15 Fun Preschool Christmas Crafts for Kids to Enjoy

If you’re a parent, preschool teacher, or caregiver, you’re probably looking for fun ways to get little ones excited about Christmas.

Crafting with preschoolers is a wonderful way to do just that. I’m thrilled to share 15 simple, safe, and engaging Christmas crafts perfect for kids aged 3 to 5.

These activities will spark creativity, build skills, and fill your home or classroom with holiday cheer.

Let’s dive in and explore how to make this season special with hands-on fun!

Why Christmas Crafts for Preschoolers?

Crafting with young kids is more than just a fun activity. It’s a chance to help them grow while celebrating the magic of Christmas. When your preschooler glues cotton balls or cuts paper snowflakes, they’re building fine motor skills. They’re also expressing themselves and learning about holiday traditions. Plus, crafting together creates memories you’ll both treasure.

Benefits of Crafting

Crafts do wonders for little hands and minds. Cutting paper strengthens hand muscles. Gluing shapes teaches precision. Painting encourages creativity. These activities also introduce kids to Christmas symbols like Santa, reindeer, and snowflakes, making the holiday feel alive. Best of all, crafting is a bonding experience. You’ll laugh, chat, and create together.

Safety First

Safety is key when crafting with preschoolers. Always use child-safe scissors with rounded tips. Choose non-toxic glue and washable paints. If a craft involves small parts like beads or googly eyes, keep a close eye on your child to prevent choking hazards. I recommend sitting nearby to guide them, especially for kids under 4.

15 Preschool Christmas Crafts

Let’s get to the fun part! Here are 15 crafts with clear instructions, materials, and tips to make them extra special. Each one is designed to be easy, affordable, and full of holiday spirit.

1. Paper Plate Santa Claus

Nothing says Christmas like Santa’s jolly face! This craft turns a plain paper plate into a cheerful Santa.

Materials: Paper plate, red and white construction paper, cotton balls, googly eyes, non-toxic glue, child-safe scissors, beige paint.

Instructions:

Paint the paper plate beige for Santa’s face. Let it dry.
Cut a triangle from red paper for Santa’s hat.
Glue the hat to the top of the plate.
Add a cotton ball to the hat’s tip and along the base for trim.
Glue cotton balls around the plate’s edge for Santa’s beard.
Stick on two googly eyes and a small red paper circle for the nose.

Tips: Sprinkle a little glitter on the hat for sparkle. If you don’t have cotton balls, use white yarn for a fluffy beard. Hang your Santa on the fridge for all to see!

2. Handprint Christmas Tree

This craft uses your child’s handprints to create a festive Christmas tree. It’s a sweet keepsake for years to come.

Materials: Green construction paper, brown paper, star sticker, non-toxic glue, decorations (stickers, pom-poms).

Instructions:

Trace your child’s hand on green paper. Cut out 6-8 handprints.
Glue the handprints in a triangle shape, fingers pointing down, to form a tree.
Cut a small rectangle from brown paper for the trunk. Glue it at the bottom.
Place a star sticker at the top.
Decorate with stickers or pom-poms as ornaments.

Tips: Frame the tree for a special gift. Or turn it into a card by folding cardstock and gluing the tree inside. Talk about colors as you decorate!

3. Popsicle Stick Reindeer

This adorable reindeer is perfect for little hands. It makes a great tree ornament.

Materials: Popsicle sticks, brown paint, googly eyes, red pom-pom, non-toxic glue.

Instructions:

Glue three popsicle sticks into a triangle shape.
Paint the triangle brown. Let it dry.
Glue two googly eyes near the top.
Add a red pom-pom below the eyes for the nose.
Cut small brown paper antlers and glue them behind the top stick.

Tips: Tie a ribbon loop to hang the reindeer on your tree. Name it after Rudolph for extra fun!

4. Snowy Pinecone Ornaments

Turn pinecones into snowy treasures with this simple craft. It’s a great way to bring nature indoors.

Materials: Pinecones, white paint, glitter, ribbon, non-toxic glue.

Instructions:

Brush white paint onto the pinecone’s tips to mimic snow.
Sprinkle glitter over the wet paint for sparkle.
Let it dry completely.
Tie a ribbon loop around the top for hanging.

Tips: Take your child on a nature walk to collect pinecones. Shake the pinecone gently to see the glitter shimmer!

5. Toilet Paper Roll Snowmen

Recycle toilet paper rolls into cute snowmen. They’re perfect for tabletop decor.

Materials: Toilet paper rolls, white paint, black and orange paper, non-toxic glue, fabric scraps.

Instructions:

Paint the roll white. Let it dry.
Cut small circles from black paper for eyes and buttons.
Cut a tiny orange triangle for the nose.
Glue the features onto the roll.
Wrap a fabric scrap around the roll as a scarf.

Tips: String multiple snowmen together for a garland. Add a hat from paper for extra charm.

6. Felt Christmas Ornaments

These soft felt ornaments are simple to make and look lovely on the tree.

Materials: Felt sheets, stuffing, needle and thread (or glue), ribbon, beads.

Instructions:

Cut two identical shapes (stars or trees) from felt.
Glue or sew the edges together, leaving a small opening.
Stuff lightly with filling.
Close the opening with glue or stitches.
Glue a ribbon loop to hang. Add beads for decoration.

Tips: Pre-cut shapes for younger kids. Let older kids try simple sewing with supervision. Make a set to gift to grandparents.

7. Glittery Paper Snowflakes

Snowflakes are a winter classic. These sparkly creations look stunning in windows.

Materials: White paper, child-safe scissors, non-toxic glue, glitter or stickers.

Instructions:

Fold a square piece of paper into a triangle, then fold again.
Cut small shapes along the edges (triangles, circles).
Unfold to reveal the snowflake.
Brush glue lightly over the snowflake and sprinkle with glitter.

Tips: Use a snowflake template if cutting is tricky. Hang with string for a magical window display.

8. Candy Cane Bead Ornaments

These candy cane ornaments are fun to thread and hang. They’re great for fine motor practice.

Materials: Red and white pipe cleaners, red and white beads.

Instructions:

Take a pipe cleaner and bend one end to keep beads in place.
Thread red and white beads in an alternating pattern.
Bend the pipe cleaner into a candy cane shape.

Tips: Use large beads for easier threading. Hang on the tree or give as a gift. Count the beads for a math twist!

9. Christmas Wreath Collage

This colorful wreath is all about tearing and sticking—perfect for little hands.

Materials: Green paper plate (cut into a ring), tissue paper, non-toxic glue, ribbons, pom-poms.

Instructions:

Cut the center out of a paper plate to make a wreath shape.
Tear green tissue paper into small pieces.
Glue the pieces onto the plate.
Add ribbons or pom-poms for decoration.

Tips: Chat about shapes and colors as you work. Hang the wreath on your door for festive flair.

10. Button Christmas Cards

Make heartfelt cards with buttons for a personal touch. They’re perfect for family gifts.

Materials: Cardstock, buttons, non-toxic glue, markers, stickers.

Instructions:

Fold cardstock in half to make a card.
Glue buttons in the shape of a tree or wreath.
Draw a trunk or ribbon with markers.
Add stickers for extra holiday cheer.

Tips: Write a sweet message inside. Let your child choose button colors for creativity.

11. Pom-Pom Christmas Lights

Brighten up your space with these colorful pom-pom “lights.” They’re so festive!

Materials: Colored pom-poms, black paper, non-toxic glue, string.

Instructions:

Cut a long strip of black paper to act as the “wire.”
Glue pom-poms along the strip to look like light bulbs.
Let it dry and hang it up.

Tips: Use as a garland or classroom decor. Name the colors as you glue for learning fun.

12. Egg Carton Christmas Bells

These jingly bells are made from egg cartons. Kids love the sound!

Materials: Egg carton, metallic paint, ribbon, small beads, non-toxic glue.

Instructions:

Cut individual cups from the egg carton.
Paint the cups with metallic paint. Let dry.
Glue a bead inside each cup for the jingle.
Tie a ribbon loop through the top to hang.

Tips: Shake the bells to hear the jingle. String them together for a festive chain.

13. Star Suncatchers

These translucent stars glow in the window, catching the winter light.

Materials: Tissue paper, black construction paper, non-toxic glue, string.

Instructions:

Cut two star shapes from black paper.
Cut out the center of both stars to make frames.
Glue colorful tissue paper pieces between the frames.
Tie a string loop to hang in a window.

Tips: Use multiple colors for a stained-glass look. Hang in a sunny spot for best effect.

14. Cotton Ball Snow Globe

Create a snowy scene without the mess of a real snow globe. It’s so cozy!

Materials: Blue and white paper, cotton balls, non-toxic glue, markers.

Instructions:

Draw a snow globe shape on blue paper.
Glue cotton balls at the bottom for snow.
Draw a simple scene (like a tree or house) inside the globe.
Add more cotton balls for falling snow.

Tips: Sprinkle glitter for extra sparkle. Display on a bulletin board or fridge.

15. Santa Hat Headbands

Your child will love wearing this festive Santa hat headband!

Materials: Red and white paper, cotton balls, non-toxic glue, tape.

Instructions:

Cut a red paper triangle for the hat.
Glue a white paper strip along the base and a cotton ball at the tip.
Tape the ends together to fit your child’s head.

Tips: Wear these at a holiday party or school event. Make extras for friends!

Tips for Crafting Success

Crafting with preschoolers is all about fun and ease. Here are some ways to make it even better.

Keep Kids Engaged

Play Christmas music in the background to set the mood. Share a quick story about Santa or snowflakes before starting. Ask your child to describe their craft as they work—it builds confidence and language skills.

Adapt for All Kids

Some kids may need extra help. If your child has sensory sensitivities, use soft materials like felt or cotton. For kids with motor challenges, provide larger beads or pre-cut shapes. Every child can shine with the right support.

Display and Store Crafts

Show off your child’s creations! Hang snowflakes in windows or ornaments on the tree. String wreaths or bells into garlands. For keepsakes like handprint trees, consider laminating them. Store flat crafts in a folder to keep them safe.

Easy Cleanup

Use washable paints and glue to avoid stains. Lay down newspaper or a tablecloth before starting. Get your child involved in cleaning up—it teaches responsibility and makes it fun!

Wrapping Up

There you have it—15 preschool Christmas crafts to fill your holiday with joy! From Santa hats to snowy pinecones, these activities are perfect for little hands.

They build skills, spark creativity, and make the season special. I encourage you to try one craft a day leading up to Christmas. Or host a crafting party with friends and family.

Most of all, enjoy these moments with your preschooler. Crafting together creates memories that last a lifetime. Happy holidays, and happy crafting!

Jenny

Jenny is a passionate writer specializing in home decor, design, and styling. With years of experience in transforming spaces, she shares expert tips on creating beautiful, functional homes. From interior design trends to DIY decor ideas, Jenny’s work helps homeowners craft spaces that reflect their unique style. Whether it’s a cozy living room, a modern kitchen, or a serene bedroom, her articles offer practical advice and inspiration to elevate any home.

15 Fun Preschool Christmas Crafts for Kids to Enjoy

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