Finding fresh crafts for kids gets harder every year. You’ve done the paper snowflakes and the glitter ornaments. Your kids need something new to keep them excited.

This guide shares easy christmas crafts, organized by experience, not materials. That means you can pick projects based on what your family loves right now.

Countdown activities. Pretend play. Memory keepers. Faith-based ideas. Winter fun. Santa adventures. Family projects.

Each craft uses simple supplies you already have. No complicated steps. No expensive trips to craft stores. Just fun, hands-on kids’ christmas crafts that create memories.

How This List of Christmas Crafts for Kids Is Organized

Here’s the breakdown of how these Christmas crafts for kids are organized:

Category	What It Includes
Countdown & Advent Craft Ideas	Track the days until Christmas
Storytelling & Pretend-Play Christmas Crafts	Puppets, props, and imaginative play
Baking-Inspired (No-Oven) Christmas Crafts	Crafts that look like treats
Photo & Memory Keepsake Crafts	Capture this year’s special moments
Faith & Nativity-Inspired Kids’ Christmas Crafts	Meaningful crafts around the Christmas story
Winter Wonderland & Snow-Themed Crafts	Snow, ice, and frosty fun
Santa, Elves & Reindeer Adventure Crafts	Playful character crafts kids can act out
Family Craft Night Projects	Bigger projects, everyone helps with

Each category includes simple, low-pressure Christmas crafts. Pick a category that matches your mood or your child’s interests, and start there. Jump around. Try what feels right for your family today.

Countdown & Advent Christmas Craft Ideas for Kids

These christmas crafts for kids help build excitement as the big day gets closer. Each project gives children something to look forward to and a way to mark the passing days.

1. Christmas Countdown Sticker Chart

Kids add one sticker each day, leading up to Christmas. This simple visual tracker makes waiting feel manageable and fun.

• Draw a simple grid with 24 to 25 boxes on a poster board
• Let your child decorate the top as “Countdown to Christmas”
• Each day, they place a sticker in a box and watch the chart fill up

2. Advent Story Chain

Each paper link has a simple prompt or verse. Kids tear off one link daily and read it together as a family.

• Cut strips of paper and write a short activity, question, or verse on each
• Form a chain by looping and gluing each strip
• Kids tear off one link daily and read it together

3. Acts of Kindness Advent Jar

Focus on giving, not just getting. This craft shifts attention to how kids can make others smile during the season.

• Write 24 simple kind acts on small slips of paper
• Place them in a jar decorated with stars or hearts
• Kids draw one slip daily and complete the act

4. Countdown Envelope Garland

Mini envelopes with surprises inside. Each morning brings a small moment of joy when kids open the next envelope.

• Hang small envelopes along a string with clothespins
• Fill with jokes, tiny treats, or simple craft prompts
• Let kids open one envelope each morning

5. Christmas Countdown Paper Path

A stepping stone path to the tree. Kids follow the path day by day until they reach Christmas.

• Draw a winding path on a poster board with 24 stepping stones
• Kids color in or place a sticker on one stone each day
• Place the final stone at the tree or nativity scene

6. Advent Window Stars

Use windows to track progress. This craft turns your windows into a bright countdown display.

• Make 24 simple paper or washi tape stars
• Tape them to a window in a tree or starburst pattern
• Remove or color in one star each day

7. Scripture or Affirmation Advent Rings

Mix faith and encouragement. Each day brings a new thought or verse to reflect on together.

• Cut cardstock circles, write verses or affirmations on each
• Place them on a ring clip or binder ring
• Kids flip to a new circle daily

8. Countdown Bookmark for Little Readers

Perfect for kids who love books. This craft combines reading time with the countdown to Christmas.

• Create a sturdy bookmark with 24 tiny boxes or symbols
• Kids color one symbol after reading a Christmas book or story each day
• Keep the bookmark in their current favorite book

9. Train to Christmas Countdown Track

A fun visual for younger kids. The train moves closer to Christmas Station each day.

• Draw a train track with numbered stops on a long strip of paper
• Tape a paper train on Day 1 and move it forward daily
• Add scenery like trees and houses along the track

10. Advent Handprint Tree

Watch the tree fill up as Christmas nears. Each handprint adds color and shows how the family is building something together.

• Draw a bare tree trunk on a poster board
• Each day, add one paper handprint leaf until it’s full and festive
• Use different colored paper for variety

Storytelling & Pretend-Play Christmas Crafts

These kids’ Christmas crafts double as toys, props, and story starters. They give children a way to act out their favorite holiday scenes and create their own stories. Hands-on play keeps kids busy and sparks creativity.

11. Christmas Character Finger Puppets

Make simple finger puppets like a snowman, a tree, an elf, or an angel. Kids can put on their own holiday shows with these tiny characters.

• Cut small finger-sized tubes from cardstock
• Add drawn-on faces and paper hats or scarves
• Use them to act out stories at bedtime

12. Holiday Story Cube Dice

Roll a cube to spark silly Christmas tales. Each roll brings a new story direction, keeping things unpredictable.

• Cover a box in white paper and draw different Christmas images on each side
• Kids roll the cube and build a story using the picture they land on
• Take turns rolling and adding to the story

13. Christmas Puppet Theater Box

Turn a cardboard box into a stage. This craft creates a performance space where kids can share their stories.

• Cut a window from the front of a box and decorate it as a theater
• Use store-bought or homemade puppets to perform short holiday skits
• Add curtains with fabric scraps or paper

14. Choose Your Path Story Cards

Let kids pick the next part of the story. They get to control where the tale goes with each card flip.

• Draw or print simple Christmas scenes on cards
• Kids flip cards to decide where the story goes next, like the tree farm, the kitchen, or the North Pole
• Create multiple paths so stories change each time

15. Christmas Dress-Up Hat Craft

Create wearable hats for Santa, an elf, or a reindeer to play. Kids can switch characters and invent different roles throughout the day.

• Use cardstock strips fitted around the head
• Add big cut-out shapes like antlers, Santa hats, or elf ears
• Secure with tape or glue once sized correctly

16. Gift Shop Pretend-Play Labels

Turn a corner of your home into a play gift shop. Kids can practice social skills while wrapping and selling pretend gifts.

• Make price tags and shop signs with kids
• Add play money and let them wrap and sell pretend gifts
• Set up a small table or box as the shop counter

17. Holiday Post Office Set

Encourage writing and imagination. This craft gets kids practicing letters and notes in a fun way.

• Craft simple mailboxes from boxes
• Make postcards and stamps with stickers
• Kids deliver notes around the house

18. North Pole Map Craft

Draw and decorate a map of the North Pole. Kids can move characters across the map and create their own North Pole stories.

• Sketch zones like Santa’s workshop, stables, cookie kitchen, and mail room
• Kids move characters, paper, or toys across the map to play
• Add labels and fun details to each zone

19. Christmas Shadow Puppet Silhouettes

Use shadows to tell cozy night stories. Turn off the lights and let the shadow show begin.

• Cut silhouettes from black paper like trees, animals, nativity, or Santa
• Tape sticks to the back and shine a flashlight at a wall
• Kids perform shadow stories before bedtime

20. Holiday Board Game Path

Design a simple board game together. Everyone helps create the rules and game spaces.

• Draw a path on a sheet of cardboard with move ahead, go back, and action spaces
• Use coins or small toys as game pieces
• Play together as a family on a quiet evening

Baking-Inspired (No-Oven) Christmas Crafts for Kids

Perfect for kids who love treats but don’t need the oven on. These easy Christmas crafts for kids bring the fun of baking without the heat or mess. Kids get to decorate, design, and pretend to bake all season long.

21. No-Bake Clay Cookie Ornaments

Treat-shaped ornaments that never go stale. These look like cookies, but they last year after year.

• Roll air-dry clay and cut with cookie cutters
• Decorate with paint and frosting details once dry
• Add a hole at the top for hanging

22. Sprinkle Art Cupcakes

Craft cupcakes that look almost real. Kids can make as many as they want without sugar overload.

• Cut cupcake shapes from cardstock
• Add frosting with glue and sprinkle real or paper confetti on top
• Display them on a paper plate or in a box

23. Paper Gingerbread People Decorating Station

A calm alternative to edible cookies. Set up a decorating station and let kids create their own gingerbread friends.

• Provide gingerbread-shaped cutouts
• Set out markers, stickers, and bits of yarn or ribbon
• Let kids decorate as many as they like

24. Hot Cocoa Cup Paper Craft

Build a cozy cocoa cup scene. This craft brings the warmth of hot chocolate into an art form.

• Cut cup shapes from colored paper
• Add cotton marshmallows and draw on steam swirls
• Glue onto a larger sheet as a winter scene

25. Candy Shop Collage

Design your own candy store window. Kids can fill their shop with all their favorite sweet treats.

• Draw jar shapes on paper
• Fill them with drawn or cut-out candies, sequins, or tiny shapes
• Label each jar with candy names

26. Pretend Candy Cane Clay Set

Make candy canes from modeling dough. These can be kept soft for play or dried for display.

• Roll two colors into long ropes, twist them together, and bend the top
• Air-dry or bake clay according to package instructions
• Make different sizes for variety

27. Recipe Page Drawing Craft

Kids invent their own silly Christmas recipes. Imagination is the main ingredient in this craft.

• Fold paper like a mini cookbook
• Draw or collage ingredients like 3 snowflakes, 2 candy stars
• Write silly instructions for how to make the treat

28. Cupcake Liner Christmas Treat Stand

Use cupcake liners to build a pretend dessert stand. Stack them up and create a full bakery display.

• Stack and glue liners to create treats
• Draw little price tags for each
• Arrange on a tray or box

29. Felt Cookie Decorating Set

Reusable cookies for ongoing play. Kids can rearrange toppings and redecorate whenever they want.

• Cut simple shapes from felt
• Add felt frosting pieces and toppings, kids can rearrange
• Store in a small box or bag

30. Sprinkle Shaker Snow Globes (Dry)

Looks like sprinkles in motion. Shake it up and watch the magic happen.

• Use clear containers with tiny beads, glitter, or sprinkles
• Kids shake to decorate an imaginary cake
• Seal the lid tightly for safe shaking

Photo & Memory Keepsake Christmas Crafts

These christmas crafts for kids help you freeze this year’s memories. They capture who your child is right now at this age. Years from now, you’ll look back and smile at these simple moments.

31. Year-in-Review Memory Garland

A visual timeline of the year. This garland highlights all the events leading up to Christmas.

• Print small photos from different months
• Clip them to a string with mini clothespins
• Add handwritten tags with key moments

32. Handprint & Favorite Things Poster

Capture who they are this Christmas. This poster becomes a sweet snapshot of their personality today.

• Trace your child’s hand
• Around it, list their favorite toy, song, snack, and book
• Date it and save it in a memory box

33. Christmas Time Capsule Box

Open it next year or in five. Fill it with items that show what this year was like.

• Decorate a shoebox
• Fill with drawings, small notes, photos, or a letter from future me
• Seal it and mark the opening date on top

34. Family Ornament Photo Wheel

A circle of mini photos. Everyone in the family gets a spot on this keepsake ornament.

• Cut a cardboard circle and glue small family photos around the edge
• Add ribbon for hanging
• Write the year in the center

35. What I Love About Christmas Booklet

Kid-written memories. Each page shows something they treasure about the season.

• Fold paper into a small book
• Let kids add one thing they love on each page with a drawing plus a sentence
• Staple or tie the pages together

36. Holiday Interview Flipbook

Same questions, different years. Ask your child the same questions each Christmas and see how answers change.

• Create a page template with questions like Favorite memory or Favorite song
• Ask your child each year and keep pages on a ring
• Compare answers as they grow

37. Mini Photo Magnets

Perfect for grandparents’ fridges. These little magnets make great gifts that get used daily.

• Glue small photos onto painted cardboard squares
• Add magnet strips to the back
• Wrap a few as gifts for family

38. Christmas Footprint Path Art

Capture how small their feet are. Turn those tiny prints into holiday characters.

• Use washable paint to make footprints on a long sheet
• Turn prints into reindeer, angels, or elves with added details
• Frame or roll up for safekeeping

39. Our Tree This Year Sketch

Draw your tree as it looks now. Each year’s tree has its own personality.

• Ask your child to sketch your tree’s ornaments
• Date the drawing and save it in a holiday folder
• Compare sketches year after year

40. Tradition Snapshot Collage

Record your unique traditions. This collage shows what makes your family’s Christmas special.

• Print photos of your family’s special rituals
• Glue on poster board with captions like Christmas Eve walk or PJs and cocoa
• Hang it where everyone can see

Faith & Nativity-Inspired Kids’ Christmas Crafts

Gentle, hands-on ways to talk about the meaning behind Christmas. These crafts help families share the story in simple, age-appropriate ways. Create space for questions and wonder as you work together.

41. Simple Nativity Story Stones

Use stones as characters. Each stone represents a part of the nativity story.

• Paint or draw simple symbols like a star, a stable, a shepherd, an angel, a baby
• Use them to retell the nativity story in kid-friendly words
• Store stones in a small pouch

42. Journey to Bethlehem Map Craft

Follow the path. Move figures along the map as you tell the story day by day.

• Draw a large map showing Nazareth, Bethlehem, fields, and the star
• Move paper figures along the path over several days
• Add details like hills, towns, and roads

43. Star of Bethlehem Suncatcher

Catch the light with a symbolic star. Hang this in a window and let the light shine through.

• Cut a large star frame from cardstock
• Fill the center with tissue pieces on contact paper and hang it in a window
• Use yellow, gold, and white tissue

44. Nativity Paper Bag Scene

A tabletop nativity made by kids. Simple paper bags become the characters in this sweet scene.

• Draw nativity characters on small paper bags
• Stand them up and place them in a shoebox stable
• Add straw or crumpled paper as bedding

45. Gift of Me Offering Craft

Focus on what kids can offer. This craft shifts attention to kindness and love.

• Cut gift shapes and invite kids to write or draw ways they can show love or kindness
• Place them at the base of a paper manger or tree
• Read them together on Christmas morning

46. Advent Prayer Chain

Simple, age-appropriate prayers. Each link holds a prayer topic for your family.

• Write short prayer topics on paper strips
• Form a chain and tear one off each evening to pray together
• Keep prayers simple and focused

47. Star Path Table Runner

A decorative reminder. This runner adds a touch of meaning to your holiday table.

• Cut star shapes and glue them along a wide strip of paper
• Write words like Hope, Joy, Peace on each
• Lay it down the center of your table

48. Nativity Silhouette Lantern

Soft, storytelling light. This lantern glows gently, setting a peaceful mood.

• Wrap white paper around a jar and glue on nativity silhouettes
• Use a battery tea light inside to glow
• Place on a shelf or windowsill

49. Names of Jesus Ornament Set

Learn as they create. Each ornament teaches a different name or role.

• Cut circle ornaments and write a different name on each, like Shepherd, Light, Friend
• Hang them along a string or on a tree
• Talk about what each name means

50. Angel Blessing Cards

Kids share encouragement. These little cards spread kindness during the season.

• Fold small cards and decorate angel shapes on the front
• Inside, kids write simple blessings or kind notes to give away
• Hand them out to neighbors, teachers, or friends

Winter Wonderland & Snow-Themed Christmas Crafts

Perfect if you love the winter vibe, with or without real snow. These crafts bring the magic of winter indoors. Kids can build snowy scenes and frosty fun no matter the weather outside.

51. Cotton Ball Snowy Village

Soft, fluffy landscape. This craft creates a cozy winter town that kids can add to all seasons.

• Draw simple houses on cardboard
• Add cotton for snow on roofs and ground
• Arrange houses together to form a village

52. Paper Strip Snowflakes

Simple strips, big impact. These snowflakes look intricate but come together easily.

• Glue paper strips into overlapping shapes to form snowflakes
• Hang from a string in front of the windows
• Use white or light blue paper

53. Winter Animal Mask Craft

Snowy owls, foxes, or polar bears. Kids can wear these masks and pretend to roam the Arctic.

• Cut masks from cardstock
• Add ears, beaks, and coloring, then attach a string to wear
• Act out winter animal stories

54. Build-a-Snowman Felt Board

Rebuild snowmen all day. The pieces stick to felt, so kids can create new snowmen over and over.

• Cover a board with blue felt
• Add felt circles and accessories kids can move around
• Include hats, scarves, buttons, and carrot noses

55. Snowstorm-in-a-Jar Science Craft

A bit of STEM in your christmas crafts for kids. Watch the swirling snow effect inside the jar.

• Use oil, water, glitter, and an effervescent tablet in a jar
• Watch snow swirls when the tablet is added with supervision
• Seal tightly and shake for more snow motion

56. Icicle Drip Painting

Gravity art. Let the paint drip down like melting icicles.

• Tape paper upright on an easel
• Drop watery paint at the top and let it drip down like icicles
• Use white, blue, and silver paint

57. Winter Window Crayon Rubbings

Frosty textures. This craft captures interesting textures that look like ice crystals.

• Place paper over textured surfaces like grates or leaves and rub with crayons
• Use cool colors to suggest ice and snow
• Display rubbings on windows

58. Snowflake Wand Craft

A prop for pretend snow magic. Kids can wave their wands and make believe they’re creating snowstorms.

• Attach a foam or paper snowflake to a stick
• Decorate with ribbons and sequins
• Use during imaginative play

59. Polar Animal Footprint Trail

Make a pretend Arctic path. Follow the footprints and imagine exploring the frozen tundra.

• Cut animal footprints and tape them in a trail through the house
• Kids pretend to be explorers or animals, following the path
• Add signs like North Pole Ahead

60. Inside the Snow Globe Self-Portrait

Kids imagine themselves in a globe. This craft lets them see themselves inside a winter scene.

• Draw a snow globe outline on paper
• Inside, kids draw themselves playing in the snow and add falling snow with paint dots or stickers
• Color the base and add their name

Santa, Elves & Reindeer Adventure Crafts

Playful kids’ Christmas crafts packed with character and imagination. These projects let kids step into the world of Santa’s workshop and the North Pole. Expect giggles, stories, and lots of pretend play.

61. Santa’s Workshop Job Badge

What’s your job at the North Pole? Kids get to pick their role and wear it with honor.

• Cut circles or rectangles as badges
• Kids choose a role, like toy tester or cookie taster, and decorate their badge
• Wear badges during craft time or pretend play

62. Elf Footprint Door Trail

Invite elves into the house. These tiny footprints suggest the elves paid a visit.

• Cut tiny elf feet from green paper
• Arrange footprints leading to the tree, table, or a surprise
• Kids can follow the trail each morning

63. Reindeer Stable Door Sign

Decorate a bedroom door like a stable. This turns any room into a reindeer resting spot.

• Make a cardboard sign reading Reindeer Resting
• Add paper antlers or bells
• Hang on a bedroom door

64. Santa’s Wish List Scroll Craft

Write or draw wishes. This scroll makes wish writing feel official and special.

• Tape several paper sheets together in a long strip
• Roll the ends into a scroll and tie with ribbon
• Kids write or draw their wishes inside

65. Elf Ears & Collar Costume Set

Quick dress-up fun. Kids can change into elves in minutes.

• Cut pointy ears from paper or felt
• Make a collar with triangles around the edge and add small bells if you have them
• Attach ears with headbands

66. Reindeer Food Pouch

For Christmas Eve fun. Kids can sprinkle this outside for the reindeer.

• Decorate small paper bags with reindeer faces
• Fill with oats and safe glitter or colored sugar for magic food
• Leave outside on Christmas Eve

67. Design Santa’s Sleigh Blueprint

STEM plus art. Kids get to engineer their version of the perfect sleigh.

• On blue paper, draw and label a new sleigh design
• Kids add boosters, snack stations, or comfy seats
• Share blueprints and explain the features

68. Elf Pose Photo Props

Turn any day into a photo booth. These props make silly holiday photos easy.

• Make oversized paper glasses, hats, candy canes, and mustaches
• Tape to sticks for holding in photos
• Take family photos with everyone using props

69. Reindeer Antler Ring Toss Craft

Build simple reindeer antlers from cardboard. This craft becomes a game the whole family can play.

• Cut antler shapes and attach to a headband or hat
• Toss soft rings like yarn-wrapped hoops and try to land them on the antlers
• Keep score and play in teams

70. Santa’s Cookie Plate Design

Decorate a keepsake plate in craft form. Kids design where cookies, milk, and carrots should go.

• Draw or paint a cookie plate design on heavy paper
• Kids decide where cookies, milk, and carrots go
• Use this as a placemat on Christmas Eve

71. North Pole Mailbox Craft

A special deliveries only box. Kids can post their letters and drawings for Santa.

• Decorate a small box as a North Pole mailbox
• Kids post letters, drawings, and wish lists inside
• Check the mailbox together throughout the season

Family Craft Night Christmas Projects

These projects are a bit bigger and perfect when everyone’s gathered around the table. They work best when the whole family pitches in. Set aside an evening, put on some music, and create something together.

72. Family Fingerprint Christmas Tree Canvas

Everyone adds their print. Each family member leaves their mark on this tree.

• Paint a simple tree trunk and branches on canvas or cardboard
• Each family member adds fingerprint lights or ornaments
• Write names under each person’s prints

73. Holiday Story Quilt Paper Wall Hanging

Each square tells a piece of your family’s story. Work together to fill the quilt with memories and designs.

• Divide a large sheet into squares
• Every family member decorates a few squares with scenes or patterns
• Hang as a temporary story quilt

74. Christmas Movie Night Ticket Book

Turn movie night into an event. Kids get excited when they can redeem a ticket.

• Make paper tickets with different Christmas movies or shows
• Kids decorate the cover and redeem tickets throughout the season
• Keep the book in a special spot

75. Gratitude Garland

Hang thankfulness across the room. Each strip shows something your family is grateful for.

• Cut strips or shapes and invite everyone to write things they’re grateful for
• Clip onto a long string and display
• Add to the garland all month long

76. Family Christmas Crest Shield

Design a playful family coat of arms. Each person adds a symbol that represents their family.

• Draw a shield and divide it into sections
• Each person adds one symbol that represents their family, like a hobby, pet, or favorite food
• Color it in together

77. Collaborative Christmas Town Mural

A huge town built together. Everyone gets a section to fill with buildings and details.

• Tape paper across a wall or table
• Everyone draws houses, shops, streets, and parks to build a full Christmas town
• Connect sections so the town flows

78. DIY Game Night Spinner Board

Pick activities with a spin. This homemade game adds fun to any family night.

• Divide a circle into sections labeled with sing carols, tell a joke, draw a snowman
• Use a paperclip and a brad as a spinner
• Play together and follow the spinner’s directions

79. Family Tradition Cookbook Pages

Collect holiday recipes. Each person illustrates their favorite dish or treat.

• Each family member illustrates a page for a favorite holiday recipe
• Bind pages with ribbon or clips
• Keep adding pages each year

80. Our Year in Ornaments Paper Chain

Each ornament equals one memory. Link them together to form a chain of highlights.

• Cut circles and invite everyone to draw one highlight of the year
• Link them as a chain to hang
• Read each memory together

81. Christmas Craft Night Photo Frame

Remember the night itself. This frame becomes a keepsake from your craft night.

• Decorate a large cardboard frame together
• Take a group photo, hold it, and print the photo later
• Display the photo in the frame

82. New Year Wishes Star Jar

Carry the season into the new year. Open the jar next December and see which wishes came true.

• Cut star shapes and ask everyone to write a wish or goal
• Place stars in a decorated jar to open next December
• Seal the jar and mark the opening date

Final Thoughts

You don’t need perfect crafts or fancy supplies to make Christmas special.

These christmas crafts for kids give you simple ways to slow down and create together. Pick one project from any category. Start small. Let it be messy.

The crafts will fade, get recycled, or end up in storage. But the time you spent sitting together, laughing, and making something with your hands? That stays. Those moments build the memories your kids carry into adulthood.

Choose one easy christmas craft for kids from this list and try it this week. Which category caught your attention? What will you make first with your family this season?