Christmas break always feels a little magical, doesn’t it? Kids are home, the house smells like cinnamon, and suddenly every corner feels like it’s waiting for a sprinkle of sparkle. If you’re looking for activities that keep the little ones engaged and create precious memory-filled keepsakes, Christmas crafts are the perfect way to spend those cozy afternoons. Most of these ideas use things you already have around the house — paper, glue, leftover ribbons — and they’re designed to make kids feel proud of what they create. Whether you’re prepping for a classroom activity, a family craft night, or simply trying to keep young hands busy while you finish wrapping gifts, these ideas are a delight. And who knows? A few of these may even become yearly traditions your kids look forward to.
1. Pine Cone Christmas Critters
Turning pine cones into little woodland critters is one of those heartwarming crafts that looks fancy but is incredibly simple. Kids love how tactile the pine cones feel, and each shape creates a different personality — some pine cones look like sleepy owls, while others make perfect little reindeer bodies. You can collect the pine cones during a short walk, which adds an outdoor adventure to the experience. Once home, lay out felt, googly eyes, small twigs, and glue, and watch the creativity flow.
I personally love placing these tiny critters on shelves, windowsills, or even under the Christmas tree like a miniature woodland village. They also make charming gift-toppers — just tie them with a ribbon to a wrapped present. If your kids enjoy natural crafting, they may also love helping set up simple plant corners around the home; our post on Small Home Decor Ideas That Actually Look Expensive fits wonderfully with this theme and gives you more décor inspiration.
2. Salt Dough Handprint Ornaments
Salt dough ornaments are the definition of sentimental holiday keepsakes — especially when little handprints or footprints are involved. Creating the dough is half the fun, and kids love pressing their hands into the soft surface. Once baked, they can paint and decorate their ornaments however they like: glitter outlines, bright colors, or even soft pastels that match your décor. Parents usually treasure these for years, making them perfect for memory boxes.
These ornaments also make lovely gifts for grandparents or teachers. And don’t worry if the shapes aren’t perfect — the imperfections are exactly what make them special. You can even write the year on the back for a sweet time capsule effect.
3. Paper Straw Snowflakes
Paper straws may seem simple, but they transform beautifully into rustic snowflakes when arranged in geometric patterns. Kids can cut the straws into smaller pieces and glue them onto round cardboard bases, creating endless designs. The best part is that every snowflake turns out unique — a quick craft that looks surprisingly elegant.
Hang these snowflakes on windows using clear string or tape, and watch how pretty they look when sunlight hits them. They also add a lovely handmade touch to Christmas trees. If you’re a fan of easy and budget-friendly decoration, you’ll also enjoy the creative ideas in our post on Small Apartment Decor Ideas, which blends well with the spirit of simple crafting.
4. Sock Snowman Buddies
Sock snowmen are perfect for kids because they’re soft, squishy, and require zero sewing skills. All you need are old socks, rice (or cotton), rubber bands, buttons, and felt. Kids love filling the socks and shaping the little snowman bodies before decorating them with scarves and hats. It’s like building a snowman indoors without the cold!
These snowmen also make adorable tabletop decorations or bedtime buddies during the winter season. The hats made from sock cutoffs give them an extra cozy look. Every year, our family adds a few new sock snowmen to our collection — and the lineup of slightly crooked but irresistible snow-people always makes us smile.
5. Cinnamon Stick Reindeer Ornaments
These cinnamon-stick reindeer ornaments combine heavenly scents with adorable charm. Glue three cinnamon sticks into a triangle shape, add googly eyes, pipe-cleaner antlers, and a red pom-pom nose. Kids love the smell of the cinnamon while they’re working, and the little reindeer faces always turn out cute.
Hang these on the Christmas tree or tie them to gifts for a handmade touch. They’re great for craft playdates because kids can easily make several in one sitting. Plus, they look lovely against warm-toned Christmas lights, adding rustic texture to your holiday décor.
6. DIY Christmas Garland With Kids’ Art
This craft is perfect for showcasing your child’s unique creativity. Cut small cardstock pieces or shapes, let kids draw or paint Christmas-themed illustrations, and then clip them to a long string using mini clothespins. It becomes a rotating gallery of their seasonal masterpieces.
You can hang the garland over a fireplace, along stair railings, or above a window for an instantly cheerful atmosphere. The best part? You can keep adding new pieces all month long. This also works wonderfully with kids who love coloring or doodling.
7. Jar Lid Glitter Ornaments
If you have extra jar lids lying around, they’re perfect for turning into sparkly ornaments. Kids can paint the lids, add glitter, glue small cutouts, or create tiny snow scenes inside. The circular shape makes them feel like mini frames.
This is a low-cost craft that still feels special because kids get to design each ornament however they want. Tie a ribbon through a drilled or glued-on loop and hang them on the tree. The glitter catches Christmas lights beautifully.
8. Felt Gingerbread Friends
These felt gingerbread figures are soft, customizable, and endlessly charming. Cut simple gingerbread shapes from brown felt and let kids decorate with puffy paint, buttons, or felt scraps. The tactile nature of felt makes this craft especially enjoyable for smaller kids.
Once finished, you can string the gingerbread friends together as garland, attach them to stockings, or use them as playful ornaments. The more expressive their faces and decorations, the cuter they look — so let kids go wild with colors and patterns.
9. Christmas Tree Cones (Paper or Foam)
Paper or foam cones make wonderful miniature Christmas trees. Kids can wrap yarn, paint them, glue pom-poms as ornaments, or even add star toppers. This is a great craft for sensory play too — yarn wrapping is calming and surprisingly soothing.
These mini trees look adorable on shelves, desks, or as part of a holiday centerpiece. You can create a little forest of them if each child makes more than one. They’re especially nice for decorating kids’ rooms since they are lightweight and safe.
10. Beaded Candy Cane Ornaments
For a quick craft that works even for very young children, beaded candy canes are perfect. Kids simply alternate red and white beads along a pipe cleaner, then bend it into a candy cane shape. The pattern repetition keeps them focused while improving fine motor skills.
These ornaments are durable and reusable each year. They also make great classroom activities because they require minimal cleanup. Hang them on the tree or use them as festive accents on holiday gift bags.
11. Painted Nativity Rocks
Rock painting is always a hit with kids, and turning smooth stones into nativity characters brings deeper meaning to holiday crafting. Children can paint Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, shepherds, or even the animals. It helps spark conversations about the Christmas story while allowing creativity.
After painting, arrange the rocks on a tray filled with moss or cotton for a simple nativity display. Kids love rearranging the characters and adding props like tiny stars or twigs. This craft becomes both decoration and imaginative play.
12. Paper Plate Santa Masks
Kids love dress-up crafts, and Santa masks made from paper plates are an instant hit. Cut holes for eyes, then let kids add cotton beard fluff, pom-pom noses, and red paint. Once the masks dry, attach a craft stick or elastic to turn them into wearable props.
Expect lots of giggles and pretend “Ho Ho Ho’s” as kids try them on. These masks are perfect for school holiday parties or family photo sessions. They also store flat, so you can keep them for next year’s festivities.
13. DIY Christmas Countdown Chain
A simple paper link countdown chain adds excitement to the season. Kids cut strips of colorful paper, write an activity or positive message on each, and glue them into loops. Every morning they tear off a link until Christmas arrives.
I love using this craft to add little family traditions — “Bake cookies,” “Watch a Christmas movie,” or “Give someone a compliment today.” The chain becomes both decoration and a daily moment of connection. Hang it across a doorway or over a bunk bed for a cheerful pop of color.
14. Popsicle Stick Sleighs
Popsicle sticks are endlessly versatile, and sleighs are among the cutest things to build with them. Kids can glue sticks into sleigh shapes, paint them bright red or white, and add tiny bells or ribbons. These sleighs can hold mini toys or candies.
Display them on shelves or use them for pretend games with toy reindeer or dolls. They also make sweet little place-card holders for Christmas dinner if you attach a small clip. The rustic popsicle look fits beautifully with natural holiday décor.
15. DIY Snow Globe Jars
Snow globes always feel magical, and kids adore creating their own. Use small jars, waterproof figurines, glitter, and glycerin for slower snowfall. Kids help select the characters — tiny trees, snowmen, animals — making each globe feel personal.
Once filled and sealed, these globes make great bedtime night-lights when placed near a soft lamp. Kids love shaking them and watching the glitter swirling like a tiny winter storm. This project can get a bit messy but it’s always worth the excitement it brings.
16. Ribbon Christmas Stars
Ribbons can easily transform into beautiful stars when folded and glued onto cardboard bases. Kids enjoy choosing ribbon colors and textures — satin, velvet, plaid, or sparkly. Each star turns out differently depending on the ribbon’s width and pattern.
Create a set of matching stars for a coordinated look or let kids craft a rainbow of designs. These stars look gorgeous hung on walls, trees, or gift packages. They’re lightweight, so they’re great for decorating kids’ rooms or play areas.
17. Pom-Pom Christmas Wreath
Making pom-poms is fun and surprisingly addictive for kids. Once they get the hang of wrapping yarn around their fingers or pom-pom makers, they won’t want to stop. Glue the finished pom-poms onto a cardboard ring and add a bow for a festive wreath.
This craft is great for using leftover yarn and teaching kids color coordination. Hang the wreath on bedroom doors, playrooms, or even kitchen cabinets for a cute child-made touch. The softness and texture make it feel cozy and wintery.
18. Wrapping Paper Collage Art
If you’re drowning in leftover wrapping paper scraps (we all do after one gift-wrapping session), turn them into collage masterpieces. Kids can cut, tear, and glue pieces onto cardstock to form Christmas trees, wreaths, or abstract winter scenes.
This craft encourages creativity while reducing waste — a win-win. Once the collages dry, frame them or hang them on the fridge as seasonal art. The glossy patterns make everything look bright and cheerful.
19. Nature Walk Christmas Crowns
Take a little walk outdoors and let the kids collect leaves, twigs, pine needles, or berries (safe varieties only). Then glue the natural materials onto a cardboard band shaped to fit their heads. The result is a magical woodland-style Christmas crown.
Kids love wearing these for photos, holiday storytelling time, or even while helping decorate the tree. The crowns feel rustic and fairytale-like, especially when you mix soft greenery with red accents. Plus, the walk itself adds a mindful, bonding moment.
20. Coffee Filter Angels
Coffee filters create the prettiest soft angel wings, and kids can decorate them with markers, glitter, or stickers. Use a wooden bead or paper circle for the head, and pipe cleaners for halos. Once assembled, these angels are light enough to hang anywhere.
Kids especially enjoy designing the faces and choosing halo colors. These angels add a gentle, peaceful look to Christmas décor — perfect for mantels or nursery corners. They also make thoughtful handmade gifts.
21. DIY Christmas Story Stones
Story stones ignite imagination like nothing else. Paint smooth stones with Christmas symbols — stars, stockings, gifts, elves, snowmen. Place them in a bag and let kids pull stones to create their own silly, creative holiday stories.
These stones are great for quiet afternoon play or bedtime storytelling. They’re also perfect for siblings of different ages because each child adds their own twist to the story. You can use leftover materials from other crafts, such as paints from the nativity rock project.