25 Christmas Tree Crafts for Kids That are Easy and Fun

Christmas crafts for kids can be a lot of fun. Your little ones get to create something festive, you get a few precious moments of relative quiet, and somehow everyone ends up covered in glue and happiness. Discover 25 easy Christmas tree crafts for kids that bring holiday cheer.

1. Paper Plate Christmas Tree

A Paper Plate Christmas Tree craft for kids.

This one’s a classic for a reason – it works every single time, even when your toddler decides to eat half the green paint.

Materials:

  • Glue
  • Paper plates (2 or 3 per tree)
  • Green paint or markers
  • Paintbrushes
  • Brown construction paper
  • Yellow construction paper
  • Glue stick
  • Star stickers or gold paper

Instructions

  1. Paint the paper plates green and let them dry completely.
  2. Cut the plates into large triangle or wedge-shaped sections to resemble tree branches.
  3. Layer the plate pieces from largest to smallest, gluing them in place to form a tree shape.
  4. Cut a small rectangle from brown paper for the tree trunk and glue at the bottom.
  5. Cut a star from yellow paper and glue at the top.

These christmas tree crafts diy projects are perfect when you need something that looks impressive but uses materials you probably already have shoved in that junk drawer we all pretend doesn’t exist. Explore more paper plate Christmas crafts here.

2. Handprint Christmas Tree

Easy handprint Christmas tree craft for kids.

Warning: this one gets messy, but the cuteness factor makes up for the cleanup. Also, future you will thank present you for capturing those tiny handprints.

Materials:

Instructions:

  1. Put kids in old clothes (trust me on this)
  2. Paint their palm and fingers with green paint
  3. Make handprint with fingers pointing down for tree shape
  4. Add 2-3 more handprints overlapping to create full tree
  5. Let paint dry completely
  6. Draw a brown trunk with marker
  7. Add a gold star at the top
  8. Let kids add fingerprint “ornaments” if desired

Christmas tree crafts for toddlers don’t get much sweeter than this. Yes, you’ll find green paint under their fingernails for approximately six weeks, but you’ll also have the most precious keepsake.

3. Coffee Filter Christmas Tree

A Christmas tree craft for kids made with coffee filters.

Perfect for when you want something that looks fancy but requires minimal supervision – also known as “mom craft gold.”

Materials:

Instructions:

  1. Mix green food coloring with water in small bowls
  2. Fold coffee filters and dip edges in colored water
  3. Unfold and let dry on paper towels
  4. Once dry, fold filters to create tree shapes
  5. Cut brown paper into trunk shapes
  6. Glue trees onto paper with trunks
  7. Add paper stars at the tops
  8. Display proudly on the refrigerator art gallery

These christmas tree preschool crafts are absolutely magical when the filters bloom with color. The best part is watching their faces light up when the color spreads through the filter – pure Christmas magic right there.

4. Egg Carton Christmas Tree

A Christmas tree made with egg cartons.

Before you toss that egg carton in recycling, hold up! It’s about to become the star of your craft arsenal.

Materials

  • Egg carton cups (3 or 4 per tree)
  • Green paint (mix shades if you like)
  • Craft sequins or small beads/buttons (for ornaments)
  • Yellow paper or foam star
  • Brown paper or cork for trunk
  • Glue

Instructions

  1. Cut three cups and trim to decreasing sizes.
  2. Paint them green and let dry.
  3. Stack and glue largest → smallest.
  4. Glue on sequins/beads as ornaments; add a star on top and a trunk at the bottom.
  5. Optional: Lightly brush white paint on edges to mimic snow.

Talk about christmas tree preschool crafts that teach recycling and creativity! Plus, there’s something satisfying about turning trash into treasure. It makes them feel like they’re helping with something important. Which they are, obviously. Explore more egg carton Christmas crafts here.

5. Popsicle Stick Christmas Tree

A Christmas tree craft for kids made with popsicle sticks.

These are so cute and surprisingly sturdy. Perfect for little hands that need something they can actually play with afterward.

Materials:

  • 5 popsicle sticks
  • Green and brown paint
  • Gold or yellow glitter paper
  • Craft glue
  • Scissors

Instructions:

  • Paint four popsicle sticks green and one brown. Let them dry.
  • Arrange the four green sticks into a tree shape and glue them together.
  • Cut a small triangle from an extra green stick and glue it to the back to reinforce the tree.
  • Glue the brown trunk to the bottom of the tree.
  • Glue colorful buttons onto the green sticks.
  • Cut a star from glitter paper and glue it to the top

These christmas tree crafts for kids are perfect for developing fine motor skills, though let’s be real – half the fun is watching them try to figure out which way the triangle should go. Parenting: where every craft fails becomes a learning opportunity. Explore more popsicle stick Christmas crafts here.

6. Yarn Wrapped Christmas Tree

A yarn wrapped Christimas tree craft for kids.

This one’s great for kids who need to keep their hands busy. Plus, the texture is really satisfying to touch.

Materials:

Instructions:

  1. Cut cardboard into triangle tree shapes
  2. Start gluing yarn at the bottom of triangle
  3. Wrap yarn around and up the tree, gluing as you go
  4. Continue until entire tree is covered
  5. Secure yarn end with glue
  6. Let kids glue on decorative buttons
  7. Add gold star to the top
  8. Display with pride in the craft corner

Cute christmas crafts for kids don’t get much more tactile than this. There’s something so soothing about wrapping the yarn, and it’s one of those activities that can keep them occupied for a surprisingly long time.

7. Button Christmas Tree

A Christmas tree craft for kids made with bjuttons.

Perfect for kids who are past the “everything goes in my mouth” phase, these trees are absolutely adorable.

Materials:

Instructions:

  1. Cut triangle shape from cardboard
  2. Glue brown rectangle at bottom for trunk
  3. Cover triangle with green paint (optional)
  4. Glue buttons all over the tree shape
  5. Add special button or sticker as star

Cute christmas crafts for kids that double as fine motor skill practice? These button trees are perfect. Just be prepared to find random buttons around your house for the next six months.

7. Toilet Paper Roll Christmas Tree

A Christmas tree craft made with a toilet paper roll.

Yes, we’re crafting with toilet paper rolls, and no, I don’t feel weird about it. Reduce, reuse, craft on!

Materials:

Instructions:

  1. Paint toilet paper rolls brown for tree trunks
  2. Let dry completely
  3. Cut green construction paper into cone shapes
  4. Roll and glue paper into cone shapes that fit over rolls
  5. Slide cones onto painted rolls
  6. Secure with glue if needed
  7. Add star stickers to tops
  8. Decorate with circular stickers as ornaments

These diy christmas crafts for kids are proof that the best materials are often hiding in plain sight. Explore more Christmas-themed toilet paper roll crafts here.

8. Salt Dough Christmas Tree Ornaments

Salt dough Christmas tree ornaments.

Fair warning: this one requires actual baking, but the results are totally worth firing up the oven.

Materials:

Instructions:

  1. Mix flour, salt, and water to form dough
  2. Add green food coloring and knead until evenly colored
  3. Roll dough to ¼ inch thickness
  4. Use cookie cutters to cut tree shapes
  5. Use straw to poke holes at tops for hanging
  6. Bake at 200°F for 2-3 hours until hard
  7. Let cool completely
  8. Paint details and add ribbon for hanging

Easy christmas crafts for kids that become actual keepsakes? Yes, please! These ornaments last for years, and there’s something special about pulling out the ones your kids made when they were tiny. Explore more salt dough DIY Christmas ornaments here.

9. Paper Chain Christmas Tree

A Christmas tree formed with green paper chain.

Sometimes the simplest ideas are the most brilliant. This is definitely one of those times.

Materials:

  • Green construction paper strips
  • Glue or stapler
  • Brown construction paper
  • Yellow paper for star
  • Scissors

Instructions:

  1. Cut green paper into strips (about 1 inch wide)
  2. Make paper chains of different lengths
  3. Create one long chain for bottom of tree
  4. Make progressively shorter chains for upper levels
  5. Arrange chains in tree shape and glue to paper
  6. Cut and attach brown paper trunk
  7. Add yellow paper star to top
  8. Hang or display your chain tree masterpiece

These easy christmas crafts for kids are perfect for when you have fifteen minutes and need something that looks like you planned ahead. Plus, making paper chains is oddly therapeutic – for both you and the kids.

10. Bubble Wrap Christmas Tree Prints

A kids Christmas tree made with green painted bubble wrap.

This one combines two of kids’ favorite things: bubble wrap and making prints. It’s basically guaranteed fun.

Materials:

  • Bubble wrap
  • Green paint
  • Paper
  • Brown marker
  • Gold star stickers
  • Paper plates for paint

Instructions:

  1. Cut bubble wrap into triangle tree shapes
  2. Pour green paint onto paper plates
  3. Let kids dip bubble wrap into paint
  4. Press painted bubble wrap onto paper to make tree prints
  5. Let paint dry
  6. Draw brown trunks with marker
  7. Add gold star stickers to tops
  8. Make multiple prints for a whole forest

Easy kids christmas crafts that involve bubble wrap? You’ve basically won the parent lottery. The texture of the bubble wrap creates the most beautiful tree effect, and kids love the popping sound it makes.

11. Pinecone Christmas Tree

A group of pinecone Christmas tree decorated with colorful beads.

Nature crafts for the win! Plus, collecting pinecones gives you an excuse to get outside and tire the kids out a little.

Materials:

  • Pinecones (various sizes)
  • Green paint
  • Small paintbrushes
  • Gold star beads
  • Glue
  • Small colored beads for ornaments
  • Small pot or base (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Paint pinecones green, getting paint between the scales
  2. Let dry completely (this takes longer than you think)
  3. Glue gold star bead to the top of each pinecone
  4. Add small colored beads between scales as ornaments
  5. Glue to small pots if desired for standing display
  6. Create a whole pinecone forest
  7. Display on mantle or table
  8. Enjoy your natural Christmas decoration

Kids christmas crafts easy enough for toddlers but beautiful enough to actually display in your home? These pinecone trees check all the boxes.

12. Felt Christmas Tree Wall Hanging

A hanging Christmas tree made of green felt and decorated with buttons.

This one requires a bit more prep work, but it’s worth it for the interactive play value.

Materials:

Instructions:

  1. Cut large green felt into Christmas tree shape
  2. Cut brown felt into trunk shape
  3. Glue trunk to bottom of tree
  4. Cut small circles from colorful felt
  5. Attach soft side of Velcro to ornament circles
  6. Attach rough side of Velcro randomly on tree
  7. Add star to top of tree
  8. Mount on wall and let kids decorate daily

This is one of those christmas tree crafts that keeps on giving. Kids can redecorate their tree every day, and it’s perfect for those moments when they’re feeling destructive but you want to channel that energy positively. Plus, no broken ornaments to sweep up – just saying.

13. Cupcake Liner Christmas Tree

Who knew those leftover cupcake liners could become craft gold? Not me, until my neighbor shared this genius idea.

Materials:

  • Green cupcake liners (various shades if possible)
  • Brown construction paper
  • Glue stick
  • Gold star stickers
  • Large paper for background
  • Scissors

Instructions:

  1. Flatten cupcake liners completely
  2. Cut brown construction paper into trunk shapes
  3. Glue trunks to paper first
  4. Layer cupcake liners from largest to smallest above trunk
  5. Overlap slightly to create tree effect
  6. Glue each layer securely
  7. Add gold star stickers to tops
  8. Create multiple trees for a festive forest scene

These christmas tree crafts diy projects are perfect for using up those random cupcake supplies you bought for that Pinterest-worthy birthday party that ended up being store-bought cupcakes anyway. Kids love the crinkly texture of the liners.

15. Handprint Wreath Christmas Tree

This combines two Christmas classics – handprints and wreaths – into one adorable craft.

Materials:

Instructions:

  1. Paint child’s hand with green paint
  2. Make handprints in a circle to form wreath shape
  3. Continue until you have a full wreath
  4. Let paint dry completely
  5. Draw brown trunk extending down from wreath
  6. Glue red ribbon bow at top of wreath
  7. Add small red buttons as berries between handprints
  8. Place gold star in center or at top

These christmas tree crafts for toddlers create the most precious keepsakes. Yes, it’s technically a wreath that we’re calling a tree, but kids don’t care about technicalities. They care about making something beautiful with their own two hands, and this definitely qualifies.

16. Tissue Paper Christmas Tree

Light, airy, and absolutely beautiful when displayed in a window. Plus, tissue paper is usually hiding somewhere in your gift wrap stash.

Materials:

  • Green tissue paper
  • Brown construction paper
  • Glue stick
  • Scissors
  • Gold star stickers
  • Large white paper

Instructions:

  1. Cut tissue paper into small squares
  2. Twist squares around end of pencil to create texture
  3. Draw triangle tree shape on white paper
  4. Fill triangle with glued tissue paper pieces
  5. Layer pieces for full, fluffy appearance
  6. Cut brown trunk from construction paper
  7. Glue trunk at bottom of tree
  8. Add gold star sticker to top

Diy christmas crafts for kids that look way more complicated than they actually are? These tissue paper trees fit the bill perfectly. The texture is gorgeous, and kids love the scrunching and twisting motions. Fair warning: tissue paper has static and will stick to everything, including the cat.

17. Sponge Painting Christmas Tree

Perfect for when you want to paint but don’t want to deal with brushes and the inevitable brush-washing drama.

Materials:

  • Triangle-shaped sponges (or cut regular sponges)
  • Green paint
  • Paper plates
  • White paper
  • Brown markers
  • Gold star stickers
  • Paper towels

Instructions:

  1. Pour green paint onto paper plates
  2. Show kids how to dip sponge lightly in paint
  3. Press sponge onto paper to create tree shapes
  4. Make multiple prints across the paper
  5. Let paint dry completely
  6. Draw brown trunks under each tree with marker
  7. Add gold star stickers to tops
  8. Create a whole sponge-painted forest

Easy christmas crafts for kids that don’t require perfect brush control? Sponge painting is where it’s at. The texture is beautiful, and there’s something so satisfying about the stamping motion. Plus, cleanup is way easier than traditional painting.

18. Accordion Fold Christmas Tree

This one teaches basic paper folding skills while creating something genuinely impressive.

Materials:

  • Green construction paper
  • Brown construction paper
  • Glue stick
  • Gold star stickers
  • Scissors • Ruler (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Cut green paper into rectangles
  2. Show kids how to make accordion folds back and forth
  3. Fold entire rectangle into accordion pleats
  4. Pinch folded paper in middle and glue
  5. Fan out both sides to create tree shape
  6. Cut small brown rectangle for trunk
  7. Glue trunk to bottom center of tree
  8. Add gold star to top point

These easy christmas crafts for kids are perfect for developing those fine motor skills while creating something that actually looks intentional. Sometimes the simplest crafts are the most engaging.

19. Glitter Pine Christmas Tree

Yes, we’re going there. Glitter crafts. May the odds be ever in your favor (and may you find a good vacuum).

Materials:

  • Green construction paper
  • Glue sticks
  • Green glitter (and maybe some gold)
  • Brown construction paper
  • Gold star stickers
  • Newspaper to protect surfaces
  • Small containers for glitter

Instructions:

  1. Lay down newspaper everywhere (seriously, everywhere)
  2. Cut green paper into triangle tree shapes
  3. Cover triangles with glue using glue sticks
  4. Let kids sprinkle glitter over glued areas
  5. Shake off excess glitter (save it in containers)
  6. Let dry completely
  7. Cut and glue brown trunks
  8. Add gold star stickers to tops

Easy kids christmas crafts that will leave you finding glitter until approximately Easter? These are it. But honestly, the kids’ faces when they see their sparkly creations are totally worth the cleanup. Pro tip: do this craft right before bath time.

20. Paper Doily Christmas Tree

Those fancy paper doilies from your grandmother’s china cabinet? They’re about to become craft supplies.

Materials:

  • Paper doilies
  • Green paint or markers
  • Brown construction paper
  • Glue
  • Gold star stickers
  • Scissors

Instructions:

  1. Color doilies green with paint or markers
  2. Let dry if using paint
  3. Fold doilies in half to create tree shape
  4. Cut brown paper into trunk shapes
  5. Glue trunks to bottom of folded doilies
  6. Open doilies slightly to create dimensional effect
  7. Add gold star stickers to tops
  8. Display these delicate beauties carefully

Kids christmas crafts easy enough for preschoolers but elegant enough for grandparents to proudly display? These doily trees hit that sweet spot. The intricate patterns of the doilies make even the simplest coloring job look sophisticated.

21. Fingerprint Christmas Tree Lights

This one turns your kids’ fingerprints into tiny Christmas lights on a tree. Prepare for maximum cuteness.

Materials:

  • Green paper or cardstock
  • Colored ink pads or washable paint
  • Fine tip markers
  • Brown marker
  • Wet wipes
  • Gold star sticker

Instructions:

  1. Cut green paper into Christmas tree shape
  2. Let kids press fingertips into colored ink pads
  3. Make fingerprint dots all over the tree as “lights”
  4. Use different colors for variety
  5. Let ink dry completely
  6. Use fine tip markers to draw “wires” connecting the lights
  7. Draw brown trunk with brown marker
  8. Add gold star to top

These christmas tree preschool crafts create the most precious keepsakes while teaching colors and patterns. Plus, there’s something magical about turning fingerprints into tiny lights. Just be prepared for colorful fingerprints on everything for the next few hours.

22. Washi Tape Christmas Tree

Perfect for kids who love stickers but need something that requires a bit more thought and planning.

Materials:

Instructions:

  1. Start with longest piece of green washi tape at bottom
  2. Apply tape horizontally across bottom of paper
  3. Add progressively shorter pieces of tape above
  4. Continue layering until you have a tree shape
  5. Trim tape ends to create clean triangle
  6. Use brown tape or marker for trunk
  7. Add gold star sticker to top
  8. Create patterns with different tape designs

Cute christmas crafts for kids that don’t involve paint or glue? Washi tape trees are perfect for those days when you want to craft but can’t handle another cleanup situation. The patterns and colors available in washi tape make these surprisingly sophisticated.

23. Cotton Ball Snow Christmas Tree

These trees look like they’re straight out of a winter wonderland, and kids love the fluffy texture of cotton balls.

Materials:

  • Green construction paper
  • Cotton balls
  • Glue
  • Brown construction paper
  • Gold star stickers
  • Blue paper for background (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Cut green paper into triangle tree shapes
  2. Glue trees to background paper if using
  3. Let kids glue cotton balls randomly on trees as snow
  4. Pull cotton balls apart slightly for fluffier snow effect
  5. Cut brown trunks and glue at bottom
  6. Add gold star stickers to tops
  7. Create multiple trees for snowy forest scene
  8. Display these winter wonderland creations

Diy christmas crafts for kids that capture the magic of a white Christmas? These cotton ball trees are perfect. The contrast between the green paper and white cotton is beautiful, and there’s something so satisfying about pulling apart cotton balls.

24. Magazine Page Christmas Tree

Perfect for teaching recycling while creating something beautiful. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those magazines that are piling up.

Materials:

  • Old magazines with green pages
  • Glue sticks
  • Brown construction paper
  • Scissors
  • Gold star stickers
  • Large paper for background

Instructions:

  1. Look through magazines for pages with green colors
  2. Cut or tear pages into triangle tree shapes
  3. Layer different shades of green for depth
  4. Glue layered pieces to background paper
  5. Cut brown paper strips for trunks
  6. Glue trunks under trees
  7. Add gold star stickers to tops
  8. Create collage effect with multiple trees

Easy christmas crafts for kids that also teach about recycling and reusing materials? These magazine trees check all the educational boxes while being genuinely fun to make. Kids love hunting through magazines for the perfect green pages.

25. Pasta Christmas Tree

Who says pasta is just for eating? These edible decorations are fun to make and surprisingly pretty.

Materials:

  • Bow tie pasta or penne
  • Green food coloring
  • Ziplock bags
  • A few drops of rubbing alcohol
  • Brown construction paper
  • Strong glue
  • Gold star pasta or stickers

Instructions:

  1. Put pasta in ziplock bags with a few drops of food coloring
  2. Add a tiny bit of rubbing alcohol to help distribute color
  3. Shake bags until pasta is evenly colored
  4. Spread on paper towels to dry
  5. Once dry, glue pasta pieces in tree shapes on paper
  6. Start with larger pieces at bottom, smaller at top
  7. Add brown paper trunks
  8. Top with star-shaped pasta or gold stickers

Kids christmas crafts easy enough for toddlers but unique enough to impress relatives? These pasta trees are conversation starters. Just maybe make extra pasta because some pieces will definitely end up being taste-tested along the way.

Final Thoughts on Christmas Tree Crafts

The beauty of christmas tree crafts for kids isn’t in the perfection of the final product – it’s in the process. It’s in watching their faces light up when they master a new technique, or when they step back and proudly declare their wonky triangle is “the best tree ever made.” And you know what? They’re absolutely right.

Don’t stop here—explore even more kid-friendly Christmas craft ideas, 15 holiday projects to make together, budget-friendly paper bag crafts and salt dough Christmas ornaments-a craft for all the family.

Your kids may also love these easy wreath crafts, reindeer crafts, cute pipe cleaner crafts, 10 Christmas cards to make together, and a collection of fun Grinch crafts they’ll love.

Don’t miss our Preschool Christmas Gifts for Parents post for more handmade holiday inspiration!

Check out our winter crafts for kids to keep the creativity going all season long!

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