17 Easy Magical Christmas Tree Crafts Kids will Love

Looking for the perfect way to keep little hands busy this holiday season? Our list of Christmas tree crafts is packed with fun, easy, and creative ideas that kids of all ages will love. Whether you’re a parent searching for a festive weekend activity, a teacher planning a classroom project, or simply in need of new Christmas crafts for Kids, this roundup has you covered.

From handprint Christmas tree crafts that make adorable keepsakes, to paper Christmas tree crafts that are simple yet colorful, to popsicle stick Christmas trees that double as ornaments—these projects are designed to be affordable, screen-free, and full of holiday cheer. You don’t need fancy supplies to make them—just everyday items like paper plates, buttons, and tissue paper can be transformed into sparkling Christmas trees.

Key Takeaways:

• A curated list of 16 Christmas tree crafts for kids—ranging from simple paper projects to creative DIY decorations.
• Step-by-step guides for each craft, including what it is, materials needed, how to make it, and why kids will love it.
• Christmas Tree Crafts for Home: 10 fun and festive ideas perfect for family bonding and holiday decorating.
• Classroom-Friendly Christmas Tree Crafts: 6 low-prep, budget-friendly projects tailored for teachers and preschool activities.
• Practical tips for parents and teachers to make crafting stress-free, fun, and meaningful.

Why Christmas Tree Crafts for Kids

Christmas isn’t just about the presents under the tree—it’s about the memories we make together. Crafting is one of the easiest and most joyful ways to create those memories with children. By setting aside time for Christmas tree crafts, you’re giving kids more than just a fun project—you’re giving them the gift of creativity, confidence, and connection.

Here’s why parents and teachers love these crafts:

• Encourages Creativity – Kids can experiment with colors, shapes, and decorations, turning every tree into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
• Builds Fine Motor Skills – Cutting, gluing, and decorating strengthen hand-eye coordination, making these crafts especially great for preschoolers.
• Promotes Problem-Solving – From figuring out how to layer paper strips to balancing ornaments on popsicle sticks, kids learn by doing.
• Creates Meaningful Keepsakes – A handprint Christmas tree craft or paper Christmas tree craft becomes a treasured memory parents can keep for years.
• Perfect for Classrooms – Teachers can easily adapt these Christmas tree craft ideas with simple supplies, making them budget-friendly and inclusive.

In short, these projects are more than just decorations—they’re a chance for children to learn, grow, and make holiday memories that last well beyond December.

17 Easy Christmas Tree Crafts Ideas for Kids

Kids love creating their own holiday decorations, and these Christmas tree crafts are a fun way to spark creativity while celebrating the season. With just a few simple supplies, children can make keepsakes, ornaments, and festive decorations that families will treasure for years.

Home-Friendly Christmas Tree Crafts

These 10 Christmas Tree Crafts ideas are perfect for family craft time, using everyday supplies like paper, buttons, and popsicle sticks. Fun, hands-on, and creative—kids will love displaying their homemade trees at home.

1. Paper Plate Christmas Tree

What it is: A classic craft where kids turn a paper plate into a colorful Christmas tree.

Materials Needed:

• Paper plate
• Green paint or markers
• Glue
• Sequins, pom-poms, or stickers for ornaments
• Scissors

How to make it: Cut a paper plate into a triangle shape, paint it green, and let it dry. Once ready, kids can decorate their tree with sequins, pom-poms, or festive stickers to bring it to life.

Why kids will love it: It’s simple, colorful, and fun. Plus, it makes a perfect decoration for the fridge or classroom wall.

Christmas trees are the heart of the season, and they’re just one theme in our full guide to Christmas Crafts for Kids.

2. Pinecone Christmas Tree Craft

What it is: A rustic holiday craft where a pinecone is decorated to look like a mini Christmas tree.

Materials Needed:

• Pinecones (clean and dry)
• Green paint (optional)
• Small pom-poms, beads, or sequins
• Glue
• Small star for the top

How to make it: Paint the pinecone green (or leave it natural for a rustic look). Once dry, glue small pom-poms, sequins, or beads between the scales to look like ornaments. Add a small star on top to finish.

Why kids will love it: Kids enjoy working with natural materials, and each pinecone becomes a unique little Christmas tree they can proudly display.

3. Handprint Christmas Tree

What it is: A keepsake craft where children’s handprints are layered to form a festive Christmas tree.

Materials Needed:

• Green construction paper
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Glue
• Yellow star cutout or sticker
• Buttons or gems for ornaments

How to make it: Trace your child’s hand on green paper multiple times and cut out the shapes. Glue the handprints in layers, overlapping to form a Christmas tree. Add a star on top and decorate with buttons or gems.

Why kids will love it: They’ll feel proud seeing their handprints become a tree—and parents will cherish it as a keepsake.

4. Popsicle Stick Christmas Tree Ornaments

What it is: A small, triangular ornament made from popsicle sticks, decorated to hang on the tree.

Materials Needed:

• Popsicle sticks (3 per tree)
• Green paint
• Sequins, beads, or buttons
• Glue
• Ribbon or string for hanging

How to make it: Glue three popsicle sticks into a triangle shape. Paint them green and let dry. Once dry, decorate with beads or sequins. Attach a ribbon loop at the top so it can hang as an ornament.

Why kids will love it: They get to create their very own Christmas ornament—something they can proudly hang on the family tree.

5. Tissue Paper Christmas Tree Collage

What it is: A textured Christmas tree craft made by gluing crumpled tissue paper onto a tree outline.

Materials Needed:

• Green tissue paper
• Cardstock or cardboard
• Glue
• Star sticker or cutout
• Extra colors of tissue paper for decorations

How to make it: Draw or print a Christmas tree outline on cardstock. Tear or cut small pieces of tissue paper, crumple them into balls, and glue them onto the tree shape. Add a star on top and colorful ornaments with different tissue paper colors.

Why kids will love it: The sensory fun of crumpling tissue paper makes this activity extra engaging for younger kids.

6. Cone Cup Christmas Tree

What it is: A mini 3D Christmas tree made from an upside-down paper cone or cup.

Materials Needed:

• Paper cone or paper cup
• Green paint or construction paper
• Glue
• Stickers, gems, or sequins for decorations
• Small star for the top

How to make it: Paint the cone/cup green or cover it with green construction paper. Let kids decorate the cone with stickers, sequins, or glitter. Finish by adding a small star on top.

Why kids will love it: It’s like making their own mini Christmas tree they can display anywhere in the house.

7. Button Christmas Tree Craft

What it is: A flat Christmas tree made from cardstock and decorated with colorful buttons.

Materials Needed:

• Green cardstock
• Assorted colorful buttons
• Glue
• Scissors
• Star cutout or sticker

How to make it: Cut out a Christmas tree shape from green cardstock. Glue buttons of different sizes and colors all over the tree to look like ornaments. Add a star at the top.

Why kids will love it: Kids love sorting and picking their favorite buttons, and the finished craft looks bright and cheerful.

8. Pom-Pom Christmas Tree

What it is: A fluffy Christmas tree decorated with colorful pom-poms.

Materials Needed:

• Tree template (printed or drawn on cardstock)
• Assorted small pom-poms
• Glue
• Star sticker or gem

How to make it: Print or draw a simple Christmas tree outline on cardstock. Glue colorful pom-poms all over to decorate. Add a star to the top.

Why kids will love it: The soft pom-poms are fun to handle, and the result looks cute and playful.

9. Fingerprint Christmas Tree Lights

What it is: A Christmas tree decorated with fingerprints that look like twinkling lights.

Materials Needed:

• White cardstock
• Green paint or markers
• Assorted paint colors (red, yellow, blue)
• Black marker
• Star cutout

How to make it: Draw or paint a tree on cardstock. Kids dip their fingers in colorful paint and press them onto the tree to create lights. Draw thin black lines connecting the prints like a string of lights.

Why kids will love it: It’s messy in a fun way—and kids love seeing their fingerprints turned into glowing lights.

10. Cupcake Liner Christmas Tree

What it is: A layered Christmas tree made from stacked cupcake liners.

Materials Needed:

• Green cupcake liners (or white ones painted/colored green)
• Glue
• Cardstock for background
• Stickers or sequins for decorations
• Star cutout

How to make it: Flatten cupcake liners and fold them in half or quarters. Stack and glue them onto cardstock to form the shape of a Christmas tree. Add decorations and a star on top.

Why kids will love it: The folding and layering create a cool 3D look, making it stand out from flat paper crafts.

11. Nature Christmas Tree

What it is: A rustic tree made from natural items like twigs, pinecones, and leaves.

Materials Needed:

• Twigs, small pinecones, and leaves
• Cardboard or cardstock base
• Glue or hot glue (with adult help)
• Star made from paper or wood

How to make it: Arrange twigs in a triangular shape on cardboard. Glue pinecones, leaves, or even acorns onto the tree as decorations. Add a star at the top.

Why kids will love it: Collecting natural items outdoors feels like an adventure, and kids love turning their finds into something festive.

Classroom-Friendly Christmas Tree Crafts

Simple, low-prep, and budget-friendly, these 6 Christmas tree craft ideas are ideal for teachers and homeschooling parents. They’re easy to set up, encourage fine motor skills, and bring instant holiday cheer to the classroom.

12. Paper Strip Christmas Tree

What it is: A simple craft made by layering strips of paper to create a Christmas tree.

Materials Needed:

• Green construction paper
• Scissors
• Glue stick
• Star sticker or cutout

How to make it: Cut strips of green paper in different lengths. Start gluing the longest strip at the bottom of the page, then layer shorter strips on top until the shape of a tree forms. Add a star to the top.

Why kids will love it: It’s quick, colorful, and easy enough for preschoolers to do independently.

13. Dot Marker Christmas Tree

What it is: A festive Christmas tree decorated with colorful dot markers.

Materials Needed:

• Printable Christmas tree outline
• Dot markers (green, red, yellow, blue)
• Cardstock

How to make it: Print a tree outline on cardstock. Let kids use dot markers to fill in the tree and add colorful ornaments.

Why kids will love it: Kids love the “stamping” effect of dot markers—it’s mess-free but still feels creative.

For more inspiration, check out our full post about Magical Christmas Dot Art Ideas and Printables for Kids.

14. Christmas Tree Sewing Card

What it is: A lacing craft that lets kids practice threading yarn through a tree shape.

Materials Needed:

• Cardstock or cardboard
• Hole punch
• Yarn or shoelaces
• Tape (to secure the yarn end)

How to make it: Cut out a Christmas tree shape from cardstock. Use a hole punch to make small holes around the edges. Let kids lace yarn through the holes to “sew” their own tree.

Why kids will love it: It feels like real sewing and helps strengthen fine motor skills while being relaxing and fun.

15. Sticker Christmas Tree Craft

What it is: A simple tree decorated entirely with Christmas-themed stickers.

Materials Needed:

• Printable or hand-drawn Christmas tree template
• Holiday stickers (stars, snowflakes, ornaments)
• Crayons or markers (optional for extra details)

How to make it: Print or draw a tree outline. Give kids holiday stickers to decorate it however they like. Add some crayon or marker details if desired.

Why kids will love it: Stickers are always a hit with kids—this craft is low-prep, quick, and perfect for younger children.

16. Cut & Paste Christmas Tree Worksheet

What it is: A printable worksheet where kids cut out pieces and assemble their own tree.

Materials Needed:

• Printable worksheet (tree parts and decorations)
• Safety scissors
• Glue stick

How to make it: Print the worksheet. Kids cut out the tree parts (triangles, decorations, star) and glue them together to form a Christmas tree.

Why kids will love it: It’s interactive, screen-free, and gives kids the joy of “building” their very own tree.

Looking for more preschool activities? Don’t miss our guides:
- Magical Christmas Cut and Paste Preschool Worksheets
- Why Preschoolers Love Christmas Cutting Practice Sheets

17. Popsicle Stick Christmas Tree

What it is: A classic craft where kids make a Christmas tree by gluing popsicle sticks into a triangle and decorating it.

Materials Needed:

• Popsicle sticks (3–4 per tree)
• Green paint
• Sequins, buttons, or beads
• Glue
• String or ribbon for hanging

How to make it: Glue popsicle sticks into a triangle. Paint them green and let dry. Decorate with sequins or beads, then glue a ribbon to the top to hang it on the Christmas tree.

Why kids will love it: It’s simple, hands-on, and makes a beautiful ornament they can proudly display every year.

Tips for Parents and Teachers

Making Christmas tree crafts should be fun, not stressful. Here are a few quick tips to keep the experience smooth and joyful:

• Keep it simple: Everyday items like paper plates, buttons, or cupcake liners work perfectly—no need for fancy supplies.
• Prep ahead: Pre-cut tricky shapes for younger kids so they can focus on the fun parts—gluing, decorating, and creating.
• Encourage creativity: Remind kids there’s no “right” way to make a Christmas tree. Every design is unique!
• Think display-ready: Showcase the finished crafts on a bulletin board, Christmas tree, or wall—it makes kids feel proud of their work.
• Make it social: Whether at home or in a classroom, crafting together builds teamwork, confidence, and holiday spirit.

More Fun: 300+ Christmas Activity Pages Printable Bundle

If your kids loved making these Christmas tree crafts, they’ll also enjoy our printable Christmas activity sheets, a ready-to-use bundle designed to keep little ones engaged all season long.

With over 300+ festive pages, this set includes:

• 47 Christmas Activity Pages Book – puzzles, mazes, matching games, and more.
• 31 Christmas Cutting Practice Worksheets – from straight lines to fun holiday shapes.
• 30 Christmas Cut & Paste Worksheets – creative, hands-on crafts kids can design themselves.
• 35 Christmas Dot Marker Pages – cheerful patterns for screen-free coloring fun.
• 120+ Christmas Coloring Pages (3 themes) – from simple outlines for toddlers to detailed designs for older kids.
• I Spy Christmas Book for Kids – a playful challenge that builds focus and counting skills.

One Download, Endless Activities! No more hunting for individual Christmas printables. This bundle includes 8 full holiday-themed activity packs. No Prep, No Mess, Just Print & Play! Use them again and again…

Designed for ages 2–8, these Printables are perfect for parents, teachers, and homeschoolers who want festive, educational, and screen-free fun. Discover the Full Christmas Activity Pages Bundle and make this holiday season extra magical!

Conclusion

Christmas tree crafts are more than just holiday projects—they’re a way to spark creativity, strengthen fine motor skills, and create lasting memories with kids. Whether you’re making a handprint Christmas tree craft as a keepsake, a paper Christmas tree craft for easy fun, or Christmas tree ornament crafts to decorate your home, each activity adds a little extra holiday magic.

With these Christmas tree craft ideas, parents and teachers can keep kids engaged, screen-free, and excited about the season. Don’t forget—you can take the fun even further with our Christmas activity sheets bundle, packed with coloring pages, puzzles, and hands-on printables that make holiday learning joyful.

FAQs About Christmas Tree Crafts