A star-studded lineup of celebrities has teamed up once again to support Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day, which is set to return for the fifteenth year on Thursday 10th December 2026.
Musician, singer, broadcaster and writer Myleene Klass, actor and comedian Chris McCausland, broadcaster and journalist Kate Garraway, broadcaster and campaigner Ashley James, TV presenter and jumper enthusiast Gyles Brandreth and TV presenter and journalist Natasha Kaplinsky, have joined forces with YouTuber and vlogger Jim Chapman, TikToker and disability advocate Amy Pohl and comedy content creator Luke Hamnett to encourage the nation to put on their favourite pre-loved pullovers and join in the festivities.
They join actress Suranne Jones, singer and presenter Claire Richards, TV stars and presenters Pete Wicks and Sam Thompson, comedian and presenter Josh Widdicombe, TV medic Dr Raj Arora, award winning actor, director and broadcaster Angela Griffin and chart-topping singer Leona Lewis in donning their daftest festive knits and raising vital funds for those children who need it most. Christmas Jumper Day 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 launching in 2012, the festive fundraiser has raised over £42 million to help transform the lives of children both in the UK and around the world to stay safe, healthy and learning.
This year will also see Mattel bring Thomas & Friends on board to become the first-ever locomotive to choo-choose to support the charity’s festive fundraiser. Appointed as Save the Children’s Chief Delivery Officer, Thomas the Tank Engine will keep Christmas Jumper Day on track by helping to raise money and awareness so Save the Children can continue to deliver the essentials that children need to have a safe, healthy and happy childhood.
Ahead of the big day, the host of famous faces shared their tree-mendous traditions and tips on how to get involved with their jolly jerseys in a sustainable way this Christmas Jumper Day:
Myleene Klass said: “Our Christmas traditions include unique ones like my youngest covering the doorway in wrapping paper so we all have to burst through to get to our presents, and more traditional moments like leaving out mince pies and carrots the night before for Santa and his reindeer.
“Every year we each buy a new bauble to add to the tree, and I always make Viennese biscuits because I remember my Oma leaving them out on the table for us. Mine are never quite as good. They’re usually far too dry and not nearly as tasty, but I feel obligated to give it a go every year for the sake of my ancestors.
“Many of us feel helpless in the face of unimaginable and unprecedented suffering across the world today. We all wish we could do something to help. Well, this is it. I’ve been on the ground with Save the Children around the globe and I’ve seen first-hand the enormous difference donations make.
“Your support could help to provide life-saving nutrition to a child so they can regain their strength and look towards a brighter future. Or you could help to give a mother invaluable peace of mind while she watches her children play in safe, child-friendly spaces, if only for an hour. When you don your Christmas jumper, you really are making the world a better place for children”.
Chris McCausland said: “What I love about Christmas is Christmas telly; I love Christmas specials and TV shows. I love the football over the Christmas period – and I love the fact that I don’t have to work while footballers do!
“I also love my daughter opening presents. And I love mince pies, but I don’t allow myself to eat them until I’ve finished work for Christmas, otherwise my life spirals out of control. I like a variety of mince pies because then I can pretend I’m comparing them – like some kind of research project, when it’s not at all.
“Christmas is all about kids, which is exactly why Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day is so important. There are way too many children out there that aren’t lucky enough to have the kind of Christmas that others are fortunate enough to give to their own. So, think bigger, do your bit and make this time of year about supporting those kids who really need it.”
Kate Garraway said: “For me, Christmas is definitely the most wonderful time of the year. I love the build-up as well. How bit by bit, sparkle and lights start to appear, then the Christmas songs – it feels like the perfect antidote to the darkest days of the year.
“Of course, a lot of my love for it comes from my own childhood. Now, as the mum trying to make the magic happen for my kids, it can be very frenzied – but it’s fun too. Especially if it’s for people you love. Also, there’s that beautiful moment when, after the frenzy of the planning and cooking, you finally get to pause and spend some proper time with your family and friends. In our case playing silly board games. It’s very special.
“We can get so focused at Christmas on the gifts we want to get the kids in our lives that it’s easy to forget there are children in the world who simply need access to medicine, clean water and food. By pulling on a Christmas jumper and taking part in Christmas Jumper Day, we’re all doing something to support those children who need it most, while having a good giggle and spreading a little joy too.”
Ashley James said: “I love the magic of Christmas, especially since having children. They’re both still really young, and I love recreating all the excitement and wonder I remember from my own childhood.
“Every year I transform our front door with decorations, and seeing it bring a smile to people passing by is one of my favourite things. For me, Christmas is about coming together and creating moments of joy that brighten the cold winter months.
“But Christmas isn’t an easy or magical time for every family. Around the world, far too many children are growing up in poverty, conflict and crisis, without access to the essentials every child needs to feel safe, supported and able to thrive.
“Christmas Jumper Day is such a joyful and accessible way for us all to come together while raising vital funds to help give more children the care and opportunities they deserve.”
Gyles Brandreth, who is well-known for his love of unique knitwear, dons a different jumper for each day of the year and is an avid supporter of Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day. He says: “I’ve worn many memorable outfits over the years, but I must admit this knitted Thomas the Tank Engine Christmas jumper is up there with the best of them. It’s splendid.
“I have more than 365 jumpers in my collection and Christmas Jumper Day is simply one of my favourite days of the year as everyone is encouraged to embrace wonderful woollies.
“I’ve always had a soft spot for Thomas the Tank Engine. He’s cheerful, dependable and never afraid to help a friend in need, qualities we could all embrace a little more at Christmas. Supporting Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day is the perfect way to do your bit. Whether your jumper is smart, silly or gloriously over-the-top, pull it on with pride and help make a real difference for children this Christmas. Full steam ahead for a great cause!”
Natasha Kaplinsky said: “I love Christmas more than anyone in our house – but what I love most of all is what we do in the run up to Christmas Day.
“We count down to Christmas with a family curated Kindness Calendar. At the beginning of advent, we all compile 25 acts of kindness, put them in a bowl and pull one out each day and ensure we fulfill it. It’s a good way of helping us focus on the privilege we enjoy – nothing to do with merit and everything to do with the luck of where we’re born.
“We are all just a few steps away from suffering and hardship and that is why being involved in Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper day is so important.”
Amy Pohl said: “I have so many Christmas jumpers! I used to be a primary school teacher, so throughout December I tried to wear a Christmas jumper every day, and I still own all of them now. I also have my iconic reindeer slippers, and one of the benefits of being a wheelchair user is that they still look brand new despite me wearing them for years!
“Christmas Jumper Day is such a simple idea that brings people together for an incredible cause. While many of us are having a magical time at Christmas, it’s important to remember that not every child gets to experience this magic.
“Every child deserves to have a safe and happy childhood, and by putting on a Christmas jumper and donating whatever you can, you can help Save the Children make a real difference to children who need it most.”
Save the Children’s celebrity supporters are encouraging schools, workplaces and groups of family and friends across the country to don their daftest jumpers for a great cause.
For details on how to sign-up and donate, visit christmasjumperday.org.
