A glittering cast of famous faces has teamed up to support Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day, which returns on Thursday 11th December 2025, turning second-hand festive fashion into life-changing impact for children.
Getting behind the festive fundraiser are podcasters Sam Thompson and Pete Wicks, actors Suranne Jones, Zawe Ashton and Angela Griffin, comedian Josh Widdicombe, singers Leona Lewis and Claire Richards and broadcasters Amanda Holden, Katie Piper and Christine Lampard. They join Save the Children Ambassadors, made up of actor Ashley Jensen, comedian Dom Joly, musician Myleene Klass and the charity’s newest Ambassador TV medic Dr. Raj Arora, who are also urging the nation to don their favourite pre-loved pullovers and join in the merriment!
They're accompanied by TV presenter Alison Hammond, actor Joe Swash, paralympian Ade Adepitan, comedian Jen Brister, influencer Olivia Bowen and Olympian Noah Williams who are also rallying the public to dig out their best second-hand knits and spread the festive cheer.
Christmas Jumper Day, which is returning for a fourteenth year, sees schools, workplaces and groups of friends and families adorn themselves in their wackiest woolies for the day, whilst raising money for Save the Children. Since it launched in 2012, the festive fundraiser has raised over £40 million to help transform the lives of children both in the UK and around the world to stay safe, healthy and learning.
Ahead of the big day, the stars shared their tree-mendous traditions and tips on how to get involved with their jolly jerseys in a sustainable way this Christmas Jumper Day:
Sam Thompson said: "Growing up, Christmas was always a really magical, beautiful time and I still love the cosiness of that time of year. Every year we like to do a puzzle and watch Dr Who together as a family. I used to help my mum with the tree and the cooking but then one year she told me I 'ruined Christmas' as I burnt the potatoes!
“It’s really sad to think that so many children around the world are being robbed of those joyful moments and memories like I was lucky enough to have at Christmas. The good news is, you can help – all you need to do is throw on your best festive sweater and donate to Save the Children.”
Pete Wicks said: “As much as I hate Christmas, the fun and silliness of it is really needed in the world right now. There are so many kids around the world facing really tough times and if you’re able to help in some small way, like donating to Save the Children, do it. Life is all about random acts of kindness. The more you do, the better it gets.”
Pete shared his favourite Christmas tradition is “A curry with the dogs.”
Pete added: “I like vintage clothing, you can get some really lovely pieces. It’s all about being sustainable isn’t it.”
Leona Lewis said: “The thing I love most about Christmas is simply being with my family. I’m often away travelling and touring, so Christmas is the one time we can all come together and just enjoy each other’s company. Building those core memories with my daughter is so important to me.
“My favourite childhood Christmas memories are all based around music. I just love those joyful, up-tempo songs that instantly make you feel festive. These days, I’m up at the crack of dawn with my little one. My husband makes a lovely breakfast, then we open presents with Coco before I spend most of the day cooking with my mum, preparing Christmas lunch. Later on, when the kids are happy, the grown-ups open their gifts too.
“I’m supporting Save the Children because there are so many children around the world who need protecting, and they need us to speak up for them when they can’t. Since becoming a mother, I feel that even more deeply – seeing how much my daughter relies on me makes me think of all the children who don’t have that safety and support. Taking part in Christmas Jumper Day is a really fun and easy way to support this vital work - plus, it’s the perfect opportunity to get your children involved by upcycling jumpers as a family.”
Amanda Holden said: “Christmas Jumper Day is not only fun but can help raise funds for the brilliant Save the Children. You can sign up online and organise a fun event in your workplace, school, community - or just a group of friends. Every penny counts and I’m joining in the fun this year to help children in the UK and all around the world stay safe, healthy and educated for the future.”
Katie Piper said: “I love Christmas Jumper Day – it's such a fun, feel-good way to support an important cause. I adore seeing people of all ages getting involved, whether it’s the most outrageous jumper or something simple and sweet. I’ve got a red sequin jumper I’ve had for years, it’s so sparkly and festive, and I bring it out every December without fail. I also love a cosy second-hand knit I found in a charity shop years ago. It’s become a bit of a tradition in itself to wear it each year.
“This year, more than ever, children across the world are facing unimaginable challenges, conflict, poverty, displacement, and the impact of climate disasters. Christmas is a time of giving and hope, and I believe we all have a role to play in making sure every child has the chance to feel safe, valued, and supported. Donating to Save the Children helps bring that hope to life, it gives children access to education, healthcare, and protection. It’s a powerful way to spread love and make a real difference.”
Suranne Jones said: “If I’m filming on Christmas Jumper Day, I always make sure we have a jumper competition - I’ve got so many photos from past shoots of the crew in crazy sweaters. The best ones always come from charity shops. My dad loved Christmas jumpers because he would go down the pub and wear them with his mates – so when he passed away, he left us with an amazing collection.
“This year has been awful for so many children around the world. Save the Children is doing vital work to ensure children both locally in the UK and internationally get the help they deserve. If you can support, even little amounts can make a huge difference – you could host a Christmas Jumper Day competition at work like me. It’s a real highlight of my calendar and a great way to raise money while having some fun with your workmates.”
Josh Widdicombe said: “It’s difficult to narrow down what I like about Christmas. When you’ve got kids, you just enjoy their reactions to everything. Their joy, their belief in the magic of it all, seeing them experience Christmas in the same way you experienced it at their age is the best thing by a distance. Also, I get to slow down during the Christmas period because I don’t need to work.
“Some of the images we’ve seen this year of children in conflict and disaster zones have been absolutely shocking. We should never accept that this is just the world we’re living in and become de-sensitised to it. People say Christmas is a time for family and that’s fine if your family is with you, if you have a home, or access to clean running water and food. Sadly, so many people don’t. That’s why Christmas Jumper Day matters – it’s a chance to give back and support children who are living without the things we so often take for granted.”
Claire Richards said: “I’ve been known to be quite extra when it comes to Christmas - I often have at least two Christmas trees to enjoy over the festive season. I remember once I had a tree up for the whole year – it was white and disco ball themed and in my head it could pass outside of Christmas, so I just went with it. I also have two six-foot Nutcrackers that sit either side of my front door and play Christmas tunes and I made a wreath with brightly coloured pom poms for the door. So even if I don’t have time to decorate inside, when I come home it still feels very festive.
“Christmas is such a special time for kids – it’s a chance to bring some magic into their lives. But it also makes you think about children around the world who are going without the bare basics and are being forced to grow up so much quicker than they should have to. That’s why Christmas Jumper Day means so much – by simply wearing a festive jumper and donating what you can, you’ll be helping children both here and further afield.”
Zawe Ashton said: “Christmas jumpers are a big part of my Christmas tradition. I try and get new novelty jumpers for my family every year, or at the very least get everyone to recycle their faves. I always try and buy second-hand and everyone will of course have to donate to Save the Children this year. My best find has been a light-up Arsenal Christmas jumper for my dad, it was pretty iconic. If you think you’re going to be wearing something fab at my house at Christmas, think again – it’s novelty jumpers all round.”
“Becoming a parent has deepened my awareness of keeping children’s tenderness and ability to create and dream for as long as possible. There are so many children suffering around the world who are unable to retain that childlike innocence which should be their absolute right. That’s why I’m supporting Save the Children – all children deserve to dream. If you’re not fighting for children, then you’re not fighting for the future.”
Dr. Raj Arora said: “I’m a West Midlands girl from a traditional Punjabi family, so Christmas in our house has always been a busy family celebration with a South Asian twist. Food was always at the centre – my grandma would start the day with a proper Indian breakfast, then we’d all pitch in to cook a classic roast, and finally finish with a traditional Indian dessert. Our Christmas table was always a real mix of both cultures.
“I’ve always loved the spirit of Christmas and the way it brings people together, but it also reminds me how fortunate we are to have family, warmth and food on the table. As a doctor and a mum of two young children, it really moves me to see children suffering and going without those basic things. We need to care for the world’s children as if they were our own. Whatever we can give – big or small – can offer a little hope. And Christmas Jumper Day is a wonderful way to show that support.”
Alison Hammond said: “For the past couple of years, I’ve been flat out doing panto, but this Christmas, I’ve got a proper break! Usually, I spend the day at my sister’s place – she’s the queen of roast dinners. I’ll be honest, I fully take advantage and crash on the sofa while she whips up the most amazing meal. After such a full-on year, having a day to properly relax feels like the ultimate treat.”
“We’ve got a little Christmas Day tradition going on in our family. We open a few pressies in the morning, tuck into lunch, and then unwrap the rest later on. It’s a great way to keep the excitement going all day! There’s always a bit of charades, a lot of snoozing once we’ve eaten, and plenty of festive telly. And the King’s speech? My son never misses it – it’s become one of his favourites.”
“I absolutely love Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day – it’s such a fun way to do some good! And it’s so simple to take part. If your December’s jam-packed like mine, just pop to your nearest charity shop and grab a fabulous pre-loved jumper. Every bit raised goes towards helping children in the UK and around the world stay safe, healthy and learning. So come on babes, get involved and sign up now!”
Angela Griffin said: “What don’t I love about Christmas! I love the food, I love the family, I love the getting together, I love that it’s one of the only times when the creative industry actually shuts down so I don’t have to work. Every year we host at my house and my mum, my dad and my kids come over - I dread the day they say they’re not coming home for Christmas but so far so good!
“Everyone is very aware of the conflicts that are going on around the world at the moment and one thing is clear: children are paying the heaviest price. They must be our first thought and concern. It can feel like there's little we can do but by fundraising for Save the Children you’re making a genuine difference to children across the globe.”
Joe Swash said: “Christmas Day at my house is always chaos but most importantly, it’s full of love, laughter and excitement.
“I’m supporting Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day because, having kids myself, I know how important it is for children to feel safe, protected and supported. Anything we can do to help raise money so children all over the world can experience these basic rights is something I’m all for. You don’t even need a new jumper to get involved – grab any old thing from your cupboard and spruce it up with some tinsel or baubles. Job’s a good ’un!”
Myleene Klass said: “Christmas Day in casa Klass starts very early, with my littlest one waking us all up in excitement for the big day. There is wrapping paper everywhere and lots of discussions about who does and who doesn’t eat Brussel sprouts.
“We have a great Christmas tradition in our house, involving Father Christmas. Once he has dropped off all the presents, I put wrapping paper in front of the living room door, which the children then tear through - creating an adorable photo. There’s now a competition of who can race down the stairs the fastest to burst the paper first, which I always try to win.
“I have been a Save the Children ambassador for over 13 years and have seen the incredible work they do both in the UK and across the world – most recently in Colombia last year. With so many crises occurring globally, it can often leave you feeling helpless and overwhelmed. That’s why I love supporting Christmas Jumper Day. It’s such an easy and fun way to get involved and know you’re doing something important that will help make a difference to someone’s life. Whether it’s a bake sale at school or work, or just wearing your wackiest woolly and donating a couple of pounds to Save the Children, you could be helping give children around the world a happy and healthy start to their lives.”
Ashley Jensen said: “Christmas Day in our house is very much a doggy-friendly Christmas, with my dogs Lloyd and Amber causing mayhem as they rip the wrapping paper off the presents, play with it and run around the house creating a trail of mess behind them. It’s also a time to eat food we never usually have during the rest of the year or really like. In my family, it’s the Brussel sprout. Personally I love them. Nobody in my family likes them, but I don’t like food going to waste so I always make sure they eat them.
“I’m supporting Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day again this year because it’s a fun way for everyone to get involved and do some good. All you have to do is don a silly second-hand festive jumper and donate as much or as little as you can. I believe that every child deserves a safe and happy childhood and the smallest amount can help make a difference to children both in this country and around the world.”
Ade Adepitan said: “Christmas Day at my house is all about family. I like it when all the aunts, uncles and kids come together and there’s lots of eating and drinking – it’s all about the good vibes. And if it snows outside, that’s a bonus.
“I love decorating the tree with my son. We have a massive collection of baubles and tinsel, and we make a big moment of turning the lights on. That’s when it really starts to feel like Christmas.
“I’m supporting Christmas Jumper Day because the work that Save the Children does is so important. Life is tough for many children who go without the love and support that is so vital in childhood, and we’re lucky to have a charity which is making sure children from across the world are safe and supported.”
Dom Joly said: “I’m an ex-goth so I can be quite grumpy around Christmas time, but some festive traditions have creeped in over the years. It doesn’t feel like Christmas unless I have a tube of my favourite biscuits, chocolate Bath Olivers, which are so rare these days that my wife has to drive halfway across the country to find them. I also take my two black Labradors on a walk around the park on Christmas Day – they both have special Christmas collars that flash and look very festive.
“I’ve been to see the incredible work that Save the Children is doing to support children and families on the ground in Ukraine. In areas of conflict all around the world, the charity is working tirelessly to ensure children still have access to food, education, and a modicum of structure in a world that has often been ripped apart. Christmas Jumper Day is such a simple way of supporting this vital work – I’d urge everyone, even Christmas grumps like me, to get involved if you can.”
Jen Brister said: “Because I’m half Spanish, we have a big occasion on Christmas Eve. I make paella and lots of little tapas, and my children will be given a new pair of Christmas pyjamas which they will proudly model around the house.
“I’m getting involved in Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day because I think that every child has the right to a happy future, and I would love to give every child in the world the same opportunities that I am very fortunate to give my own. You can also support the planet while you’re at it by re-purposing an old jumper or buying something vintage – it’s what Attenborough would want after all.”
Olivia Bowen said: “I love Christmas Jumper Day, because it’s a great excuse to put on a silly jumper and raise money for an amazing cause. All you need to do is have fun, find a second-hand jumper and remember to donate as much as you can to support children here in the UK and all around the world!”
Noah Williams said: “I’m really lucky to have parents who always supported me throughout my childhood and diving career. After an amazing couple of years, I want to continue doing what I can to support children around the world who haven’t been as fortunate. Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day is such a simple way of doing that. You don’t need to buy something new to take part, you can jazz up an old jumper with any Olympic medals or tinsel you have lying around!”
Sign up your school, workplace or friend and family group to get your free fundraising pack brimming with creative ideas to help make the most of the day. Then on the big day, grab your favourite second-hand jumper and donate what you can to Save the Children to help children in the UK and around the world stay safe, healthy and learning.
For more details visit christmasjumperday.org
Notes to Editors
For press enquiries please contact:
· Lyndsey White – [email protected]
· [email protected] / 020 7012 6841
About Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day
Christmas Jumper Day is one of Save the Children's biggest annual fundraising events. It's been going since 2012!
Every December we ask schools, workplaces, and community and friend groups to put on a Christmas jumper and donate whatever they can afford. And every year, millions of you join us in making the world better in a sweater.
By taking part this year you can help support kids and families who are having to deal with an increasingly volatile world. We'll use the money raised on Christmas Jumper Day to help children in the UK and all around the world stay safe, healthy and learning - and change their future for good.
Find out more and sign up at www.christmasjumperday.org
About Save the Children:
Save the Children exists to create lasting change for and with children. In more than 100 countries including the UK, we make sure children stay safe, healthy and learning, and change the future for good. We find new ways to reach children, no matter where they’re growing up. For a century, we’ve stood up for children’s rights and made sure their voices are heard.
For more information visit www.savethechildren.org.uk