Published on: 09 December 2024

Organising a school Christmas fair can be exciting but it’s not without its challenges. Coming up with fun, safe and inclusive ideas for stalls or fundraising activities while factoring in risk assessments, budgets and insurance can leave you feeling less like a jolly elf and more like The Grinch! But help is at hand - our guide is here to sprinkle a little festive inspiration over your fair this Christmas.

From creative handmade crafts to traditional activities loved by young and old, we've got you covered this December. 

Christmas school fair ideas 

Arts and crafts stalls 

Handmade items such as decorations or personalise baubles always prove very popular at Christmas school fairs. Simply set up a station with plain baubles, glitter, glue and metallic markers where children can come up with their own creations. Clay decorations like stars or bells are another favourite, along with miniature felt wreaths crafted from colourful snippets and ribbons. 

For something a bit different, why not offer pet accessories like handmade dog toys using fleece material? Seasonal hair scrunchies and accessories made from festive fabrics can also be a hit with older pupils.  


Traditional fair activities
 

Not every stall or activity has to have a festive theme. Traditional fair activities such as face painting, tombolas, beanbag-throwing or ‘Hook a Duck’ are popular, whatever the season. It’s also a great opportunity for older pupils to man the stalls and practise handling money. 

Eco-friendly options 

With sustainability in mind, consider a pre-loved or second-hand stall where pupils are encouraged to bring in toys, books or clothes. You can also have ‘upcycling’ competitions for pupils where they take old furniture, clothes or cushions and restore or repurpose them, ready to showcase on a stall.  

Gift services 

The concept of 'Elfridges' has become increasingly popular in recent years - a service where children can choose and wrap gifts for friends or family members, with items typically ranging from 50p to £5 in price. Adding a gift-wrapping station for purchased items can also help generate more income. 

Top tips for a successful Christmas fair or stall 

  • Keep prices pocket-money friendly to encourage multiple purchases. 

  • Encourage local businesses to sponsor the fair or contribute raffle prizes. 

  • Be mindful of overcrowding. Christmas fairs are very popular and school halls can typically only accommodate a certain amount of people at a time. 

  • Have festive music playing throughout the event to keep the atmosphere suitably Christmassy. 

  • Sell Christmas-themed food and drink that is suitable for all ages, e.g. hot chocolate, gingerbread biscuits, mince pies and stollen.   

  • Have lots of small change available. 

  • Advertise your Christmas fair weeks in advance. People are often very busy over the festive period so giving them plenty of notice can help them factor your event into their plans.

Public liability insurance for Christmas fairs 

In all the excitement of planning your school Christmas fair, it can be easy to forget about insurance (never the most festive of topics!) but ensuring your event is covered can give you peace of mind on the day. 

At Events Insurance Services, we offer the following policies:  

Public liability insurance for stallholders – covers accidental bodily injury which occurs to a member of the public, or accidental damage to third party property, as long as it is proven to be as a result of your negligence in connection with the Christmas fair. 

Employers Insurance - provides cover for your legal liability to pay damages, claimants costs and expenses which arise as a result of an injury to anyone you employ at your event (paid or unpaid) including temporary staff, volunteers or helpers.  

Event Equipment Insurance - provides accidental damage, loss or theft cover for the stock, stand and additional event equipment you are legally responsible for (i.e. hired, leased or owned) throughout the duration of the school Christmas fair. 

Speak to Event Insurance Services today 

If you’re planning to host a Christmas fair, craft fair or stall at a school, we are here to help. Contact us today to find out how Event Insurance Services can help give you that little extra peace of mind this festive season.  

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