Christmas Jumper Day 2024: When is it and how can you celebrate?

Christmas Jumper Day is in aid of Save the Children (Getty Images)
Christmas Jumper Day is in aid of Save the Children (Getty Images)

Love them or hate them, Christmas jumpers have become a modern hallmark of the festive period. Whether you opt for a classic cheesy knit or something a bit more stylish, many are preparing to dust theirs off as Christmas – and Christmas jumper day – fast approach.

Christmas Jumper Day is a relatively new tradition to mark in your calendar but it has a real meaning behind it. Keep reading to learn when and why it is celebrated.

When is Christmas Jumper Day 2024?

The date of the day changes slightly every year. This year, it falls on Thursday December 12 – last year it was marked on December 7 and in 2022 December 8.

What is the meaning behind Christmas Jumper Day?

Although it is a special time of year for children and adults alike to get into the Christmas spirit, the day is so much more about jumpers. Since 2012, charity Save the Children has organised the day each year to encourage members of the public to raise money to support the charity’s mission of helping children facing war, hunger and poverty. Last year, £3 million was raised to help children in the UK and around the world, with over 1.5 million children and teachers and nearly 30,000 workplaces taking part. Celebrities including Helen Mirren, Kate Moss, Alison Hammond and Holly Willoughby have all got involved over the years.

Since 2012, the day has raised over £30 million for the charity.

How can I celebrate Christmas Jumper Day?

It’s pretty simple: wear a Christmas jumper to school, work or in the comfort of your own home – and donate £2 to Save the Children to support the charity’s work. To encourage sustainability, participants are encouraged to wear their existing jumpers, buy pre-owned or vintage options or even knit their own.

The charity’s website provides downloadable sources for those wishing to make the day as fun as possible. To receive them, you can sign up on the website when you donate.