It’s after Thanksgiving, dreary and cold outside, and you need something to do with your kids. There just happens to be some leftover paper plates from the big meal.
What’s a mom to do?
How about make this cute and fun paper plate Santa craft for kids?!
It’s a simple way to keep the kids entertained and get in the Christmas spirit!
Read on below to see how easy it is to make with your kids. Also, be sure to check out all of our Santa activities for even more ideas!
Easy Santa Craft For Kids

Supplies
- Paper plate
- Colored card stock
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- Tape
- Black marker
- Santa craft template (enter your email in the form at the end of this page to have the link sent to you)
Directions
Download the free Santa Claus craft template, print, and cut out the pieces.
Glue the bottom of Santa’s hat to the red base.
Glue the hat puff to the tip of the hat.
Place the cream face piece at the top of the center circle of the paper plate and glue it in place.
Put the tongue piece on the bottom of the black mouth and glue it down. Cut off any excess.
Position the mouth towards the bottom of the inner circle of the paper plate and glue.
Glue the eyebrows towards the top of the cream face piece.
Place the white mustache on the paper plate so it covers the bottom of the cream face and glue it in place.
Use a circle punch or scissors to cut out a small pink nose for Santa. Glue in the middle of the mustache, where it dips in the center.
Use the black marker to draw Santa’s eyes.
Use the scissors to cut a few slits on the top of the paper plate. This is to help flatten the plate and make it easier to secure the hat.
Place the hat on the top of the paper plate, then flip the plate over (holding the hat in place) and secure it in place with tape.
You’re finished! Wasn’t that so much fun?!
And did you know there are so many wonderful benefits to crafting with your children? Check out some of the best ones below.
Looking for some more fun Christmas activities to keep the kids busy? We’ve got you covered with this Christmas printables bundle! There are color by numbers, pattern block mats, do a dot printables, letters from Santa and so much more. No more hours of screen time – these activities will keep them engaged and happy!

Why is it important to do crafts with your kids?
1. It develops Imagination and Self-Expression
When children work on art projects, it stimulates creativity and imagination.
Putting a paintbrush in the hand of a child to make a snowflake watercolor art project or anything else gives them the chance to express themselves in a way that they might not be able to do verbally.
It is important to give your child the chance to participate both in art projects – which are free form and open-ended – and crafts, which are set with a particular goal in mind, like this paper plate Santa craft.
2. It Strengthens Cognitive Abilities
Participating in art and crafts help children improve their decision-making abilities by giving them instant feedback on their choices.
If they don’t use enough glue, for example, the pieces won’t stick. Too much glue, however, leaves a soggy mess.
Similarly, if they mix colors on a painting, they get an instant result, and then have to decide if they like that result while processing what happened.
Creating arts and crafts also gives children a chance to practice problem-solving skills.

What should they do when they accidentally use too much glue or get a paint color they don’t like? What steps can they take to fix it – even if it means starting over?
It is important for parents and teachers alike to allow children to make and learn from these experiments and not swoop in immediately to “fix it.”
In fact, “fixing” the child’s artwork can have some detrimental repercussions. When a parent or teacher changes the child’s art to make it look more “perfect,” it sends a message to the child that their efforts weren’t good enough on their own, which demolishes their self-confidence.
Instead, praise their wonky-nosed reindeer and crooked-hat Santa, and watch them shine with pride.

3. It Reinforces Physical Skills
Working on an art or craft project also helps a child hone some important physical skills. Using scissors and squeezing glue out of a bottle improves hand strength and awareness.
Manipulating small pieces improves fine motor skills. Coloring provides some great pre-writing practice. And seeing the completed steps is a great confidence boost for a child who is learning a new skill!

Emotional Benefits of Doing Arts and Crafts
Even children feel the stress around the holidays. Schedules are inconsistent with holiday parties and days off school.
Busy holiday stores are a sensory overload waiting to happen. Relatives from out of town come to visit.
Projects such as the paper plate Santa can help children hit the “reset” button. It’s been found that focusing on a quiet activity, even for a short time, can help children lower their stress levels and feel more in control of their emotions.
Doing these crafts alongside children gives them the message that they are important and loved.
Isn’t it amazing how a simple craft can have so many amazing benefits?!
More Holiday Crafts
- Reindeer Gingerbread Man Disguise Craft
- Elf On The Shelf Paper Plate Craft
- Santa Claus Tissue Paper Craft
Share With Us
Did you make this paper plate Santa Claus with your children or students? If so, we’d love to see how they look!
Snap a picture of the completed project and share them with us on our Facebook wall or in our private Facebook group.
More Christmas Ideas For Kids

Paper Plate Santa Craft For Kids
This paper plate Santa is a simple and fun Christmas craft kids will love creating!
Materials
- Paper plate
- Colored card stock
- Glue stick
- Tape
- Black marker
- Santa craft template
Instructions
- Download the free Santa Claus craft template, print, and cut out the pieces.
- Glue the bottom of Santa's hat to the red base.
- Glue the hat puff to the tip of the hat.
- Place the cream face piece at the top of the center circle of the paper plate and glue it in place.
- Put the tongue piece on the bottom of the black mouth and glue it down. Cut off any excess.
- Position the mouth towards the bottom of the inner circle of the paper plate and glue.
- Glue the eyebrows towards the top of the cream face piece.
- Place the white mustache on the paper plate so it covers the bottom of the cream face and glue in place.
- Use a circle punch or scissors to cut out a small pink nose for Santa. Glue in the middle of the mustache, where it dips in the center.
- Use the black marker to draw in Santa's eyes.
- Use the scissors to cut a few slits in the top of the paper plate. This is to help flatten the plate and make it easier to secure the hat.
- Place the hat on the top of the paper plate, then flip the plate over (holding the hat in place) and secure it in place with tape.
Free Santa Template
⬇️ Enter your email in the form below to get the template link sent to you. ⬇️
Lana
Thursday 29th of December 2022
Could you please send me the Paper Plate Santa Craft for Kinds tample? Thank you.
Sam
Thursday 29th of December 2022
Of course! All you need to do is enter your email in the form at the end of this post to have the link sent to you ?
Jinal
Monday 26th of December 2022
Nice craft
Sam
Wednesday 28th of December 2022
Thank you!
Yana
Tuesday 13th of December 2022
Looking forward to making this craft! :)
Sam
Tuesday 13th of December 2022
Yay! Have fun!
Alejandra
Wednesday 7th of December 2022
?
Sam
Thursday 8th of December 2022
?
Sabrina
Wednesday 7th of December 2022
Paper plate Santa craft for kids
Sam
Thursday 8th of December 2022
If you’re looking for the template, all you need to do is enter your email in the form at the end of this post to have the link sent to you ?