Joyful & Easy Christmas Crafts for Nursery

Last December, I sat on the floor surrounded by glitter, glue sticks, and a very enthusiastic group of toddlers — and let me tell you, it was pure chaos… but the good kind. If you’ve ever tried Christmas crafts for nursery kids, you know exactly what I mean. There’s something magical (and a little messy) about watching tiny hands turn paper, pom-poms, and popsicle sticks into Christmas trees and sparkly stars. It’s not about perfection — it’s about the giggles, the glue on their sleeves, and the pride in their little faces when they show off their creations. Maybe you’re planning classroom activities or just want some fun festive ideas for home — either way, you’re in the right place. In this post, I’ll share some simple, low-stress Christmas craft ideas that are easy for little ones, fun for you, and guaranteed to fill your space with joy (and maybe a little glitter, too).

Christmas Crafts for Nursery​

Christmas Crafts for Nursery are joyful, hands-on activities that let little ones explore the holiday spirit through fun and creativity. These simple and safe crafts help develop fine motor skills while making festive memories.

Handprint Santa Claus

Oh, I absolutely love this one — it’s such a sweet little craft for nursery kids! The first time I tried the Handprint Santa Claus, I remember the room filling with giggles as the kids pressed their tiny painted hands onto the paper. Those little red palms and white-finger “beards” turned out so adorable that I almost didn’t want to clean up. To be fair, it’s messy — but that’s part of the fun! You just need red and white paint, some paper, and maybe a sprinkle of patience (trust me on that one).
I’ve found it’s a great way to get kids talking about Santa while also sneaking in a mini art lesson about shapes and colors. When they add googly eyes or a cotton ball for Santa’s hat, their faces light up like Christmas morning. Honestly, it’s one of those keepsake crafts parents end up treasuring for years.

Paper Plate Christmas Tree

Now, this one’s a classic in my book — and it never fails to make a room look festive. I’ve done this Paper Plate Christmas Tree craft with nursery kids so many times, and each time, the creativity surprises me. You just cut a paper plate into a triangle shape, paint it green, and let the kids go wild with decorations — glitter, stickers, buttons, or even small pom-poms. It’s so simple but gives such magical results.
In my opinion, this craft is a perfect mix of fun and focus. The kids love showing off their “trees” to each other, and honestly, the proud smiles when they stick a paper star on top? Pure gold. One tip I’ve learned the hard way — keep wipes handy! Green paint has a mysterious way of finding its way onto faces, clothes, and sometimes even the teacher’s hair (guilty as charged).

Cotton Ball Snowman

Okay, if you’ve never tried making Cotton Ball Snowmen with little ones, you’re missing out on some serious winter joy. This one’s always been a favorite in my nursery craft sessions because it’s easy, soft, and super tactile. You start with a sheet of paper or cardboard, draw three circles, and let the kids fill them with fluffy cotton balls. Add a paper hat, buttons, and maybe a tiny orange triangle for the carrot nose — suddenly, there’s a snowman smiling back at you!
I’ve found that even the shyest kids get into it once they touch the soft cotton. There’s something magical about how they all want to give their snowmen names — one child once called hers “Snowy Sparkle,” and I still think about it every year. Honestly, this craft feels like a cozy hug — simple, sweet, and totally Christmassy.

Reindeer Footprint Art

Footprint crafts make meaningful keepsakes, and this reindeer idea adds a festive twist. Children use brown paint to create a footprint that becomes the reindeer’s head, then add eyes, antlers, and a red nose.

• Paint the foot and press gently onto thick paper

• Use pipe cleaners or drawn lines for antlers

• Add googly eyes and a red pom-pom or paper for the nose

• Write the child’s name below as a keepsake

• Always wash hands and feet immediately after painting

Christmas Card Making

Little ones love making cards for their families, and it’s a great way to encourage creativity. Using colored paper, stickers, and stamps, children can design their own Christmas greetings.

• Fold cardstock into card shapes beforehand

• Offer stamps, crayons, stickers, and holiday cutouts

• Encourage children to sign or scribble their names

• Help them add holiday messages using simple words or pictures

• Use glitter glue for a shiny finish

Glittery Pine Cone Ornaments

Bring nature into the classroom with sparkly pine cone decorations. Children can paint, glitter, and decorate pine cones to hang on the tree.

• Collect clean pine cones or buy craft-safe ones

• Provide child-safe glue and glitter in small containers

• Add ribbon or yarn to hang the ornament

• Teach kids to sprinkle glitter gently for less mess

• Let ornaments dry completely before taking home

Popsicle Stick Snowflakes

Craft sticks become magical snowflakes with a little glue and sparkle. Kids can arrange and decorate their own patterns, learning about symmetry and shapes.

• Pre-glue sticks in snowflake shapes for younger kids

• Provide sequins, foil, glitter, and paint

• Use craft glue for strong hold

• Add string loops to hang on walls or trees

• Talk about real snowflakes and how each one is unique

DIY Christmas Wrapping Paper with Stamp Art

This activity lets kids create their own gift wrap using stamps and rollers. It’s a creative way to turn artwork into something useful.

• Use brown or white craft paper as the base

• Offer holiday-themed stamps (stars, trees, bells)

• Let children use paint rollers or sponges

• Dry the paper completely before rolling or folding

• Encourage repeating patterns and color choices

Mini Felt Stockings

Children enjoy decorating their own mini stockings with fun shapes and bright colors. This felt craft is soft, safe, and perfect for hanging up.

• Use pre-cut felt stocking shapes for easy handling

• Provide pom-poms, sequins, buttons, and glue

• Let kids personalize with names or stickers

• Help them glue or staple the edges if assembling two sides

• Add a yarn loop to hang on the wall or classroom tree

Christmas Tree Handprint Wreath

A circle of handprints forms a sweet Christmas wreath that kids can proudly hang up. It combines creativity and teamwork in group crafts.

• Trace and cut multiple green handprints from paper

• Glue them in a circle onto a cardboard ring

• Add red dots or bows for decoration

• Attach a ribbon at the top for hanging

• Write each child’s name on a handprint in group projects

Paper Chain Countdown

A simple and engaging way to count down to Christmas using colorful paper loops. It helps children understand time and numbers.

• Pre-cut strips of red and green paper

• Help children glue or tape the strips into links

• Add number stickers or write countdown dates

• Let them remove one link each day

• Hang the chain where everyone can see it

Snowflake Sponge Painting

Sponge painting is fun and easy for nursery kids, especially with snowflake shapes. This craft combines art and sensory play.

• Cut sponge into snowflake shapes or use stencils

• Provide blue and white washable paint

• Show how to dab the sponge onto paper

• Let kids make patterns across large sheets

• Add glitter while the paint is still wet

Recycled Jar Lanterns

Turn old jars into glowing Christmas lanterns using tissue paper and LED tea lights. This craft adds cozy holiday charm.

• Use clean glass or plastic jars

• Tear colored tissue paper for decoration

• Stick with glue or Mod Podge

• Insert battery-powered tea lights (no real candles)

• Add ribbon or yarn around the rim for finishing touch

Santa Hat Cone

Children create adorable Santa hats from red paper cones topped with cotton balls. It’s a wearable and displayable craft all in one.

• Roll red paper into a cone and secure with tape

• Add a white cotton rim and a cotton pom-pom on top

• Let kids draw or stick their faces at the front

• Use as part of a photo booth or pretend play

• Store flat cones ahead of time for quick setup

Jingle Bell Bracelets

Nursery kids love noise, and these jingle bracelets are both fun to make and wear. A simple threading activity that doubles as a musical toy.

• Use pipe cleaners or yarn for the base

• Let kids thread on large jingle bells and beads

• Twist the ends securely to make a bracelet

• Shake and sing holiday songs together

• Supervise closely to avoid small parts hazards

Tips for Parents to Continue Crafting at Home

Crafting doesn’t have to stop when nursery ends! Parents can easily continue these fun and educational activities at home to support their child’s creativity and development. With just a few supplies and a little guidance, children can enjoy making festive crafts with their families, building stronger bonds and beautiful memories.

• Simple take-home craft kits: Ask the nursery for pre-packed kits with basic materials like cutouts, glue dots, and step-by-step instructions for easy at-home fun.

• Printable instructions for easy DIYs: Use online templates or get printed guides from teachers to help parents recreate the crafts with minimal effort.

• Encourage displaying children’s art at home for confidence: Hang their crafts on the fridge, doors, or walls—this boosts self-esteem and shows that their creativity is valued.

• Create a small craft corner at home: Set up a table or box with crayons, paper, stickers, and safe scissors so kids can craft independently with supervision.

• Make crafting part of family time: Schedule 15–20 minutes during weekends or evenings for simple craft projects—make cards, decorations, or gift tags together.

FAQ

What age group are Christmas Crafts for Nursery suitable for?

These Christmas Crafts for Nursery are best for children aged 2 to 5 years. Activities are designed to be simple, safe, and engaging for toddlers and preschoolers with adult supervision.

What kind of materials are safe to use for Christmas Crafts for Nursery?

Use non-toxic, washable materials like paper, crayons, felt, cotton balls, and child-safe glue. Avoid small parts for children under 3 to prevent choking hazards.

How can I make crafting easier for younger children?

Pre-cut shapes, limit the number of steps, and use large, easy-to-grip items. Let children explore through touch and color rather than aiming for perfect results.

What if my child is not interested in crafting?

That’s okay! Offer gentle encouragement and allow them to participate at their own pace. Sometimes children prefer watching others before joining in.