We always need a little ingenuity to keep the kids occupied as the holidays draw near. For this reason, we’ve put together a list of 17 simple Christmas projects for kids that will keep them occupied and capture the spirit of the season!
For many people, Christmas is a time to spend with family and friends, and creating adorable Christmas crafts is a great way to do just that. In addition to being enjoyable and simple to complete, these projects provide kids a fantastic chance to express their creativity and display their finished products throughout the house!
The majority of these activities are paper crafts, which are very simple to complete and require most of the materials you already have in your home. We already spend a lot of money on Christmas, so this requires very little money. Using what we have and being creative with it will keep the kids occupied without breaking the bank.
These easy-to-follow projects are a fantastic way to get your children interested in arts and crafts. Every activity will walk you through it step-by-step, so if the children are mature enough, they can even complete it on their own (under supervision, of course). There will be a project for everyone to choose from, including adorable Santa Claus, reindeer, and snowmen.
These crafts will undoubtedly add some happiness to your home, whether you’re looking for a quick activity to do on a rainy day, a method to get your children’s creations about the house to decorate with over the Christmas season, or even a way to start a new family making tradition! So gather your crafting materials, turn on some classic Christmas tunes, and let’s explore the entertaining Christmas projects!
1. Paper Plate Santa
Kick off the holiday crafting fun with this adorable paper plate Santa! It’s a simple and cheerful project that kids of all ages can enjoy. All you need are cotton balls, paper, glue, and a little creativity. The fluffy cotton beard and googly eyes give this Santa a playful, festive touch.
Encourage your kids to personalize their Santas by using different colored paper for the hats or even adding patterns. They can color, draw, or design their own versions—there’s no limit to how creative they can be. It’s the perfect craft to do while watching a Christmas movie or listening to holiday music.
2. Paper Reindeer
You can’t have Santa without his trusty reindeer! This fun paper craft pairs perfectly with the Santa project. Using a paper plate as the base, kids can paint or decorate their reindeer’s face with crayons, markers, or colored paper.
The best part? The antlers! Pipe cleaners make perfect reindeer antlers and add a playful 3D effect. Kids can twist them into any shape they like. This craft also has a video guide, so it’s easy to follow along and keep little ones engaged.
3. Reindeer Headband
This reindeer headband combines creativity with imagination! Once the pieces are cut out, kids can put them together on their own, practicing their fine motor and following directions skills.
After they finish, they can wear their handmade headbands and pretend to be one of Santa’s reindeer. It’s not just a craft—it’s a fun way to encourage role play and storytelling. A printable template is available to make assembly even easier.
4. Handprint Reindeer
Here’s a clever twist on the reindeer craft—using handprints for the antlers! Trace your child’s hands on paper or use the provided template, then attach them to create the antlers. It’s a wonderful keepsake and a fun way to capture your child’s growth each year.
This design gives the reindeer a charming, animated look that kids will love. Hang it on the fridge or use it as part of their Christmas room decor. It’s a festive project that encourages creativity and self-expression.
5. Paper Elf
No Christmas craft lineup is complete without Santa’s little helper! This paper elf is simple to make and full of holiday spirit. All you need is a paper plate and colored card for the elf’s face and features.
The large, pointed ears are the highlight of this craft and bring the elf to life. Kids can choose their own colors and designs to make each elf unique. Create a whole group of elves to accompany Santa and his reindeer!
6. Stocking Craft
This colorful stocking craft lets kids create their own holiday decorations while practicing their coloring and fine motor skills. Print out the template and let them decorate with markers, crayons, or colored pencils.
Punch holes along the edge and help them thread string through to complete the stocking shape. If you don’t have a hole punch, just let them color in the spots instead. Each child can design a personalized stocking for every family member—a sweet keepsake you can hang up year after year.
7. Sweater Craft
Christmas sweaters are a holiday classic! This craft lets kids design their own unique versions using printable sweater templates. They can draw patterns, color in festive designs, or even add craft materials like glitter and stickers.
It’s a great group activity—kids can host their own mini “ugly sweater” contest or adults can join in for a fun family night. It’s a creative, lighthearted way to get everyone in the holiday mood.
8. Pinecone Christmas Tree
This pinecone tree project adds a natural, rustic touch to your holiday decor. You’ll need a pinecone, a small wooden base, and some paint or mini decorations.
Once assembled, kids can decorate the “tree” with tiny pom-poms, beads, or sequins to mimic Christmas lights. It makes a lovely handmade decoration for a table, shelf, or windowsill—proof that small crafts can make a big impact.
9. Cotton Ball Penguin
This soft and fluffy penguin craft is perfect for preschoolers! Using cotton balls to create the penguin’s body gives it a fun, tactile element.
Print the penguin template, then glue on the cotton balls and add colored paper for the wings and face. Kids can even experiment with different paper patterns and shades for a creative twist. This cute penguin makes a charming addition to any holiday display.
10. Fork Painted Bear
Turn everyday utensils into art tools with this easy fork-painted bear! Kids dip a fork in paint and press it onto paper to create a fuzzy bear texture. It’s messy, creative, and completely unique every time.
This technique can be used for other characters too—snowmen, penguins, or even Christmas trees. It’s a great way for children to explore textures and develop their creativity through play.
11. Winter Hat Art
This winter hat art project introduces kids to a fun resist-painting technique. Using a white crayon or pastel, they can draw patterns on a hat template before painting over it with watercolors.
The wax resists the paint, revealing hidden designs underneath—like magic! Kids love the surprise element, and it’s a great way to teach them simple art concepts while keeping things festive. Try it with other shapes for more colorful creations.
12. Snowflake Sun-Catcher
Add some color to your windows with these beautiful snowflake sun-catchers! Using colored tissue paper and cardstock, kids can create bright, cheerful designs that catch the light beautifully.
Each snowflake turns out unique—just like the real ones. Let kids choose their own color combinations to create a dazzling winter window display. It’s a great mix of creativity and sensory fun.
13. Coffee Filter Wreath
This coffee filter wreath looks intricate but is surprisingly easy to make. Kids can color the filters with crayons or markers before assembling them into a wreath shape.
They’ll love adding embellishments like ribbons or glitter to personalize their wreaths. It’s a great project for introducing them to holiday decorating and gives them a sense of pride seeing their work displayed at home.
14. Photo Snowglobe
Capture a moment in time with this adorable photo snowglobe craft! Kids can color and decorate a snowglobe template, then add a photo of themselves or family inside.
It’s a heartfelt keepsake or a thoughtful handmade gift for relatives. You can also turn it into a greeting card for an extra-special holiday surprise.
15. Yarn Wrap Snowman
If you have leftover yarn at home, this yarn-wrapped snowman is a perfect way to use it creatively. Kids wrap yarn around a paper or cardboard base to form the snowman’s shape, building patience and fine motor skills as they go.
Add felt for the scarf, small buttons, or pom-poms for personality. The result is a charming, textured snowman that can be used as a toy or decoration.
16. Cardboard Lace Snowflakes
Turn scrap cardboard into festive lace snowflakes! Cut out snowflake shapes and punch holes for kids to thread yarn or ribbon through.
They can paint or color the cardboard first for extra flair. This craft is simple, eco-friendly, and produces beautiful decorations for your home or tree.
17. Snowman Thumb Print
Finish your crafting spree with this hands-on thumbprint snowman! Kids can use their thumbs to make snowy prints, creating the snowman’s body.
Once dry, they can add details like hats, scarves, and buttons with markers. This makes a wonderful art piece to frame or use as a holiday card. The blue background gives it a frosty winter touch, but kids can experiment with any color they like.