40+ Christmas Paper Crafts for Kids to Make This Holiday Season

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Looking for something creative to do with the kids this winter? These Christmas paper crafts are full of cheerful ideas that use everyday supplies and are simple enough for little hands. Whether you’re making cards, ornaments, or silly puppets, there’s something here for every age and mood.

Want even more ideas to keep the holiday spirit going? Look at our full collection of Christmas crafts for kids and prepare for a cozy day of making.

Paper Christmas crafts featuring reindeer, snowmen, trees, a handprint wreath, and character chains for kids to make.

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Christmas Paper Crafts

Christmas Reindeer Card

A free printable template helps transform simple paper into a charming reindeer-shaped card that kids can give as a personalized holiday greeting. Little ones will have fun gluing on the reindeer's big red nose and antlers, bringing their card to life.

Loved ones like grandparents will adore this handmade surprise, and kids will feel proud making a special Christmas card all by themselves.

www.craftplaylearn.com

Snowman Paper

Kids can build a cheerful snowman with springy accordion-folded arms and legs using simple construction paper and a free template. Little ones practice their cutting and folding skills as they bring the snowman to life and have a blast making him wobble and dance.

This easy winter art is perfect for preschoolers and is a playful way to celebrate snowy days indoors.

Related: Snowman Matching Worksheets

kidscraftroom.com

Curled Paper Christmas Tree

Brightly colored paper strips are curled around a pencil to create a festive 3D Christmas tree with lots of texture and cheer. Kids will love choosing their favorite colors and curling the paper “branches” to design a unique tree picture.

Using basic supplies you likely have on hand, this project can be scaled to any size – from a big classroom display to a tiny card – for endless holiday fun.

Also try: Christmas Tree Tissue Paper Craft

Christmas Tree Name

Kids personalize a paper Christmas tree by adding ornament letters that spell out their names, turning art time into a fun way to practice spelling and letter recognition. Using a printable template, they cut and decorate a tree and proudly display their name as the “ornaments” hanging on the branches.

The result is an engaging holiday project combining learning and creativity, with each child's unique tree.

nontoygifts.com

Grinch’s Heart

A simple paper plate turns into the Grinch's heart with some paint and yarn, creating an artsy nod to the classic story. Kids punch holes around a heart shape and lace red yarn through a green plate to form a “growing” heart, which is a fun way to practice beginner sewing skills while celebrating How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Finished hearts make a cute decoration and help kids connect with the story's heartwarming message in a hands-on way.

Related: Torn Paper Grinch Craft

kidscraftroom.com

Santa Christmas Cards

Kids can create a jolly Santa card complete with a big round belly and a fluffy 3D beard, making their holiday greeting extra cute. Using the printable template, they cut and assemble Santa's parts (with options for different skin tones) and even add fun touches like wiggly eyes or a pom-pom nose for texture.

The result is an adorable card that's easy to make and perfect for spreading Christmas cheer to friends and family.

Also try: Torn Paper Santa Craft

Christmas Tree Card

Kids can easily create their Christmas tree card using a free printable template and decorate it any way they like. This simple card project encourages creativity, since little ones can add personal touches with stickers, glitter, or drawings using supplies you already have at home.

They'll love making and handing out these festive cards to family and friends, adding a personal holiday touch to their season's greetings.

www.hellowonderful.co

Paper Christmas Tree

By stacking folded paper circles from biggest to smallest, kids can create a cute Christmas tree that pops off the page in 3D layers. This project only takes a few basic supplies – colored paper, glue, and beads – and allows little ones to practice their scissor skills while building the tree.

Once decorated with a glittery star and tiny “ornament” dots, the mini paper tree makes a lovely handmade keepsake or festive gift tag.

www.firefliesandmudpies.com

Paper Snowman Art

Kids build a happy snowman scene by gluing paper snowman cut-outs onto a background and decorating it with fun details like real twig arms and punched-out paper snowflakes. This open-ended art uses a printable snowman template and simple supplies, and kids can get creative by adding felt scarves, button eyes, or drawn faces to make their snowman unique.

The result is an excellent winter art project for home or school, letting kids enjoy tactile art while celebrating the snowy season.

Also try: Snowman Counting Worksheets

Handprint Reindeer Card

Little hands create a special keepsake by turning a handprint into a cute reindeer Christmas card. With a printable template to guide the shapes, kids can easily cut out and glue their handprint (for antlers) and add Rudolph's red nose to complete the reindeer face on the card.

Parents and grandparents will love this sentimental homemade card, and kids will feel proud knowing their handprint is part of the holiday fun.

www.artycraftykids.com

Paper Plate Handprint Christmas Wreath

An adorable wreath art starts with a paper plate base, and kids decorate it with handprint cutouts and some folded paper holly heart shapes. Kids paint a paper plate green, add their traced handprint cut-outs as part of the greenery, and glue on the paper holly hearts with red buttons as berries for a festive touch.

It is an easy and inexpensive Christmas project and doubles as a special keepsake decorated with little hands that families will cherish for years.

www.craftsonsea.co.uk

Build an Elf

Kids can assemble the cutest little paper elf by coloring, cutting out the free printable template, and pasting the pieces together. This build-an-elf activity lets children practice scissor skills and creativity by mixing and matching different outfits and expressions to create their unique elf.

Once finished, kids can use the cheerful paper elf for pretend play or hang it up as a festive decoration they'll be proud to show off.

Related: Torn Paper Elf Craft

Elf Handprint Christmas Card

Kids can create a merry little elf card using their handprint as part of the design, making each card personal and special. With a free template to cut out the elf's outfit and features, children assemble the elf on a folded card and add their handprint as a fun touch.

A simple project doubles as a heartfelt holiday card, which is sure to make someone smile since kids make it with a handmade (literally!) touch.

kidscraftroom.com

Accordion Paper Reindeer

A charming paper reindeer project becomes more than a decoration—it turns into a bouncy toy with an accordion-folded body that kids can make “hop” and walk around. With the help of a printable template, children create the reindeer's head and legs and a springy, folded-paper midsection that lets the reindeer wobble on its own.

Kids will love playing with their springy reindeer after making it, bringing extra movement and laughter to holiday art time.

Also try: Fork Painted Reindeer Craft

www.craftymorning.com

Stuffed Gingerbread

Kids can make their own gingerbread people that are actually 3D and squishy by stuffing two paper gingerbread cutouts and sealing the edges. They decorate the gingerbread boy or girl with glitter “icing,” pom-poms, or other artsy bits, then use a stapler or glue to join the front and back and fill it with soft stuffing.

The result is a fun pretend cookie that kids can play with or hang as an ornament, created with simple supplies like paper, cotton, and lots of imagination.

Pete the Cat Saves Christmas

Inspired by the beloved book, this project lets kids create their own Pete the Cat dressed up to “save Christmas,” just like in the story. Using a free printable template, children cut and glue Pete's groovy Santa hat, suit, and guitar onto a Pete the Cat figure, making a perfect companion activity while or after reading the book.

This hands-on project brings the story to life and reinforces its cheerful message of giving and holiday spirit in a fun, artsy way.

artsymomma.com

Gingerbread Man Puppet

With just a gingerbread man-shaped cookie cutter, cardstock, and a paper straw, kids can make a simple gingerbread man puppet perfect for acting out the classic story.

Little ones decorate their gingerbread person, attach it to a straw or stick like a handle, and then have endless giggles making the puppet “run away” as they retell the tale. This quick project brings story time to life and encourages imaginative play with minimal materials and mess.

Also try: Gingerbread Activity Sheets

viewsfromastepstool.com

Elf Accordion

Preschoolers can practice fine motor skills with this cute elf art featuring accordion-folded arms and legs for a fun, bouncy effect. Using a simple template, kids cut out and assemble the elf's body and head, then fold paper strips back and forth to create springy limbs.

The result is an adorable little elf with wiggly arms and legs, making the art process as playful as the finished decoration.

Related: Elf Worksheets

two side by side examples of finished buddy the elf crafts

Elf Yourself

This printable project lets kids turn themselves into Christmas elves by adding their own photo to a cute elf body. Using the free template, parents help cut out the elf outfit, and kids glue their face where the elf's face goes, even using brads to give the arms and legs some movable joints.

Children get a massive kick from seeing themselves as cheerful little elves, making this hilarious and memorable holiday art that doubles as a keepsake.

www.easypeasyandfun.com

Printable Elf Christmas

This printable elf art doubles as a toy because once kids assemble it, they can play with its springy accordion legs. The template makes cutting and gluing a cheerful elf easy, with folded paper legs that bounce and wiggle, keeping children entertained.

You can even decorate these jolly elves or string a few together into a festive banner, making them fun and functional for holiday cheer.

Also try: Elf Tissue Paper Craft

craftingwithkids.net

Pop-Up Melting Snowman

A clever snowman project pops off the page to look like a melting snowman in 3D, complete with a droopy “puddle” body. Kids cut out two uneven white paper “blobs” for the melted snow, then connect them with folded paper springs so the top part bounces up like a melting snowman coming to life.

They can then add googly eyes, a carrot nose, a tiny top hat, and twig arms—resulting in an adorable melting snowman that's both funny and interactive.

Related: Snowman Shape Craft

Santa Headband

Kids can transform into Santa himself by making and wearing this easy paper headband, complete with Santa's red hat and fluffy white beard trim. The free printable template comes in full color or a black-and-white version that children can color in, so it's perfect for both a quick activity and a longer coloring activity.

Once assembled, the Santa headband becomes a fun dress-up accessory for classroom parties or pretend play at home, letting kids spread holiday cheer as a mini Santa.

www.craftplaylearn.com

Paper Christmas Tree Activity

This activity combines a fun paper Christmas tree art with a simple writing exercise for a creative and educational holiday project. Kids will practice cutting and gluing skills by assembling a colorful paper Christmas tree using a printable template.

Once they make the tree, kids can work on a short Christmas-themed writing prompt or message, festively blending art and literacy.

Also try: Recycled Christmas Tree Craft

www.messforless.net

Christmas Paper Chain

This adorable twist on the classic paper chain turns simple loops of construction paper into Santa, Rudolph, and even a mischievous elf characters. Kids create each character by linking paper rings together for the body and adding fun details like Santa's smiling face, Rudolph's red nose, and an elf's hat and feet.

It's a fun holiday art that doubles as a decoration; kids can hang their festive paper chain crew around the house or use it as a countdown-to-Christmas chain.

Reindeer Headband

Kids will love becoming little reindeer by making and wearing this adorable paper headband, with antlers and even a red Rudolph nose. The free printable template makes it easy—children can color and cut out the reindeer pieces or use a pre-colored version, then simply attach them to a paper band sized to their head.

This easy Christmas art is perfect for holiday parties or playtime, sparking imaginative fun as kids prance around like Santa's helpers.

www.thebestideasforkids.com

Paper Snowman

This cute paper snowman comes with a personal twist – kids can add a photo of themselves as the snowman's face for an extra surprise. With the free template, it's easy to cut out all the snowman's parts and assemble them, then glue a small picture in place of the head.

Kids have a blast making a snowman that looks like them, and the finished art becomes a wonderful keepsake or homemade holiday card for the family.

Related: Paper Strip Snowman Craft

www.artycraftykids.com

Bobble Head Reindeer

Make a fun and interactive reindeer whose head wobbles and bounces, bringing extra giggles to art time. Kids use a printable template to cut out and assemble a cute paper reindeer, then attach the head to the body with a folded paper spring so it jiggles when touched.

The playful design delights kids of all ages and creates a fun holiday decoration or toy.

Also try: Reindeer Tracing Worksheets

Grinch Card

A hilarious DIY Christmas card features the Grinch and lets kids say “Merry Grinchmas!” in a playful way. Using the free printable template, children cut and assemble the Grinch's face into a folding card that opens up for writing a message.

The result is a whimsical card that kids will enjoy making and giving to friends or family, adding a dose of Grinchy cheer to someone's holiday.

www.notimeforflashcards.com

Gingerbread Activity

Little ones get to decorate their own gingerbread man by collaging all sorts of fun materials onto a gingerbread cutout. This creative project encourages preschoolers to use their imagination – they can glue on buttons, sequins, pom-poms, bits of tissue paper, or glitter to make a one-of-a-kind gingerbread friend.

The activity is a fantastic sensory art experience that lets kids explore different textures and practice fine motor skills.

Related: Gingerbread Pattern Worksheets

coffeeandcarpool.com

Christmas Elf Kindness

A meaningful elf art goes beyond just art – it helps kids practice kindness and social-emotional skills while being creative. Children assemble a cheerful paper elf and then brainstorm kind acts or encouraging words to write on the elf or an attached list, connecting the art with discussions about being kind during the holidays.

They get to improve fine motor skills by cutting and coloring, and learn about empathy and giving, making this project a heartwarming addition to your holiday activities.

Also try: Elf Photo Craft

Stocking Card

Kids can create a festive Christmas stocking-shaped card and decorate it with flair using this simple art. The free template makes it easy for even little ones to cut out a stocking card and customize it—they can color it, add cotton balls for a fluffy cuff, or glue on stickers and sequins to make it special.

After creating a card, kids can write a small message inside and proudly share their custom stocking card with family or friends.

www.easypeasyandfun.com

Paper Ball Reindeer

This activity turns paper strips into a 3D reindeer ball perfect for hanging as an ornament or stringing into a garland. Kids make a simple paper sphere by looping and gluing paper strips into a ball, then add antlers, eyes, and a red pom-pom nose to create an adorable reindeer.

It's a fun twist on the usual flat project, and you can make a whole herd of these paper ball reindeer to decorate your home or classroom.

Related: Paper Strip Reindeer Craft

www.messylittlemonster.com

Mix and Match Paper Elf

This adorable paper elf art comes with mix-and-match pieces so kids can design their unique Christmas elf character. Using the printable template, they can choose different hats, outfits, hairstyles, and even skin tones – they can even make an elf with their own photo as the face for extra giggles.

Kids will enjoy assembling and customizing their elves, making this project a playful way to get creative and show off their style during the holidays.

Also try: Elf Name Craft

www.redtedart.com

Origami Reindeer

Even little hands can try this easy origami reindeer project, which turns a simple piece of paper into a cute reindeer face through a few basic folds. Designed with preschoolers in mind, the folding steps are super simple, and the result is adorable – kids end up with a reindeer head complete with drawn-on eyes and a red nose.

It's a great introduction to origami that requires no cutting or glue, and kids can make a bunch of paper reindeer to use as ornaments, gift tags, or holiday cards.

Related: Reindeer Shape Craft

www.artsyfartsymama.com

DIY Elf Kids

This DIY elf art is extra special because kids use a photo of themselves as the elf's face, making the project totally personalized. The project is simple: print and cut out a cute paper elf body, then glue on a cut-out of your child's face where the elf's face would be.

Toddlers and preschoolers love seeing themselves as a little elf, which adds a magical personal touch to your holiday décor or greeting cards.

Also try: Elf Christmas Card Craft

buggyandbuddy.com

Paper Shape Christmas Tree

Kids practice shapes and creativity in this simple project by gluing together a Christmas tree scene from basic paper shapes. They might use a big triangle for the tree, a rectangle for the trunk, and then add circle and star shapes as ornaments and a tree topper.

It's a fun way for young children to learn about shapes and make a colorful holiday picture.

artsycraftsymom.com

Elf on the Shelf Bookmark

This artsy project lets kids create their own Elf on the Shelf bookmark, complete with the elf's little face and dangling legs to peek out of their book. Using a printable template or simple drawing, kids color and cut out an elf and attach it to a strip of cardstock, with the elf's legs or hat poking over the page.

It's a cute way to bring some holiday cheer to reading time, encouraging kids to enjoy books with a festive friend saving their spot.

Related: Elf On The Shelf Card Craft

thepinterestedparent.com

Torn Paper Christmas Stockings

Kids create a festive Christmas stocking by tearing up colorful paper and gluing the pieces onto a stocking shape, almost like a mosaic. This “torn paper” technique is great for little hands since they don't need to cut perfectly – ripping red, green, and white paper into pieces and pasting them is fun and a good fine motor workout.

The finished stocking has a textured, patchwork look and makes a bright holiday decoration that kids will be proud of.

www.firefliesandmudpies.com

Paper Christmas Tree

Kids can create a mini Christmas tree ornament by making a paper cone and decorating it like a festive evergreen. Using a printable template, they cut and roll green paper into a cone shape, then add fun decorations like pom-pom ornaments, sequins for lights, and a shiny star on top.

It's an easy, hands-on art that results in a cute little 3D tree kids can hang on the big Christmas tree or give as a handmade gift.

www.redtedart.com

3D Paper Angel

This printable art helps kids make a lovely paper angel – perfect as a tree topper or hanging ornament – with minimal fuss. Print the angel template, have kids color or add glitter, then cut it out and assemble by forming a cone for the body and attaching wings.

Kids end up with a beautiful little paper angel they created themselves, a gentle and classic project to celebrate the spirit of Christmas.

Also try: Angel Handprint Christmas Craft

twitchetts.com

3D Paper Christmas Tree

Kids can create a standing Christmas tree out of construction paper that's truly 3D, not just flat on a page. With clever cutting and folding, they create tree sections that slot together or pop out, allowing the paper tree to stand independently.

Children can decorate their mini tree with sequins, glitter, or stickers, making each one as festive and colorful as they like.

daisiesandpie.co.uk

Paper Snowflake Angel

This project combines two classic symbols of the holidays – angels and snowflakes – into one charming paper art. Kids cut out or use a printable snowflake and then attach it to a cone-shaped angel body, turning it into delicate angel wings.

The result is a beautiful handmade decoration that feels magical and personal, perfect for hanging on the tree or displaying around the house.

iheartcraftythings.com

Christmas Stocking

Children can make their own Christmas stockings out of paper and decorate them with cotton ball cuffs, sequins, stickers, or any handy art supplies. The free template makes it simple to cut out stocking shapes; kids can personalize them with their names or drawings.

Once complete, the stockings make festive decorations and serve as cards with little notes or treats.

Related: Christmas Cutting Worksheets

More Fun Kid’s Ideas

20 Easy + Fun Grinch Activities For Kids
30 Fun Reindeer Activities For Kids
31 Cute Gingerbread Man Activities For Kids

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photograph of found of Simple Everyday Mom, Sam

Meet Sam

Sam is the crafter and founder of Simple Everyday Mom. She has been featured in Oprah Mag, Good Housekeeping, The Spruce Crafts, Country Living, The Bump, and more.

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