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A Guide to Volunteering at Christmas

30 Oct 2025

The Christmas season is a time for giving, and for many, that means giving the gift of their time. Volunteering can be an incredibly rewarding way to make a difference in your community. If you're wondering where to volunteer for during the Christmas period, what kind of roles are available, and how to volunteer at Christmas, this guide will help you get started.

Where to Volunteer: Places to Volunteer at Christmas?

Several charities and local organisations are in need of volunteers during the festive season. The needs are particularly great for those who are homeless, elderly, or facing financial hardship. It’s always best to check what needs your local or chosen organisations have, but here’s some ideas to get you started. 

• Homeless shelters and food banks: Organisations like Crisis at Christmas and The Salvation Army run specific campaigns to provide a warm place to stay, hot meals, and companionship for people experiencing homelessness. Many local churches and night shelters also host special Christmas lunches.


• Charity shops: Charity shops, especially those run by larger organisations, are often busier than usual during the festive season. They need help with everything from sorting donations and stocking shelves to providing a friendly face for shoppers.


• Elderly support: For many older people, Christmas can be a time of acute loneliness. Charities like Age UK are always looking for volunteers to help with social events, make friendly phone calls, or simply spend time with isolated individuals.


• Children's charities: Numerous charities, such as Action for Children and The Salvation Army, run toy and present appeals. They need volunteers to help with gift wrapping and distribution to ensure children from struggling families don't miss out on the magic of Christmas.


• Animal shelters: While many of us are celebrating, animal shelters are also in great need of volunteers. Staff numbers can be low, and extra hands are often needed to help with feeding, walking, and caring for the animals.

How to volunteer at Christmas

Finding a Christmas volunteering opportunity requires a bit of planning, especially since many roles are in high demand.

• Start early: Many charities begin recruiting their Christmas volunteers as early as October or November to ensure they have enough people in place and can provide proper training. Registering your interest early gives you a better chance of securing a role that suits your skills and availability.


• Check websites and social media: Most large charities and non-profit organisations will post their festive volunteering opportunities on their websites. Keep an eye on their social media accounts, as they often share urgent or last-minute needs there.


• Reach out locally: Don't forget about smaller, community-based organisations. Your local council's website, community centres, or a simple online search for "volunteering near me" can reveal a wealth of opportunities that might not be widely advertised.


• Be flexible: While you might have a specific role in mind, being open to different tasks will make you a more appealing volunteer. Whether it's preparing food, wrapping gifts, or simply offering a friendly conversation, every role is important.


• Consider a "Christmas Creep" of kindness: The demand for help doesn't just happen on Christmas Day. Consider volunteering throughout December to help with fundraising events or the general increase in workload that many charities face in the lead-up to Christmas.

Why volunteer at Christmas

Volunteering at Christmas offers significant benefits for both the community you are serving, as well as you personally.

Benefits for the community and others:

• Combating loneliness and isolation: Christmas can be a very difficult time for those who are alone, homeless, or experiencing hardship. Volunteers provide essential companionship, warmth, and a sense of belonging to people who would otherwise be isolated. This is especially true for older people, those in shelters, or young people who have left the care system.


• Providing essential services: Many charities and community groups rely heavily on volunteers during the holidays to provide critical services like hot meals, safe shelter, warm clothes, and essential support (like advice on housing, benefits, or healthcare).


• Spreading joy and dignity: Your time helps bring a sense of celebration, dignity, and hope to people in need, making Christmas a positive memory instead of one associated with sadness or poverty.


• Meeting increased demand: The need for support often increases during the cold winter months and the holidays, making the extra help from volunteers vital for organisations to cope with the demand.

Benefits for the volunteer:

• Boosted Wellbeing: Studies show that volunteering can increase happiness, reduce stress, and boost self-esteem by triggering the release of "feel-good" chemicals like dopamine and oxytocin (often called the "helper's high").


• Social connection: Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, build lasting friendships, and strengthen social connections with others who share a commitment to giving back.


• Developing skills: You can gain and enhance valuable skills like communication, teamwork, organisation, and problem-solving.


• Creating new traditions: For families, volunteering together can be a meaningful way to spend quality time and teach younger generations about kindness, empathy, and community support.

Volunteering at Christmas is a profound way to give back, transforming a day that can be difficult for many into one of connection and compassion, while also enriching your own life.