30 Christmas Project Ideas for Kids — Fun, Simple & Student-Friendly

Christmas is a wonderful time for learning, creativity, and sharing. These Christmas project ideas for kids are designed especially for students — easy to follow, low-cost, and full of learning opportunities.

Whether you are a teacher planning a classroom activity, a parent looking for a weekend craft, or a student working on a school project, this article gives clear instructions, materials lists, estimated time, age suitability, step-by-step guides, and ideas to extend each activity.

Read the introduction to understand how to use these projects, then pick the ones that match your age, time, and materials. Let’s get started!

Must Read: 25 Art Project Ideas — Creative, Student-Friendly Projects

30 Christmas Project Ideas for Kids 2026-27

1. Paper Plate Santa Mask

What you will make: A wearable Santa mask made from a paper plate and simple craft supplies.

Materials: Paper plate, red and white paper, cotton balls, glue, scissors, elastic string, markers.

Steps:

1. Cut out eye holes in the center of the paper plate.
2. Color or cover the top half with red paper for Santa’s hat.
3. Glue cotton balls along the bottom as Santa’s beard and on the hat brim.
4. Add a red paper triangle or pom-pom for the hat tip.
5. Attach elastic string to sides to wear.

Age & time: Ages 5–12, 25–40 minutes.

Learning outcomes: Scissor control, cutting symmetry, following steps, creativity.

Variations & tips: Make multiple masks for a class play or use recycled cardboard for sturdier masks.

2. Popsicle Stick Reindeer Ornament

What you will make: A small reindeer ornament to hang on a Christmas tree.

Materials: Popsicle sticks (3), brown paint, googly eyes, small bell or pom-pom, glue, string.

Steps:

1. Glue two popsicle sticks in a cross shape and a third across as antlers base.
2. Paint brown and let dry.
3. Glue googly eyes, add a pom-pom nose, and tie a small bell.
4. Attach string for hanging.

Age & time: Ages 5–11, 20–30 minutes.

Learning outcomes: Fine motor skills, sequencing, basic painting.

Variations & tips: Use natural twigs for antlers or stain the sticks for a rustic look.

3. Salt Dough Christmas Decorations

What you will make: Durable ornaments from salt dough that can be painted and preserved.

Materials: 2 cups flour, 1 cup salt, 1 cup water, cookie cutters, straw (for holes), acrylic paint, varnish.

Steps:

1. Mix flour and salt. Slowly add water until dough forms.
2. Roll out dough and use cookie cutters to shape ornaments.
3. Use a straw to make a hole for hanging.
4. Bake at low heat (120°C/250°F) until hard (2–3 hours depending on thickness).
5. Paint and varnish when cool, then thread a ribbon.

Age & time: Ages 7–14 (adult supervision for baking), active time 45–60 minutes (+ baking).

Learning outcomes: Measurement, following procedures, patience.

Variations & tips: Add cinnamon or cloves for a festive smell; use glitter in paint.

4. Recycled Magazine Christmas Tree

What you will make: A decorative tree made from rolled magazine pages.

Materials: Old magazines, glue, cardboard base, star topper cut from a magazine or paper, optional paint.

Steps:

1. Tear magazine pages into strips and roll tightly to form cones.
2. Glue cones starting at the bottom of cardboard, layering upwards.
3. Trim edges to shape a tree and glue a star on top.
4. Optionally paint or add sequins.

Age & time: Ages 8–15, 60–90 minutes.

Learning outcomes: Recycling awareness, hand-eye coordination, creative reuse.

Variations & tips: Make a set of small trees to form a holiday village.

5. Handprint Nativity Scene

What you will make: A nativity scene using traced and painted handprints to form figures.

Materials: Large sheet of paper or poster board, paint, marker.

Steps:

1. Paint child’s hands and press onto paper in planned locations for Mary, Joseph, and animals.
2. Once dry, add details with markers (faces, robes, star).
3. Add a stable outline and label characters.

Age & time: Ages 4–10, 30–45 minutes.

Learning outcomes: Religious/cultural education, sensory play, creativity.

Variations & tips: Turn into cards by cutting into smaller pieces and folding.

6. Candy Cane Paper Garland

What you will make: A colorful paper garland shaped like candy canes.

Materials: Red and white paper, scissors, glue or tape, string (optional).

Steps:

1. Cut strips of red and white paper.
2. Twist or braid strips to form candy-cane shapes and glue ends.
3. Attach to a long string or connect loops to make a garland.

Age & time: Ages 6–12, 30–45 minutes.

Learning outcomes: Pattern recognition, manual dexterity, decorative design.

Variations & tips: Use glitter paper for a shiny effect; make classroom-long garlands.

7. Felt Christmas Stocking

What you will make: A small felt stocking that can be hung or used as a gift pouch.

Materials: Felt sheets (red, white), needle & thread or fabric glue, buttons, ribbon.

Steps:

1. Cut two identical stocking shapes from felt.
2. Sew or glue edges together, leaving the top open.
3. Decorate with white felt cuff, buttons, or initials.
4. Add a ribbon loop for hanging.

Age & time: Ages 8–15, 45–60 minutes.

Learning outcomes: Sewing basics, planning, personalization.

Variations & tips: Use fabric markers to write names; make mini stockings for classmates.

8. Pine Cone Snowmen

What you will make: Tiny snowmen made from painted pine cones.

Materials: Pine cones, white paint, small felt scraps, tiny buttons, hot glue (teacher/adult use), twine.

Steps:

1. Paint pine cones white and let dry.
2. Glue on small buttons as snowman body features.
3. Add felt scarf or hat and draw a face with marker.
4. Attach twine to hang.

Age & time: Ages 5–12, 30–45 minutes.

Learning outcomes: Nature exploration, painting, imaginative play.

Variations & tips: Collect pine cones on a nature walk; add glitter for sparkle.

9. Christmas Storybook — Mini Illustrated Book

What you will make: A short handmade storybook with illustrations about Christmas.

Materials: Blank paper, staple or thread binding, colored pencils, ruler.

Steps:

1. Fold several sheets in half to create pages.
2. Plan a simple 6–8 page story (beginning, middle, end).
3. Draw illustrations and write text on each page.
4. Bind with staples or sewn binding and make a cover.

Age & time: Ages 7–14, 60–120 minutes.

Learning outcomes: Storytelling, sequencing, handwriting and art skills.

Variations & tips: Turn it into a class book by having each student write a page.

10. Paper Snowflake Window Display

What you will make: A decorative pattern of paper snowflakes for classroom windows.

Materials: White paper, scissors, tape, optional glitter.

Steps:

1. Fold paper into triangles and cut shapes to form snowflake patterns.
2. Open carefully to reveal designs.
3. Tape snowflakes to windows in layered patterns.

Age & time: Ages 6–12, 20–40 minutes.

Learning outcomes: Symmetry, cutting skills, pattern design.

Variations & tips: Use different sizes to create a snowstorm effect.

11. LED Card — Light-Up Christmas Card (Simple Circuit)

What you will make: A greeting card that lights a small LED when opened.

Materials: Cardstock, small LED, coin cell battery, copper tape, marker, glue.

Steps:

1. Fold the cardstock into a card.
2. Stick copper tape paths on the card to form a circuit.
3. Place LED so that its legs touch the tape.
4. Create a small flap that presses the battery onto the tape when the card opens.
5. Decorate the card.

Age & time: Ages 10–15 (adult supervision recommended), 45–60 minutes.

Learning outcomes: Basic electronics, circuit understanding, design.

Variations & tips: Teach the concept of open/closed circuits; use different colored LEDs.

12. Gingerbread House Model (Corrugated Cardboard)

What you will make: A small model gingerbread house using cardboard and craft materials.

Materials: Corrugated cardboard, brown paint, glue, colored paper candies, icing-like glue (white glue).

Steps:

1. Cut out walls and roof pieces from cardboard.
2. Paint brown and let dry.
3. Glue walls together, then attach roof.
4. Decorate with paper candies and piped white glue for “icing.”

Age & time: Ages 9–15, 90–120 minutes.

Learning outcomes: 3D construction, planning, architectural basics.

Variations & tips: Work in groups to build a village; use recycled boxes to save cost.

13. Snow Globe in a Jar (Non-Melting)

What you will make: A decorative “snow globe” with glitter and figures in a sealed jar.

Materials: Small jar with lid, glycerin (optional), water, glitter, small plastic figures, hot glue.

Steps:

1. Glue the base of a small figure to the inside of the lid.
2. Fill jar with water and a little glycerin to slow glitter movement.
3. Add glitter and carefully screw the lid on (seal with glue if desired).
4. Turn upside down to shake and watch the snow.

Age & time: Ages 7–14, 30–45 minutes (adult help for sealing).

Learning outcomes: Observation, measuring liquid, understanding viscosity.

Variations & tips: Use resin or clear glue in place of water for long-lasting, sealed globes.

14. Advent Calendar Pocket Board

What you will make: A reusable calendar with 24 pockets to hold treats or notes.

Materials: Felt or cardboard, small envelopes/paper bags, numbers 1–24, glue, decorations.

Steps:

1. Arrange pockets on a large board and glue or stitch them.
2. Label each pocket with numbers.
3. Fill with small notes, tasks, or treats.
4. Hang and open one pocket each day leading to Christmas.

Age & time: Ages 8–15, 60–120 minutes.

Learning outcomes: Counting, planning, anticipation.

Variations & tips: Make it thematic (acts of kindness, math problems, reading prompts).

15. Christmas Tree Collage from Recycled Materials

What you will make: A large collage tree using cardboard and colorful recycled scraps.

Materials: Cardboard base, magazine scraps, fabric bits, glue, scissors.

Steps:

1. Cut a tree shape from cardboard.
2. Tear or cut recycled materials into pieces.
3. Glue pieces onto tree to form layers and decorations.
4. Add a star or message at the top.

Age & time: Ages 6–12, 45–90 minutes.

Learning outcomes: Recycling, design thinking, teamwork if done as a group.

Variations & tips: Use as a class mural and display in the corridor.

16. Christmas-themed Science: Baking Soda & Vinegar “Snow Volcano”

What you will make: An erupting “snow” volcano using a safe chemical reaction.

Materials: Baking soda, vinegar, dish soap, white paint or shaving cream, tray, food coloring (optional), container.

Steps:

1. Place baking soda in a container on a tray.
2. Add a little dish soap and white paint or shaving cream for texture.
3. Pour vinegar slowly and watch the foamy eruption.
4. Use food coloring for effects.

Age & time: Ages 7–14, 20–30 minutes (adult supervision recommended).

Learning outcomes: Chemical reactions, observation, hypothesis testing.

Variations & tips: Measure reactants to explore reaction strength; record results.

17. Christmas Puppet Show (Sock Puppets)

What you will make: Characters and a short puppet play using sock puppets.

Materials: Old socks, buttons, yarn, glue, felt, cardboard for stage.

Steps:

1. Create characters by adding buttons for eyes and felt for clothes.
2. Plan a short script (3–5 minutes) with a beginning, middle, and end.
3. Build a simple cardboard stage and rehearse.
4. Perform for classmates or family.

Age & time: Ages 6–14, 60–90 minutes to craft + rehearsal time.

Learning outcomes: Drama, creative writing, speaking skills.

Variations & tips: Turn into a group project with set, lights, and costumes.

18. Origami Christmas Ornaments

What you will make: Paper ornaments using simple origami folds (stars, trees, boxes).

Materials: Origami paper or square paper, string, instructions.

Steps:

1. Choose easy origami patterns appropriate to your level.
2. Follow step-by-step folding instructions.
3. Attach a string loop for hanging.

Age & time: Ages 8–15, 20–45 minutes depending on complexity.

Learning outcomes: Geometry, concentration, precision.

Variations & tips: Create sets by repeating a pattern in different sizes or colors.

19. Felt Story Characters for Christmas Tales

What you will make: Simple flat felt characters (Santa, reindeer, angels) for story retelling.

Materials: Felt, scissors, glue or stitch, marker, cardstock for backing.

Steps:

1. Draw simple shapes for characters and cut from felt.
2. Add facial details with markers or stitched thread.
3. Use them to retell a Christmas story on a felt board.

Age & time: Ages 5–12, 30–60 minutes.

Learning outcomes: Narrative skills, sequencing, tactile learning.

Variations & tips: Make sets for different stories and rotate in class.

20. Christmas Math Activity: Gift Wrapping Geometry

What you will make: A lesson where students calculate wrapping paper area for different gift boxes.

Materials: Small boxes, rulers, paper, calculator, scissors.

Steps:

1. Measure box dimensions and calculate surface area.
2. Cut paper to size to fit box based on student’s calculations.
3. Wrap the box neatly and compare predicted paper usage with actual.

Age & time: Ages 10–15, 45–60 minutes.

Learning outcomes: Practical geometry, measurement, estimation.

Variations & tips: Challenge students to minimize waste or create an eco-friendly wrapping plan.

21. DIY Christmas Crackers

What you will make: Festive party crackers filled with small treats and jokes.

Materials: Toilet paper rolls or cardboard tubes, tissue paper, small treats, confetti, ribbon.

Steps:

1. Fill the tube with small treats and jokes.
2. Wrap with tissue paper and tie ends with ribbon.
3. Decorate the outside and place on the dinner table.

Age & time: Ages 7–14, 30–60 minutes.

Learning outcomes: Crafting, planning, social celebration skills.

Variations & tips: Use personalized jokes or educational trivia inside crackers.

22. Holiday Baking Project: Simple Sugar Cookies

What you will make: Decorated sugar cookies shaped like stars, trees, or stockings.

Materials: Basic sugar cookie dough, cookie cutters, icing, sprinkles.

Steps:

1. Prepare dough (or use ready-made).
2. Cut shapes and bake according to recipe.
3. Cool and decorate with icing and sprinkles.

Age & time: Ages 8–15 (adult supervision for oven), 90–120 minutes.

Learning outcomes: Following recipes, measurement, hygiene.

Variations & tips: Share at a class bake sale or use as gifts with a note.

23. Snowflake Mobile from Beads and Wire

What you will make: A hanging mobile of sparkly snowflakes.

Materials: Thin wire, beads, pliers, ribbon.

Steps:

1. Shape wire into snowflake frames.
2. Thread beads onto the wire to decorate.
3. Hang multiple snowflakes from a hoop with ribbons.

Age & time: Ages 10–15, 60–90 minutes.

Learning outcomes: Fine motor skills, design symmetry, planning.

Variations & tips: Use glow beads for a night display.

24. Christmas Character Bookmarks

What you will make: Cute bookmarks shaped like elves, snowmen, or Santa.

Materials: Cardstock, colored pencils, scissors, laminator (optional).

Steps:

1. Draw the character on cardstock and cut out.
2. Decorate and optionally laminate for durability.
3. Punch a hole and add a ribbon.

Age & time: Ages 6–14, 15–30 minutes.

Learning outcomes: Drawing, crafting, encouraging reading.

Variations & tips: Exchange bookmarks between classmates as gifts.

25. Classroom Charity Drive Project

What you will make: A student-led plan to collect and donate needed items to the community.

Materials: Poster board, calendar, collection boxes, planning sheets.

Steps:

1. Choose a cause and items to collect (clothes, books, canned food).
2. Create posters with collection dates and drop-off points.
3. Assign roles to students (collection, promotion, sorting).
4. Deliver donations and reflect on the impact.

Age & time: Ages 10–15, planning 1–2 class periods + collection time.

Learning outcomes: Social responsibility, organization, communication.

Variations & tips: Combine with learning outcomes about local community needs.

26. Reindeer Headband Craft

What you will make: Wearable paper or felt headbands with antlers.

Materials: Brown cardstock or felt, headband base or strip, glue, decorations.

Steps:

1. Cut antler shapes and attach to a headband strip.
2. Decorate with glitter or fabric.
3. Measure to fit and secure.

Age & time: Ages 5–10, 20–30 minutes.

Learning outcomes: Measurement, cutting, role play.

Variations & tips: Make as props for a class play or photo booth.

27. Christmas Music Composition — Short Song or Jingle

What you will make: A short original Christmas jingle written by students.

Materials: Paper, pens, optional keyboard or simple instruments.

Steps:

1. Brainstorm a theme (friendship, winter, giving).
2. Write a simple chorus and one verse.
3. Add melody using a keyboard or clap rhythm.
4. Rehearse and perform.

Age & time: Ages 9–15, 60–90 minutes.

Learning outcomes: Creative writing, music basics, collaboration.

Variations & tips: Record the jingle and share in a class playlist.

28. Little Greenhouse — Planting Mini-Poinsettias

What you will make: A small planting project to grow seasonal plants.

Materials: Small pots, soil, poinsettia seedlings or red-leaved plants, labels.

Steps:

1. Fill pots with soil and plant seedlings carefully.
2. Label pots with student names.
3. Water and place near a sunny window.
4. Record growth in a journal.

Age & time: Ages 8–15, 30–45 minutes plus care time.

Learning outcomes: Biology, responsibility, observation skills.

Variations & tips: Use as a science project to study plant care.

29. Christmas Shadow Box Diorama

What you will make: A small box scene showing a winter or nativity scene.

Materials: Shoebox, cardstock, small figures or paper cutouts, LED tea light.

Steps:

1. Paint or cover the box interior as background.
2. Arrange cutout figures in layers to create depth.
3. Add small LED light for a glow effect.
4. Close and display with the opening facing viewers.

Age & time: Ages 8–15, 60–90 minutes.

Learning outcomes: Spatial design, perspective, creative layering.

Variations & tips: Make a series to tell a longer story across multiple boxes.

30. Class Christmas Newsletter or Blog

What you will make: A written and illustrated newsletter or blog post about class activities.

Materials: Paper or digital platform, photos, student writings, layout tools.

Steps:

1. Collect short articles from students (events, recipes, crafts).
2. Add photos or drawings and create sections (news, recipes, poems).
3. Design a front page and a table of contents.
4. Distribute a printed copy or post online.

Age & time: Ages 10–15, planning 2–3 class periods.

Learning outcomes: Writing for an audience, editing, layout design, teamwork.

Variations & tips: Publish a holiday edition to share with parents and the school community.

Classroom and Teacher Tips

• Group vs. Individual: Many projects can be scaled for solo work or group collaboration. Group projects build teamwork; individual ones let students personalize their work.
• Assessment: Use a simple rubric with categories such as creativity, effort, following instructions, presentation, and teamwork. Keep it positive and developmental.
• Materials Management: Prepare material kits in advance for quicker class time. Reuse materials from previous years to reduce cost.
• Safety: For projects requiring hot glue, ovens, or sharp tools, ensure adult supervision. Provide safety instructions and first-aid basics.
• Differentiation: Offer simplified steps or extra challenges (e.g., more detailed decoration, measurement tasks) to suit different learning levels.
• Cross-curricular Links: Tie projects to math (measurements), science (chemistry of baking soda), language (writing stories), art (design principles), and social studies (holiday traditions).
• Display & Celebration: Create a hallway display, hold a mini-exhibition, or host a small performance day so students can proudly showcase their work.

Must Read: 150 Paper Craft Ideas for School Project — Fun and Easy Projects for Kids

Conclusion

These 30 Christmas project ideas for kids offer a wide range of activities that are creative, educational, and student-friendly.

From simple ornaments and decorations to science experiments and writing projects, each idea helps students build skills, express themselves, and share festive joy.

Teachers can use them for lessons, holiday events, or assessment; students can adapt them for personal projects, group activities, or gifts.

Pick the projects that match your resources and time, adapt where needed, and most importantly — have fun learning and creating this Christmas season.