promoting the event through social media, flyers, and newsletters. Finalize the list of fundraising activities.

  • 1 Month Before: Assign volunteer roles, confirm sponsor commitments, and start selling tickets. Order any merchandise or concessions you need.

  • 1 Week Before: Confirm logistics with vendors, entertainers, and volunteers. Make sure all promotional materials are distributed.

During the Event

On the day of the event, it’s important to keep everything running smoothly to maximize fundraising potential:

  • Set Up the Venue: Decorate the venue with holiday-themed decorations. Arrange tables, chairs, raffle stations, concession stands, and merchandise stalls. Make sure everything is accessible and festive.

  • Engage the Audience: Have the entertainer or a host engage the audience, mentioning fundraising activities such as raffles and auctions throughout the event.

  • Donation Appeal: Make a heartfelt appeal during a high point of the event, such as after a popular entertainment act, to encourage additional donations.

After the Event

After the event, it’s important to follow up with everyone involved:

  • Thank Guests and Sponsors: Send thank-you notes to attendees, sponsors, and volunteers. Let them know how much their support means and how the funds raised will make a difference.

  • Share Results: Post event highlights on social media, including photos, videos, and the total amount raised. This helps build trust and encourages participation in future events.

  • Evaluate the Event: Meet with your team to evaluate what worked well and what could be improved for future holiday fundraisers.


By incorporating festive entertainment, a variety of fundraising activities, and effective promotion, you can create a holiday party fundraiser that is both successful and enjoyable for all. Use this guide to plan an event that spreads holiday cheer while making a positive impact on your community.