Crafting Christmas projects with children is perhaps the most enjoyable way to count down to the holidays together. From simple projects for little ones to creative challenges for older kids: with just some paper, glue and imagination, every afternoon becomes a cosy crafting moment. In this article you’ll discover plenty of ideas for Christmas crafts with children — cheerful, accessible and always full of festive charm.

Be sure to also check our overview pages for Christmas crafting and crafting with children for even more ideas, tips and creative inspiration.

Perler bead reindeer - perfect for young children (5-8 years)

This cheerful perler bead reindeer is a wonderful project for young crafters. It’s simple, colourful and offers endless possibilities for creating patterns and choosing colours. The ironing should be done safely by an adult, but children can fully participate in the design. This little reindeer is perfect as a Christmas ornament, magnet or decoration for a child’s room.
⁠View the step-by-step instructions for making the perler bead reindeer.

Gingerbread Christmas ornaments – suitable for children from 6 years

These cute gingerbread-style Christmas ornaments are super fun to make! With brown cardstock and white markers or puffy paint, children can decorate tree-shaped figures that look just like iced gingerbread cookies. It’s an easy project, yet the result is wonderfully festive! These ornaments can be hung in the tree or used to create a garland.
⁠View the step-by-step instructions to make your own gingerbread ornaments with your children.

Paper Christmas star with teardrop punch - ideal for children aged 7-10

Using a teardrop punch, children can easily create these beautiful paper Christmas stars. By folding the punched shapes and glueing them together in a circle, you get a stunning 3D star. It’s a relatively simple project, but the result looks impressive. Perfect for decorating the Christmas table, gifts or windows.
⁠View the step-by-step instructions for making the paper Christmas star.

Threaded felt Christmas tree - suitable for children aged 6-10

With felt squares and a piece of string, children can make their own adorable felt Christmas trees. By threading the layers one by one, they create a soft and playful Christmas decoration. This project is perfect for school classrooms or for crafting at home, and it’s a great way to practise fine motor skills.
⁠View the step-by-step instructions to make your own threaded felt Christmas tree.

Pipecleaner Christmas tree- fun for 5-9 years

Using pipe cleaners (chenille stems), children can create a Christmas tree that they can decorate with colourful pompoms. It’s a bright and playful project that helps children explore texture and develop motor skills. A lovely Christmas decoration for the table or to give as a small gift.
⁠View the step-by-step instructions for making the chenille stem Christmas tree.

Advent calender with boxes - fun project for ages 8-12

Children who enjoy cutting, folding and decorating will love making their own Advent calendar. This project requires a little more patience, but the result is a magical calendar with 24 surprises — perfect for the festive season. It’s ideal for older children who enjoy a bigger creative challenge.
⁠View the step-by-step instructions for making the Advent calendar.

Christmas card with candy cane - suitable for 6-12 years

With circle punches and paper, children can create a cheerful Christmas card featuring a candy cane. This project is perfect for anyone who enjoys card making and working with paper. The simple design gives the card a festive look, making it a great way to send handmade Christmas greetings.
⁠View the step-by-step instructions for making the candy cane Christmas card.

Paper Christmas tree ornament - for 7-11 years

With die-cut Christmas tree shapes, glue and ribbon, children can make their own 3D Christmas tree ornaments. It’s a simple project that is perfect for Christmas decorations and can be created in different colours for extra variation. A quick and creative way to decorate the Christmas tree.
⁠View the step-by-step instructions for making the paper Christmas trees.

Wooden bead Christmas decorations - suitable for ages 8-12

With wooden beads, children can easily make their own Christmas decorations. Whether they create stars, Christmas trees or garlands, this project is perfect for kids who enjoy patterns and working with beads. The decorations have a modern, Scandinavian look that suits any Christmas tree, and it’s a great way to practise fine motor skills.
⁠View the step-by-step instructions for making Christmas decorations with wooden beads.

Pipecleaner reindeer - perfect for ages 5-9

With brown and white chenille stems, children can make an adorable little reindeer. This project is fun and easy, and kids can decorate the face and antlers with pompoms and googly eyes. A cheerful craft that works well as table décor or simply to play with.
⁠View the step-by-step instructions to make a little reindeer with your child.

Paper Christmas house - ideal for ages 5-9

Using paper and glue, children can craft their own Christmas house. This cute little house is perfect as a festive decoration and can be embellished with glitter, markers and other embellishments. It’s an easy DIY that children can mostly do on their own with just a bit of help. A wonderful project for creating their own miniature Christmas village!

Paper angels - for children aged 6-10

Create sweet paper angels with children! By folding the paper and decorating it with glitter, markers and ribbons, they can make their own angels for the Christmas tree or to give as a gift. It’s a quick and simple project that looks beautiful as decoration — perfect for kids who love working with paper.

Christmas candle wrap - suitable for ages 7-12

Children can make their own Christmas candle wrap using paper, stamps and ribbon. The project is simple, and the lanterns bring a warm, festive glow to the home. Always use a battery-powered LED tea light, as real flame is a fire hazard when working with paper. Perfect for the Christmas table or as a handmade gift for family and friends. This project is ideal for a cosy crafting evening.
⁠View the step-by-step instructions for making a Christmas candle wrap together.

Frequently asked questions about Christmas crafting with children

From what age can children start Christmas crafting?

Children as young as 3 can take part in simple Christmas craft projects, such as making stars, decorating Christmas cards or using stickers and pompoms. The DIY projects in this blog are ideal for children aged 5 and up, but they can easily be adapted for younger crafters.

What are safe materials for children?

Safe materials for Christmas crafting with children include paper, felt, chenille stems, child-safe scissors, child-friendly glue and beads (with adult supervision). For perler beads: an adult must always handle the ironing.

Which crafts are most suitable for young children?

For young children, projects such as perler beads, chenille figures, paper stars and simple Christmas cards are perfect. These activities are not only fun but also great for developing fine motor skills.

How do I make Christmas crafting with children extra fun?

Play cosy Christmas music, work with themes like snowflakes or stars, let the children’s creativity lead the way and create a special place to display their creations. This makes crafting even more festive and engaging!

Ready to start crafting?

Christmas crafting with children makes the December season even more magical. Whether you choose perler beads, chenille stems, wood, felt or paper: each project creates valuable moments together.

Looking for more winter inspiration? Visit our Christmas crafting page for even more ideas.