Calling all Donegal primary schools! One lucky class can Switch Christmas On 2025

Are you and your classmates Christmas FM fans? Can you imagine the excitement of being the stars of the launch of Christmas FM this year?

Well – one very lucky primary school class will get the chance to do just that! Christmas FM, the festive radio station that raises funds for charity, has unveiled its ‘Switch Christmas On’ competition which offers one lucky class the opportunity to mark Christmas FM’s exciting return to the airwaves later this year!

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The winning class will star in the official Christmas FM 2025 photoshoot, where Christmas FM will come to your school and let your class take the spotlight. On launch day, the winning class will countdown the station returning to the airwaves. Our inaugural winners – Third Class at St. Saviour’s National School in Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow enjoyed their moment to shine in 2024, recording their countdown and capturing all the fun and excitement of the day.

The competition is open to primary school classes nationwide (terms and conditions apply) and closes at 10am on Monday, September 22. To be in with a chance to win this unforgettable opportunity, teachers and schools can apply here.

Christmas FM is also delighted to announce its pledge to continue its fundraising appeal, The Magic of Christmas. Thanks to the kind donations made by the wonderful Christmas FM listeners, the initiative successfully reached its fundraising target of €1,000,000 between 2022 and 2024 for charity partners Barnardos, Barretstown, Make-A-Wish Ireland and a range of children’s charities across Ireland making a difference in local communities through Community Foundation Ireland. The Magic of Christmas appeal is now continuing with the same children’s charity partners, and an aim to raise over €1,000,000 in the next three years.

The funds raised will help vulnerable children in our communities who are living with the impact of poverty, abuse, neglect, or bereavement, and will also support children whose lives are affected by serious illness. By giving to The Magic of Christmas, you’ll be making a real difference – bringing hope, care, and vital support to those who need it most.

Since it began broadcasting 18 years ago, Christmas FM has raised over €4 million for a range of charities. By continuing The Magic of Christmas appeal, Christmas FM aims to build on this fundraising success and continue raising awareness of its charity partners’ vital work.

Paul Shepherd, Co-Founder of Christmas FM, said: “At Christmas FM, it’s never too early for festive fun – and we’re bursting with excitement to ‘Switch Christmas On’ with the help of one extraordinary primary school class this year. It’s an unforgettable prize, and we can’t wait to see which class will grab the spotlight and kick off the festive season in style!

We’re also delighted to be continuing our partnership with Barnardos, Barretstown, Make-A-Wish Ireland and a range of children’s charities across Ireland making a difference in local communities through Community Foundation Ireland as part of The Magic of Christmas fundraising appeal. We know we can count on our incredible Christmas FM listeners to support these charities and help us reach our target of over €1,000,000 in the next three years to make a difference for children who need it most.”

Commenting on The Magic of Christmas fundraising appeal, the charity partners jointly said: “Since the launch of The Magic of Christmas initiative in 2022, the funds raised have made a significant difference to the lives of thousands of children across Ireland, and we are delighted to be a part of The Magic of Christmas fundraising appeal again for the next three years. Such a positive impact is made on the lives of children and their families, thanks to the help of Christmas FM listeners. With the funds raised, we can ensure that those who need it most will experience the Gift of Childhood this Christmas, because every child deserves magic at Christmas.”

While Christmas FM returns to the airwaves on 28th November (subject to licence), it will also be online from November 1st, serving up a feast of merry tunes to get everyone in the holiday spirit – whether you’re in Ireland or jingling all the way from across the globe.