The best Christmas campaigns of 2025

Christmas is a time for giving. Research from the Charities Aid Foundation shows that over half of the public say they always or usually donate to charity over the festive period. This is higher than the 34% of people who regularly give to charities throughout the rest of the year.

 

The charity sector has experienced a difficult few years. So it’s fantastic to see that, in 2025, the Big Give’s Christmas Challenge has a record number (1,589) of charities involved that will benefit from public donations and matched giving. These include organisations such as Prostate Cancer UK, Maggie’s Centres, and the Refugee Council.

 

 

Spotlight on stroke

 

In 2025, another 85,000 people will face their first Christmas after a stroke.

 

The Stroke Association has produced a powerful film that puts a spotlight on the reality of surviving a stroke and how it affects Christmas. It shares stroke survivors’ experiences of facing their first Christmas after a stroke.

 

The film features supporters of the charity, including actors Brian Cox and Alison Steadman OBE, and comedian Nish Kumar. The film is encouraging the public to donate to the Stroke Association, which provides vital support to people affected by stroke.

 

The landing page shares the findings of a survey with 1,000 stroke survivors about what it’s like to face Christmas with a stroke. The survey found that three in 10 stroke survivors feel they are a burden to their family and friends at Christmastime and two thirds (66%) feel frustrated they’re not able to do the things they could before their stroke. These are strong statistics that show the public why their support is needed.

 

 

Rehoming a donkey

 

This Christmas, the Donkey Sanctuary is asking supporters to give donkeys in need a safe and loving home. Some people may not automatically think of animals at Christmas or might not understand what’s involved in homing a donkey that goes into care. So, the charity explains the process it takes to home a donkey, from working patiently with each animal to understand their emotional and physical challenges, to carrying out home visits when donkeys are placed with guardians.

 

The web page for the appeal has a powerful video that shows the difference the charity is making to the lives of donkeys. It also includes written case studies about donkeys that have been rehomed.

 

 

Donating presents

 

Each year, The Salvation Army encourages supporters to donate gifts to people experiencing financial hardship. The Christmas Present Appeal collects donated presents which are then distributed through the Salvation Army churches and centres, and some Tesco stores, across the UK. The presents are given to families whose children may not otherwise receive a gift at Christmas.

 

The landing page for the appeal has suggested items to donate for specific age groups and frequently asked questions to help people get involved.

 

 

A special message for children in hospital

 

Sadly, not all children will get to hang a stocking up at home this Christmas. Instead, they’ll be spending the festive period at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH).

 

In 2025, the charity is running its annual Stocking Message Appeal. It calls on the public to donate and leave a special message for children, their families and staff at GOSH. These messages are being displayed in the hospital during the festive season.

 

The appeal uses storytelling to inspire the public to donate. It includes a powerful film that shows what supporters’ donations are doing to help bring a little bit of joy and hope to those in GOSH at Christmas time.

 

 

Christmas jumpers

 

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day. It’s one of the charity’s biggest fundraisers of the calendar – and it’s easy to see why. It has mass appeal with both children and adults getting involved.

 

In 2024, the campaign raised £2.8 million. The charity makes it easy for schools, companies and community groups to take part in the day and raise money, including sending resources such as posters and ideas for activities.

 

 

Providing warmth at Christmas

 

The cost-of-living crisis and financial hardship has only got worse in 2025.

 

Crisis says that over 300,000 families and individuals across Great Britain are now experiencing homelessness, including rough sleeping, sofa surfing, and staying in unsuitable temporary accommodation, like B&Bs. Rough sleeping in England has increased by 91% since 2021, according to the charity.

 

One of the most well-known Christmas campaigns, the Crisis at Christmas appeal has been running since 1967. It calls on people to donate and volunteer their time to provide companionship and vital services to people who are homeless at Christmas. The landing page for this year’s campaign features a video with people who have been supported by Crisis at Christmas, volunteers, and staff.