‘Tis the season to deck the halls and spread some joy! Let’s get crafty to make some decorations to do just that!

Kids can create a nutcracker, a timeless symbol of the Christmas season, with our nutcracker paper cup craft! 

Transforming an ordinary paper cup into an adorable nutcracker decoration is a fun way to usher in some holiday vibes and get the kids using their hands.

Ready for more yuletide crafting? Take a peek to see what other fun Christmas crafts you and the kiddos can get up to this December.

Christmas Nutcracker Craft Idea

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Beyond the joy of creating festive decorations, this craft offers skill-building opportunities for kids. Engaging in activities like cutting and gluing helps sharpen their fine motor skills while following instructions ensures a sense of accomplishment and boosts confidence. 

As little hands deftly maneuver scissors and carefully arrange pieces, they are not just crafting, they’re developing crucial skills that will serve them well in various aspects of life.

You likely have the supplies needed to make this cute craft at home already. Check your cabinets for leftover party cups and grab the paper, scissors, and glue. It’s a budget friendly activity that you can make memories with this holiday season.

Supplies

• Paper cups
• Colored cardstock or construction paper
• Scissors
• Glue
• Marker
• Nutcracker Template

Directions

Download the Nutcracker template, print, and cut out the pieces.

Use a marker to draw a nose in the middle of the face, just above the mouth.

Next, take the eyes and glue them on both sides of the nose.

Place the hair on both sides of the head and glue them down.

Make the hat by gluing the hat band to the bottom of the hat and the decoration to the top of the hat.

Next, take the hat and glue it to the top of the nutcracker’s head.

Create the belt by gluing the buckle to the middle of the belt. Then, glue the completed belt to the lower part of the paper cup.

Finish up by gluing the nutcracker’s head to the top of the cup.

Thats it! Isn’t this such a fun and easy Christmas craft for kids?! Check out even more of our paper cup craft while you’re here!

Fun Christmas Ideas

Make learning fun and festive this holiday season! We have lots of fun Christmas ideas to get your little ones excited to learn.

They’ll be having so much fun with these Christmas crafts and activities, they won’t even realize they’re learning at the same time! Keep reading below for a jolly mix of ideas, and choose the ones that fit your child’s interest the best.

Christmas Children’s Books

Below are some of the top Christmas books to read to your kids!

Dasher: This wonderfully illustrated Christmas book for kids gives you the back story on one of Santa’s favorite reindeer, Dasher! Girls will especially love to read this since Dasher is a girl.

Construction Site On Christmas Night: Fans of the fun characters of the construction site books have to add this Christmas-themed story to their collection. See how the trucks get ready for Christmas!

How To Catch An Elf: Kids everywhere love the silliness of this Christmas story. The rhymes and the illustrations will draw the kids in as well. This is a Christmas book kids will want to read every year!

Christmas Paper Craft for Kids

Reindeer Christmas Card – Kids can use a little crafting magic to transform paper into a reindeer card. This card is sure to bring holiday cheer to anyone who receives it either as a Christmas card or gift tag.

Rocking Snowman Craft – You’ll find a winter wonder with our easy and adorable rocking snowman! This craft is perfect for all ages, and these rockin’ snowmen will make charming decorations or playful paper toys.

DIY Elf Hat – Get into the festive spirit with our elf headband craft! It’s the perfect accessory for your little Christmas elves! Create magical memories at home, in the classroom, or at daycare. Let the holiday fun begin! 

Santa Toilet Roll Craft – Transform a simple toilet paper roll into a jolly Santa decoration with an extra fluffy cotton ball beard! Festive fun is just a craft away by recycling a household item with our free template!

Christmas Printables

Add a sprinkle of festive fun to your holiday season with our printable roll a Santa game! Easy to set up, this Christmas activity engages kids in learning through play. Download, print, and grab dice and pom poms to let the merriment begin!

It’s a jolly way for preschoolers, pre-k, and kindergarten kids to learn to take turns, count, and match colors while celebrating the season. The first to complete their Santa masterpiece wins, so let’s start playing!

Embrace the joy of the season with our festive reindeer coloring pages! They’re a perfect activity for home, school, or daycare for your preschoolers through elementary aged children.

These pages offer a canvas for creativity this holiday season with three charming designs. Print them out, grab crayons or markers, and watch their imaginations soar.

Ignite the holiday spirit in your kiddos with these enchanting, editable letters from Santa. Designed to fill your child’s heart with wonder and excitement, the pack includes a special Santa warning letter, a personalized message from the jolly man himself, and an official Nice List certificate.

Keep the magic alive and foster good behavior with these delightful letters, ensuring another year of innocence and joy for your little ones! 

For some festive learning, use these Christmas counting cards. They’re an ideal activity for preschoolers during the holiday season. They feature numbers 1 through 20 and each card combines numeral and written form.

With pre-filled ten frames, kids enhance one-to-one correspondence skills and make math merry and interactive. Vibrant colors and cheerful Christmas themes captivate young minds, making these cards a hands-on tool to reinforce early math concepts and cultivate a love for numbers! 

Share With Us

Did you make this activity with your kids or students? We’d love to feature them on our social media!

For a chance to have your child’s project featured, simply snap a picture of the completed project and post it to our Facebook page, email it to us directly by clicking here, or use #simpleeverydaymom on your social media!

Nutcracker Paper Cup Craft Template