There’s something so joyful about watching preschoolers create Christmas art. Their little hands, big imaginations, and pure excitement make every project feel extra special. I love sitting down with them at the table — crayons, glue, and glitter everywhere — and seeing how they turn simple ideas into something beautiful. It’s not just about crafting; it’s about teaching them the joy of giving, creating, and celebrating.
Christmas art for preschoolers should be fun, easy, and full of color. I like using materials they can touch and explore — paper, cotton, buttons, and paint. Whether it’s making handprint reindeer, decorating paper trees, or gluing stars onto a manger scene, each project becomes a sweet memory. It’s amazing how their creativity shines when they make something all by themselves. More than anything, these little art moments fill the season with laughter, learning, and the true spirit of Christmas joy.
Christmas Art for Preschool Kids
Handprint Christmas Tree
Source: Pinterest
There’s something so sweet about turning tiny handprints into a Christmas tree. I help little ones dip their hands in green paint and press them onto paper in a triangle shape. Then we add colorful fingerprints for ornaments and a yellow star at the top. Each tree looks different, full of charm and personality. The best part is watching their faces light up when they see their hands become art. It’s not just a fun project — it’s a keepsake parents will treasure forever. Every time I see those tiny handprints, I’m reminded how magical and innocent the Christmas season truly feels through a child’s eyes.
Paper Chain Advent Countdown
Preschoolers absolutely love this hands-on craft because it builds excitement for Christmas day. I cut colorful paper strips and let them decorate each one with stickers or drawings. We glue or tape them into loops, linking them into a long paper chain. Each day, they get to tear one off as Christmas gets closer. I sometimes write a small Bible verse or good deed on each link to make it more meaningful. Watching the chain grow shorter brings so much joy and anticipation. It’s simple, interactive, and teaches patience in the most fun way — one little loop at a time!
Pom-Pom Christmas Tree
Source: Pinterest
Tiny hands and pom-poms are a match made in crafting heaven! I draw a large triangle for the tree shape, and the kids glue green pom-poms all over it. Then we add colorful ones for ornaments and a shiny star on top. It’s soft, tactile, and so much fun to make. Each tree turns out differently — some perfectly neat, some wonderfully wild. I love seeing the pride on their faces as they hold up their fuzzy trees. It’s a cheerful, texture-filled project that brings color and joy to any classroom or home display.
Crayon Resist Nativity Art
This one feels a little magical to preschoolers. We draw a simple nativity scene in white crayon on paper — the stable, star, and Holy Family — then paint over it with dark blue watercolor. As the color spreads, the white crayon lines appear like a shining night sky. They always gasp when the image “appears” like magic! It’s a creative and faith-filled project that beautifully illustrates the wonder of that holy night. I love how it teaches them that light always shines through, even in the darkest sky — just like Jesus’ birth.
Salt Dough Ornaments
Salt dough crafts are perfect for little hands. We mix flour, salt, and water into dough, roll it out, and cut shapes like stars, hearts, and crosses using cookie cutters. Once baked and cooled, the kids paint them in bright colors and add glitter or ribbon loops. These ornaments last for years, making them such a meaningful keepsake. I adore how proud the children feel hanging their own creations on the tree. The process is messy, fun, and full of sensory joy — the perfect mix of creativity and Christmas spirit.
Sponge Painted Christmas Wreaths
Sponge painting is a preschool favorite, and it’s perfect for wreaths! I cut out donut-shaped cardboard bases and let the kids dip sponges into green paint, dabbing around the circle. Once dry, they glue on red paper berries or bow cutouts. The textures and colors turn out so lively and festive. What I love most is how no two wreaths ever look alike — each one bursting with cheerful little fingerprints. It’s easy, colorful, and gives them such a sense of accomplishment when they see their “real” Christmas wreath hanging proudly.
Shiny Star Ornament
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Nothing says Christmas like a twinkling star! I cut star shapes from cardboard, and the kids cover them in glue, foil, and sequins. They love how it shines when it catches the light. We add string to hang it from the tree or ceiling. Sometimes, I help them write their name or the word “Shine” in the center. It’s simple, but the joy on their faces makes it priceless. These stars remind them of the Star of Bethlehem — a small but bright symbol of hope and guidance during the Christmas season.
Paper Bag Reindeer Puppets
This craft brings so much laughter to the classroom! We use brown paper bags, googly eyes, a red pom-pom nose, and cut-out paper antlers to make adorable reindeer puppets. The kids can decorate them however they like — with glitter, stickers, or scarves made from yarn. Once finished, we have a mini puppet show with songs like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” It’s creative, interactive, and full of fun storytelling moments. I love watching their imaginations take off as they bring their handmade reindeer to life.
Christmas Cookie Cutter Painting
Instead of baking, we paint with cookie cutters! I pour red, green, and gold paint onto trays and let the kids dip cookie cutters — stars, trees, bells — into the paint and stamp them onto paper. The results are always bright, messy, and joyful! Sometimes we turn the prints into wrapping paper or cards. It’s a great way for preschoolers to explore shapes, colors, and patterns while having fun. This project is a favorite because it combines art and play in such a festive, carefree way.
Tissue Paper Christmas Tree Collage
Tearing and gluing tissue paper is one of the easiest and most satisfying crafts for preschoolers. I draw a big Christmas tree outline and give them pieces of green, red, and gold tissue to glue inside. The layering creates a beautiful, textured effect. Once they’re done, we add a sparkly star on top. It’s simple but looks stunning when hung on the wall. The kids love the freedom of choosing colors and shapes. It’s a wonderful way to explore creativity while celebrating the season’s joy and color.
Fingerprint Lights Garland
This craft always brightens up our classroom walls! We draw a long wavy line to look like a light string, then let the kids use colorful fingerprints for the bulbs. Once it’s dry, we outline each fingerprint in black marker. The result looks so cheerful — a homemade Christmas light garland that feels both personal and festive. It’s easy, mess-friendly, and great for practicing colors and coordination. Every little fingerprint tells a story of joy, energy, and that glowing Christmas spirit that shines brightest in children.
Nativity Finger Puppets
Preschoolers love storytelling, and these finger puppets make the nativity story come alive. I cut out small shapes for Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, angels, and animals, and the kids color and glue them onto paper rings that fit their fingers. Once dry, we gather around and retell the story together. It’s such a creative way to blend art with faith learning. The excitement in their voices when they “act out” the story is priceless. These tiny puppets turn lessons into playtime while keeping the focus on Jesus.
Glittery Snowflake Cutouts
Nothing delights kids more than seeing their snowflakes sparkle! We fold white paper and help them cut simple shapes (safe scissors only). Then comes the fun part — brushing glue and sprinkling glitter all over. When hung near a window, they shimmer beautifully in the light. I love how each snowflake is unique, just like every child. It’s a wonderful reminder of God’s creativity in us all. It’s simple, festive, and fills the classroom with wintry wonder.
Christmas Gift Tag Art
Preschoolers love the idea of making something that others will use. I give them small cardstock rectangles to decorate with stamps, stickers, and markers. We punch holes and add ribbons so they can tie their tags onto gifts. Some write their names or simple words like “Joy” or “Love.” It’s quick, colorful, and teaches the value of giving with heart. When their handmade tags end up on wrapped presents, they beam with pride — a perfect mix of art, purpose, and Christmas joy.
Candle Painting
For this project, I draw tall candle outlines on paper and let the kids paint the flames with bright yellows, oranges, and reds. Then they decorate the base with glitter, buttons, or bits of paper. Once complete, the candles look like they’re glowing. It’s a beautiful way to talk about light and hope during the season. I love displaying them on the wall as “our classroom of light.” The kids feel so proud seeing their artwork shining together — a colorful reminder of faith and joy.
Christmas Nativity Scene Collage
This one is a favorite for storytelling and creativity combined. I pre-cut shapes for the stable, star, animals, and Holy Family, and the kids arrange and glue them on large paper. We talk about who’s in the scene as they work, making it both a craft and a learning moment. Adding bits of straw or fabric for texture makes it extra special. Every collage turns out different, yet every one feels full of heart. It’s a wonderful, hands-on way for preschoolers to understand the meaning of Christmas while creating something truly precious.
Paper Plate Angels
Paper plate angels are one of my favorite preschool crafts because they’re so easy and meaningful. I cut one paper plate in half for wings and use another as the angel’s body. Kids can decorate with crayons, glitter, or cotton balls for clouds. A small circle for the face and a gold pipe cleaner halo finish it off beautifully. I love how proud they feel holding their little angel creations, especially when they know angels were part of the Christmas story. It’s a simple, peaceful craft that lets children use their imagination while learning about faith and joy.
Popsicle Stick Nativity
This is such a beautiful and hands-on craft for little ones. I use popsicle sticks to form a stable and help them glue small paper cutouts of Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus inside. A yellow star at the top and a sprinkle of glitter make it shine. It’s amazing how something so simple can tell such a powerful story. Kids love it because they get to build and decorate, and parents love it because it’s filled with meaning. Each tiny nativity becomes a heartfelt piece that reminds everyone what Christmas is really about — love, family, and the birth of Jesus.
Cotton Ball Snowman
Snowman crafts are always a hit with preschoolers! I draw three circles on paper, and they glue fluffy cotton balls to fill them in. Then we add googly eyes, a paper carrot nose, and a small scarf made from ribbon. Sometimes they add a sprinkle of glitter for “falling snow.” It’s soft, cute, and fun to touch — a perfect sensory craft for little hands. What I love most is hearing their giggles as they name their snowmen. It’s a simple way to bring the magic of winter indoors while letting creativity and joy shine through every fluffy snowball.
Recycled Ornament Art
Kids love the idea of making their own ornaments, and this one is both creative and eco-friendly. We use old scraps of paper, cardboard, or leftover wrapping paper to create colorful ornament shapes. The children decorate with stickers, buttons, and glitter before we add string to hang them. Each ornament turns out different and full of personality. I love how proud they feel hanging their creations on the tree or gifting them to family. It’s a beautiful way to teach them about reusing materials and the joy of giving something made with love.
Fingerprint Reindeer
This craft always makes everyone smile! I help the kids press their fingers into brown paint to form a reindeer’s face, then add tiny antlers with black marker lines. A red fingerprint in the center makes the cutest Rudolph nose. They finish it off with wiggly eyes and a few snowflakes in the background. It’s such a fun, quick project that captures the joy of Christmas perfectly. I love how each reindeer turns out a little different, showing every child’s personality. It’s adorable, creative, and one of those crafts parents will want to frame forever.
Christmas Star Collage
Preschoolers love anything that sparkles, and this star collage is full of glitter and fun. I cut out large star shapes from cardboard and let the kids decorate them with glue, sequins, and shiny paper pieces. Sometimes we even write their names in the middle or add the word “Shine.” The messier it gets, the better! It’s such a joyful activity that teaches them about light and celebration — perfect for Christmas time. Hanging their stars in the window afterward makes the whole room glow with cheerful energy. Every sparkle feels like a reminder of the star that led to Jesus.
Paper Cup Christmas Bells
Paper cup bells are such a delightful, jingly craft for preschoolers. We paint or cover small cups with colored paper, add glitter, and tie a string through the top with a small bell attached inside. When they shake it, the bell jingles softly. Kids love the sound, and it’s a great sensory craft too. We usually hang them in the classroom or near the window, and every breeze brings a happy little jingle. It’s a lovely way to bring sound, color, and movement into Christmas crafting while letting kids express their joyful, festive spirit.
Button Wreath Art
This craft is full of color and creativity! I draw a wreath shape on thick paper and give the kids a handful of buttons in different sizes and colors. They glue them around the circle, add a red bow on top, and sometimes sprinkle glitter to make it sparkle. It’s simple yet stunning once finished. I love how focused they get while picking the perfect buttons, turning something ordinary into something beautiful. These little wreaths make adorable gifts or decorations — and every one of them is as unique as the child who made it.
Christmas Card Collage
Making Christmas cards with preschoolers is always special because they pour their hearts into them. I give them blank cards and lots of craft materials — paper shapes, cotton, stickers, and crayons. They create anything from snowmen to nativity scenes, sometimes mixing them all together in the most charming way. Then, we help them write simple messages like “Merry Christmas” or “Jesus Loves You.” It’s a fun, creative project that teaches kindness and sharing. When they proudly hand those handmade cards to parents or friends, their joy is the best gift of all — pure, heartfelt, and full of Christmas love.
FAQ
How can I make Christmas art fun and easy for preschoolers?
Keep it simple, colorful, and hands-on! Use materials they can touch — paper, cotton balls, pom-poms, buttons, and paint. Let them explore freely without worrying about “perfect” results. The goal is joy and creativity, not perfection.
What are some safe craft materials for preschoolers?
Always choose non-toxic paint, glue sticks, and child-safe scissors. Soft materials like felt, paper, tissue, and yarn are ideal. Avoid sharp edges, glitter that sheds easily, or anything too small that could be a choking hazard.
How do I keep art time mess-free?
Cover the table with newspaper or an old cloth and keep wipes handy. Use trays or plastic mats to contain glue and paint. Most importantly, let the mess happen — it’s part of the fun and learning process!
What are some quick Christmas art ideas for short attention spans?
Try projects that can be completed in 10–15 minutes, like fingerprint reindeer, paper stars, or cotton ball snowmen. These crafts are fast, satisfying, and perfect for little ones who love quick results.
How can I include faith in preschool Christmas art?
Simple nativity crafts, paper angels, and star decorations are perfect ways to include the story of Jesus’ birth. You can gently talk about love, giving, and light while crafting — it helps children connect creativity with faith.
I’m father joaquin perez, we are a catholic church with all the sacraments where everybody is welcome. we celebrate catholic mass every Sunday at 12:30pm at saint stephen episcopal church at 2750 McFarlane road, Miami, Florida