Oh man, last year I was staring at a pile of popsicle sticks, hot glue gun in hand, totally unsure what to do with them. I’d promised my niece we’d make some Christmas crafts together, and honestly, I didn’t even know where to start. I mean, how many ways can you really use tiny sticks, right? But then, as we got creative, laughing over glue mishaps and crooked little trees, I realized just how much fun Christmas popsicle stick crafts can be. They’re simple, inexpensive, and honestly, a little messy — but in the best way. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to come up with cute, easy holiday projects, you’re not alone. That’s why I put together this guide, packed with fun ideas and tips to make Christmas popsicle stick crafts super doable, even if you’re not the craftiest person in the room. By the end, you’ll be ready to make festive decorations, ornaments, and more — without stressing.
Christmas Popsicle Stick Crafts
Christmas Popsicle Stick Crafts are fun and easy DIY projects that everyone can enjoy. They are perfect for making festive decorations, gifts, and ornaments at home.
Christmas Tree Ornament

Honestly, I’ve always loved making Christmas tree ornaments from popsicle sticks because they’re so simple but can turn out really cute. One year, I tried layering sticks into a triangle shape, painted them green, and added tiny glitter dots as “lights.” To be fair, it didn’t look perfect at first, but I loved the homemade vibe. I’ve found that adding little touches like tiny beads or sequins makes them feel extra festive.
In my opinion, it’s fun to personalize each ornament. You could write family members’ names or the year on them. I remember hanging one I made in 2019, and my niece kept pointing at it saying, “You made this?”—and honestly, that made all the mess worth it. These little crafts are perfect for kids too because they get to stick and paint however they like.
Popsicle Stick Snowflake
I have a weird little obsession with snowflakes, and making them from popsicle sticks is honestly so satisfying. I usually glue sticks in a criss-cross pattern and then spray some silver paint over them. To be fair, it can get a bit messy with the glue, but that’s part of the fun. I remember one time my cat tried to “help” by stepping in the glue—I laughed so hard.
The best part is how customizable these snowflakes are. I’ve found that adding small rhinestones or glitter at the ends gives them this magical, sparkly look. Hanging them on windows or even from the ceiling can turn a room into a little winter wonderland. Honestly, every time I make one, I feel like I’m creating a tiny piece of holiday magic.
Santa Claus Decoration
Santa popsicle stick crafts are my absolute favorite because, honestly, they just scream Christmas. I usually paint the sticks red for his suit, white for the beard, and add a tiny cotton ball on top of his hat. I remember my nephew insisting that Santa needed a “real beard,” so we glued cotton balls all over—it ended up looking hilariously fluffy.
In my opinion, this craft is perfect if you want something playful. You can make mini Santas as tree ornaments or even a little family of Santas as a table display. I’ve found that using a black marker for his belt and boots adds just the right amount of detail. Honestly, I always smile when I see these little Santas sitting on my mantel—they just radiate Christmas cheer.
Reindeer Craft

Reindeer crafts are always a hit, especially with kids. I usually glue popsicle sticks together in a square shape and paint brown, then attach little googly eyes and a red pom-pom for Rudolph. To be fair, my first attempt looked more like a moose than a reindeer, but practice makes perfect. I’ve found that adding small antlers cut from cardboard really makes it look realistic.
Honestly, one of my favorite memories was making a bunch of these with my cousins one evening. We ended up having a little “reindeer parade” across the living room. In my opinion, the charm of this craft is in its imperfections. Even if your reindeer look a little wonky, they’re still adorable and festive. You can hang them on the tree or use them as part of a holiday centerpiece.
Candy Cane Wall Art
I’ve always loved decorating walls with DIY crafts, and candy cane popsicle stick art is such a fun idea. I glue two sticks together in a hook shape and paint them red and white in stripes. Honestly, my first few attempts were crooked, but that just gave them character. I remember hanging one in my kitchen and catching myself staring at it for way too long—it just feels so festive.
In my opinion, this craft is super versatile. You could make a big one for the wall or smaller versions for gifts. I’ve found that adding a little glitter or tying a ribbon around the candy cane instantly makes it look professional. Honestly, it’s one of those crafts that makes you feel like you’re really in the holiday spirit.
Gingerbread House Model
I have a soft spot for gingerbread houses, but honestly, making them from popsicle sticks is way less stressful than baking cookies. I glue sticks together into little house shapes and paint them in brown tones. To be fair, the decorating part is the most fun—tiny pom-poms for candies, glitter for snow, and a little cotton for frosting.
I remember making one with my sister and realizing halfway through that we had glued the roof upside down—we laughed so hard. In my opinion, these models make great centerpieces. I’ve found that using a hot glue gun works best for sturdiness, and it’s honestly so satisfying to see the finished house looking cozy and cute.
Christmas Star Ornament

Stars are a classic, and honestly, they’re my go-to for quick popsicle stick crafts. I usually glue sticks into a star shape and paint them gold or silver. To be fair, the first few times I tried, the points never lined up perfectly—but honestly, that adds a handmade charm.
I’ve found that sprinkling glitter over the paint while it’s still wet makes them shine beautifully. In my opinion, these stars look lovely hanging from the tree or even as part of a garland. One year, I made a bunch and strung them across the mantel; my family kept asking where I bought them, which honestly made me feel so proud. These little stars really add sparkle to any corner.
Mini Sleigh
I’ve made mini sleighs from popsicle sticks more times than I can count, and honestly, they’re just so cute. I glue the sticks into a small sled shape and paint them red or green. To be fair, making the runners curve nicely takes patience, but once you get it, it’s super fun. I remember trying one with my nephew, and he kept saying it looked like Santa could ride in it.
In my opinion, these sleighs are perfect for little displays or as part of a table centerpiece. I’ve found that adding tiny gifts or pinecones inside makes them extra festive. Honestly, every time I see one sitting on a shelf, I get a little nostalgic—it’s such a cozy, old-fashioned Christmas vibe.
Nativity Scene Figures
Honestly, making nativity figures from popsicle sticks sounds tricky, but it’s actually very doable. I usually paint little stick people to represent Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus, and then glue them into a simple stable frame. To be fair, my first set looked more like stick dolls than anything, but it had charm.
I’ve found that adding small details like gold paint for the star or fabric scraps for clothes really brings them to life. In my opinion, it’s one of the most meaningful crafts you can make. Honestly, seeing the finished set on my mantel makes me pause and appreciate the real reason for Christmas—it’s simple, but it hits differently when it’s handmade.
Christmas Wreath
Making a wreath from popsicle sticks is one of my favorite weekend projects. I glue the sticks into a circular base and then decorate with little pinecones, ribbons, or tiny ornaments. Honestly, at first, it looks like a mess of sticks, but once you add decorations, it transforms completely. I remember hanging mine and feeling genuinely proud—it was a little crooked, but that made it feel homemade.
I’ve found that spray painting the sticks white or green before adding decor makes them pop. In my opinion, wreaths like these give a cozy vibe to the front door or living room. Honestly, even if you’re not a super crafty person, this one is forgiving—you can’t really mess it up too badly, and it always ends up looking festive.
Elf Decoration
I’ve got a soft spot for elf decorations because they’re playful and silly. I glue sticks into a body shape, paint them in green and red, and add a tiny paper hat. To be fair, I always make their faces a little goofy—honestly, that’s the fun part. I remember my little cousin laughed out loud when she saw her “silly elf,” which honestly made me happy.
In my opinion, these elves look adorable on shelves or tucked into plants. I’ve found that small details like mini pom-poms or googly eyes make a huge difference. Honestly, it’s such a cheerful craft—you can’t make one without smiling. It’s the kind of decoration that brings life and personality to any holiday display.
Snowman Craft
Snowmen are honestly one of my favorite Christmas crafts, especially with popsicle sticks. I usually glue three sticks together vertically, paint them white, and add tiny buttons, a scarf, and a hat. To be fair, I’ve had a few snowmen look a little lopsided, but honestly, that just makes them charming. I remember making a whole “snowman family” one year—they ended up looking hilarious but cute.
I’ve found that using felt or paper for scarves and hats adds texture and makes them look more real. In my opinion, these snowmen are perfect for kids to decorate because you can get creative with accessories. Honestly, seeing them lined up on my window sill just makes me feel like winter has arrived—even if it’s just in craft form.
Holiday Picture Frame
I love making picture frames from popsicle sticks because they’re practical and festive. I glue sticks into a square or rectangle and paint them in red, green, or gold. Honestly, adding little decorations like tiny bells or glitter instantly makes them holiday-ready. I remember making one with a photo of my family and gifting it—it was honestly a hit.
I’ve found that these frames are also a fun way to use up small scraps of decorations. In my opinion, they make for lovely personal gifts or keepsakes. Honestly, it feels really satisfying to see a simple frame transform into something that holds a memory. It’s the kind of craft that’s both decorative and meaningful, which I love.
Gift Tag Holders
Honestly, gift tag holders are one of those crafts I didn’t realize I’d love until I tried them. I glue popsicle sticks into small stands, paint them, and add clips or hooks for tags. To be fair, getting the tags to stay upright can be a little tricky, but it’s worth it. I remember one year making a set for all my presents—it felt so fancy, even though it was all handmade.
I’ve found that adding tiny bows or mini ornaments really completes the look. In my opinion, this craft is perfect if you like organizing your gifts in a cute way. Honestly, it’s the kind of small detail that makes gift-giving feel extra special, and people notice the effort you put into it.
Festive Garland
Making garlands from popsicle sticks is honestly so addictive. I glue small sticks together, paint them, and string them up with twine. To be fair, it takes a little patience to get them evenly spaced, but honestly, once it’s up, it looks amazing. I remember hanging one across my mantel and feeling so proud—it really changed the whole vibe of the room.
I’ve found that you can mix stars, trees, and candy canes on one garland for variety. In my opinion, garlands are one of those crafts where imperfections actually add charm. Honestly, this is a perfect project to do while listening to Christmas music, sipping hot cocoa, and just enjoying the holiday mood.
Tips for Crafting Success
Crafting Christmas popsicle stick projects can be fun and relaxing if done right. Following some simple tips can make your crafting experience smooth and enjoyable.
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Keep the workspace organized: Arrange all materials like popsicle sticks, glue, paint, and decorations before starting.
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Let glue and paint dry properly: Give enough time for each layer to dry to avoid smudges and broken pieces.
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Encourage creativity rather than perfection: Focus on having fun and experimenting with colors and designs.
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Work in small sessions for kids: Short crafting sessions help children stay focused and avoid frustration.
FAQ
What age is suitable for popsicle stick crafts?
Popsicle stick crafts are great for all ages. Kids can make simple designs, while teens and adults can try more detailed projects.
What materials do I need for Christmas popsicle stick crafts?
You need popsicle sticks, glue, paint, markers, glitter, ribbons, beads, and small decorative items. Scissors or a craft knife can be helpful for adults.
Can these crafts be used as gifts?
Yes! Popsicle stick crafts make charming handmade gifts, ornaments, or personalized decorations for friends and family.
How long does it take to complete a craft?
Simple projects can take 10–20 minutes, while larger or more detailed crafts may take 1–2 hours, depending on drying time for glue or paint.

Hi, I’m Victoria, an art and craft teacher at Newark City Schools, where I have the joy of working with middle school students to help them explore their creativity and develop their artistic talents. I believe that art is a powerful way for students to express themselves, and I strive to make every lesson a fun, engaging, and inspiring experience.
I created this website to share the art and craft projects, techniques, and resources that I use in my classroom, hoping to inspire both educators and young artists alike. Whether you’re a teacher looking for new ideas or a student eager to try something new, I’m excited to provide creative tools and projects that anyone can enjoy.
When I’m not in the classroom, I love experimenting with different art forms and learning new crafting techniques. My goal is to help others discover the joy of making things with their hands, and I hope my website serves as a space for everyone to explore their creative potential.