The National ‘Elf Service Day 2026
Dress up. Have fun. Support NHS patients and staff.
The National ‘Elf Service Day is BACK! Claim your FREE elf Fundraising Pack, bursting with everything you need to organise a successful fundraiser, from festive activities and fundraising ideas to helpful resources and materials.
Bring comfort, cheer and support to NHS patients, visitors and staff across Edinburgh and the Lothian. Whether you’re dressing up at work, school or in your community, you can make a real difference while having some festive fun.
Whether you host a quiz, bake sale, raffle or simply gather friends and colleagues for a festive dress-up day, every penny raised helps create brighter moments for those who need them most.
So, grab your elf ears, or favourite Christmas jumper spread some festive cheer and help make a difference.
We’ve got you covered with our FREE Elf Fundraising Pack, it has everything you need to make organising your National ‘Elf Service Day super easy. Inside your pack you’ll find:
✅ Elf names (find out what yours is!)
✅ Christmas quiz
✅ Fundraising guide
✅ Selfie cut-outs
✅ Collection box
Your fundraising will help spread festive cheer, smiles and a little bit of magic for NHS Lothian patients, their loved ones and staff.
How it works:
“National ‘Elf Service Day was a real Christmas Cracker! Great day, great, fun, great cause”
“Unison was delighted to take part in The National ‘Elf Service Day. Not only were we supporting the amazing NHS Lothian Charity, but who wouldn’t want to dress up as an Elf and hand out cake to our hard working staff!
“Fun, fun and more festive fun – what a way to raise funds for our charity – roll on Elf Service day 2025!”
Tracy Miller, Employee Director, NHS Lothian
Branch Secretary, Unison Lothian Health Branch
Hundreds of people have already become elves for a day, dressing up, hosting quizzes, baking cakes and organising raffles to support NHS Lothian.
Every fundraiser, no matter how big or small, helps bring comfort and joy to patients, visitors and staff. Our NHS teams work tirelessly throughout the festive season and beyond, and your support helps make a real difference.
So, what are you waiting for? Sign up for National ‘Elf Service Day, claim your FREE fundraising pack, and help us make this year’s event the biggest and merriest yet! 🎄✨
From ward decorations and surprise gifts to heartwarming Christmas celebrations and musicians playing Christmas tunes for patients, the money you raise helps create moments of joy. So why not get yourself on Santa’s Nice List and sign up today?
“The National ‘Elf Service Day was a brilliant opportunity to bring some joy and fun into our department while we raised money for the Charity.”
Your Support Matters
By taking part, and raising money you can help create moments of joy and comfort for patients and staff, long after the decorations came down. Your efforts make all the difference.
One patient cried when we gave him his gift as he was so grateful. He appreciated that we took the time to buy him something. It opens up the opportunity for patients to chat with staff and other patients.”
– Senior Charge Nurse, Outpatient Dialysis Royal Infirmary Edinburgh.
Why Get Involved in the National ‘Elf Service Day?
- You’ll earn some serious ‘elf points’ by making a difference for patients and families in need.
- Help create special moments, whether it’s a party on Christmas Day that brings families together or providing gifts to make mums and babies feel cherished.
- Whether it’s a small gift like hand cream or some delicious treats for patients, your involvement helps lift spirits and spread Christmas cheer where it’s needed most.
Frequently Asked Questions
National ‘Elf Service Day is a festive event where you can dress up in an elf costume, organise activities, and raise money to spread holiday cheer to patients, visitors and staff across NHS Lothian.
Whether you’re donning your best festive jumper or going the whole way and dressing up as an elf our National ‘Elf Service Day is on the 10th December 2026.
Registration for National ‘Elf Service Day 2026 will open in September 2026!
Once registered, you’ll receive your fundraising pack filled with all the tips and tricks to help you make the most of your event. Take part on the 10th of December or any day that week.
Anyone can join the fun! Whether you’re an NHS staff member, a patient, a visitor, or part of the local community, we welcome everyone to get involved and help spread joy. The more elves, the merrier!
Yes, we ask our participants to pledge to raise a minimum fundraising target of £100. Don’t worry though, we’ll be here to help you every step of the way with tips, tools, and encouragement! And remember, every pound you raise helps us provide enhanced care and comfort for NHS Lothian patients and support our incredible NHS staff.
To help you stay on track, we also set key fundraising milestones: at least 50% of your fundraising target one month before the event, 85% by the date of the event, with the remaining amount to be raised 4 weeks after event day.
These milestones are designed to support you throughout your journey, keep you motivated, and help you reach your target with confidence.
You can find out more in our Fundraising Events Terms and Conditions
Yes! If you’d like to support National ‘Elf Service Day but can’t join the festivities, you can make a donation online by visiting our donation page. Every little bit helps us bring magic to those who need it.
While dressing up as an elf isn’t mandatory, it’s highly encouraged. Embracing your inner elf helps spread cheer and show your support. If costumes aren’t your thing, festive attire such as Christmas jumpers, hats or accessories work too.
We love it when businesses and organisations join in. You can take part by hosting your own National ‘Elf Service Day events, sponsoring activities, or making a corporate donation to support the cause.
Find out how generous donations from our supporters have helped to make Christmas special for patients and families:
“I spent two weeks in hospital that December in the lead-up to Christmas. Christmas eve arrived, and I was expecting it to be like any other day on the ward, but the doctors and nurses made it special and brought the Christmas experience to us. The staff dressed up, sang Christmas carols, and we all had mince pies. It really lifted my spirits when I was missing my tiny baby boy and family at home.
“I still remember waking up on Christmas day and being surprised to find a small present left at my bedside by the staff, some lovely toiletries. It was a small thing, but it had a big impact. A small act of kindness can help someone feel remembered.”
Every year, volunteers from our FACE cancer fund take children who have been impacted by cancer to Lapland, giving them a magical day where they meet the ‘real’ Santa.
“The gift of our trip to Lapland with John and the volunteers at FACE was once in a lifetime, especially after my two little boys lost their dad after a very long illness just a few months ago. The concept of bringing bereaved children to go meet Santa and spend a magical day in the Arctic was just beautiful, and very moving.”
“I don’t remember much about the admission because I was too unwell, but I still remember waking up on Christmas day and being surprised to find a small present left at my bedside by the staff.
“I expected Christmas Day to be like any other day on the ward, but the staff made it a break from the normal routine. There was a special Christmas breakfast and a festive buffet in the evening. I remember enjoying the chocolate cake, and it was the first time I’d been able to enjoy food like that for weeks. The staff dressed up and made a real effort to make it festive for us, and we all felt like family for the day.”