Honestly, there’s something so magical about sitting down with a pair of scissors, some paper, and a cup of cocoa during the holidays. These Christmas Paper Crafts Ideas aren’t just easy and fun—they’re full of heart. Whether you’re crafting with kids or just want a creative break from screen time, these ideas will bring out your festive side without costing a fortune. So, which paper project will you try first?
Christmas Paper Crafts Ideas
Let’s be real—some of the best Christmas decorations aren’t store-bought. They’re handmade, a little imperfect, and full of memories. That’s exactly why I put together these Christmas Paper Crafts Ideas.
Paper Snowflake Garlands
Honestly, cutting out snowflakes never gets old—and stringing them up turns any room into a winter wonderland.
• Fold and cut white or patterned paper into snowflakes • String them on twine or fishing line • Hang across fireplace. • Mix sizes for a layered look
3D Paper Christmas Trees
These little trees add height and cheer to shelves or tabletops without taking much time.
• Fold and cut green cardstock in tree shapes • Slot pieces together to stand up • Decorate with dots, stars, or glitter • Use different shades of green for dimension
Paper Chain Advent Calendar
Count down the days to Christmas with a paper chain that’s fun to tear off daily.
• Cut red and green strips of paper • Write a message or activity on each • Staple or tape into a chain • Hang near the fireplace or doorway
Origami Santa Faces
Folding little Santas brings smiles, especially when you add a cotton beard.
• Use red and white origami paper • Follow simple online tutorials • Add googly eyes or cotton balls • Stick on cards or gift tags
Paper Star Wands
Great for kids to wave around or add to a fairy-themed tree.
• Cut star shapes from glitter paper • Attach to paper straws or wooden sticks • Add ribbon streamers • Use as party favors or tree decor
Tissue Paper Wreaths
This is a super easy way to create soft, fluffy wreaths with just paper and glue.
• Cut tissue paper into small squares • Scrunch and glue onto a paper ring • Layer different greens and reds • Add a paper bow for finishing touch
Paper Bag Reindeer Puppets
These little reindeer are perfect for storytelling or just a silly afternoon.
• Use brown paper lunch bags • Add eyes, antlers, and red noses • Decorate with markers and buttons • Use as gift bags or puppet fun
• Roll cardstock into cones • Glue on a face, hat, and feet • Use yarn for hair or beards • Display with other paper characters
Accordion Fold Christmas Trees
They’re simple, quick, and perfect for group crafting. • Fold green paper back and forth • Cut into triangle shapes • Glue to card fronts or use in garlands • Decorate with stickers or mini gems
Paper Plate Santa Masks
Turn paper plates into silly Santa faces everyone can wear. • Cut out eye holes in paper plates • Glue on red hats and cotton beards • Add string or a craft stick handle • Great for photos or pretend play
Cut-Out Nativity Silhouettes
These look lovely as candle backdrops or in windows. • Use black or navy cardstock • Cut stable, manger, and figures • Mount on white paper or vellum • Frame in paper or stick to glass
Pop-Up Christmas Cards
Add a little surprise when someone opens your handmade holiday greeting. • Cut slits inside a folded card • Fold out shapes like trees or gifts • Glue on decorations and text • Send to family and friends
Paper Light Bulb Garland
A safer and cuter alternative to real string lights. • Cut colorful bulb shapes from paper • Add a gray rectangle for socket • Tape onto yarn or ribbon • Hang across a doorway or tree
Rolled Paper Candy Canes
Swirled paper gives this classic shape a fun twist. • Roll red and white strips into tight coils • Bend into candy cane shape • Glue to cards or tree ornaments • Finish with a ribbon bow
Paper Quilled Ornaments
This one’s a bit more detailed but so worth the final look. • Roll thin strips into curls and spirals • Shape into stars, trees, or wreaths • Glue onto paper circles or tags • Add glitter or gems for sparkle
Handprint Paper Trees
Sentimental and cute, these trees are made with love. • Trace and cut handprints from green paper • Stack with fingers pointing outward • Glue in a tree shape on cardstock • Add buttons, stars, or fingerprints
Paper Gift Box Toppers
Make your wrapped presents stand out with handmade accents. • Cut stars, holly leaves, or bows • Layer with foam dots or glue • Personalize with names or quotes • Match the paper to your gift wrap
Newspaper Snowflakes
Eco-friendly and unique, these give old paper new life. • Cut snowflakes from newspaper pages • Paint or dust with white glitter • Hang with twine or pin to a board • Use as sustainable decor
Mini Paper Village
Create a tiny winter town you can fold and display. • Print or draw simple house templates • Fold and glue into 3D shapes • Add snowy rooftops with cotton or paint • Arrange on a mantle or table
Paper Stocking Garland
These look adorable strung up with tiny clothespins. • Cut stocking shapes from patterned paper • Add cuff, heel, and toe details • Write names or messages • String along a wall or fireplace
Christmas Countdown Rings
Perfect for young kids to see how many days are left. • Make 25 colorful paper rings • Number each one • Tear off a ring each day • Use holiday colors or themes
Santa’s Beard Countdown
Get creative by growing Santa’s beard with paper. • Draw or print a Santa face • Add 25 white paper strips for beard • Cut off a strip daily • Hang on the fridge or a kid’s room door
Paper Cup Angels
Turn paper cups into heavenly décor with a few cuts and folds. • Flip a cup upside down • Add a paper face and halo • Cut wings from doilies or cardstock • Display on the mantel or windowsill
3D Paper Christmas Trees
These little trees add height and cheer to shelves or tabletops without taking much time. They’re perfect for kids’ crafts, party centerpieces, or festive windowsills. • Fold and cut green cardstock into matching tree shapes (try 3–4 layers for fullness) • Cut slits in each shape and slot pieces together to create a 3D effect • Decorate with paper stars, tiny pom-poms, sequins, or glitter glue for extra sparkle • Use double-sided patterned paper for more texture and visual interest • Add a paper trunk or use a small spool as a tree stand • Top with a glitter star or mini paper angel for a polished finish
FAQ
What are some easy Christmas paper crafts for beginners?
If you’re just starting, simple crafts like paper snowflakes, paper chains, and cut-out Christmas trees are great. These projects require minimal tools—just scissors, glue, and colorful paper. You can also try folded paper stars or cardstock ornaments, which are fun and easy enough for kids to join in too.
What kind of paper works best for Christmas crafts?
Cardstock is a favorite because it’s sturdy and holds shapes well. Construction paper, origami paper, and patterned scrapbook paper also work beautifully depending on the project. For a fancier look, you can even try metallic or glitter paper to add a festive shine to your crafts.
Are Christmas paper crafts good for decorating?
Absolutely! Paper crafts are affordable and versatile for decorating your tree, windows, walls, or tables. Try garlands made from paper circles or stars, or make paper houses and trees for a mini Christmas village. These crafts add a homemade, cozy vibe to your holiday decor.
Can I make Christmas paper crafts with kids?
Yes, paper crafts are perfect for kids. Choose age-appropriate projects like finger-folded trees, accordion angels, or simple coloring and cutting crafts. They’ll love getting involved, and you’ll end up with adorable keepsakes for the season. Just keep safety scissors on hand for younger children.
Hi, I’m Susan Rueckel — the voice behind Fun Party Idea! With a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and a passion for bringing people together, I’ve spent years honing my skills in business development, customer service, event management, social media, and contract negotiation. Whether it’s planning unforgettable parties or sharing creative ideas to make your celebrations shine, I love turning everyday moments into something truly special. Let’s make your next event the most fun one yet!
