Christmas is a magical time for creativity. Twinkling lights, cozy nights, and joyful memories make it the perfect season to pick up your pencil and draw.
Whether you’re just starting or already love sketching, these Christmas drawing ideas will help you create holiday scenes full of warmth and fun.
In this guide, you’ll find step-by-step tutorials for classic symbols like Santa and Christmas trees, simple icons for greeting cards, and cozy festive objects.
Grab your sketchbook, find a quiet spot, and let’s make this Christmas a creative one.
What You’ll Learn
By the end of this collection, you’ll know how to:
- Draw popular Christmas symbols step by step
- Add light, shadow, and texture with pencil or charcoal
- Create simple designs for kids or more detailed ones for adults
- Use printable practice sheets to learn and improve your skills
Featured Tutorials
Each of these has its own detailed step-by-step guide with clear shapes to follow.
1. How to Draw a Christmas Tree
Learn to build the shape from triangles, add lights and ornaments, and give your tree a glowing look with soft shading
Draw the basic shape of the tree
Add curved lines to mark the tree layers
Sketch the branch shapes on each layer
Draw the outer branches
Add the garland guides
Place the ornaments on each layer
Shade the ornaments
Add a star on top
Shade the tree needles
If you want to draw different trees as Christmas Trees, right this way to my 110+ Stunning Tree Drawing References.
2. How to Draw Santa Claus
Draw Santa’s happy face, fluffy beard, and classic hat. This tutorial breaks down his shapes and gives tips on keeping his proportions friendly and balanced.
Watch the full tutorial
3. How to Draw a Reindeer
Start with ovals for the body, then add legs, a cute face, and tall antlers. It’s perfect for practicing animal shapes and smooth line work.
Watch the full tutorial
4. How to Draw a Snowman
Stack three circles, add a scarf and top hat, and bring your snowman to life with shadows and highlights.
Watch the full tutorial
Easy Christmas Icons to Draw
Want quick and simple sketches? Try small, fun drawings that are great for greeting cards or classroom projects.
Candy cane, ornament, stocking, bell, bow, snowflake, gift box, holly leaf, candle, and mitten.
Each one uses basic shapes and light pencil strokes, perfect for quick doodles.
Explore all 10 icons › (coming soon)
Cozy Holiday Characters and Objects
Fill your sketchbook with festive charm. In this section, you’ll learn to draw warm and cozy scenes such as an elf, a gingerbread man, a nutcracker, a penguin, a fireplace, a mug of cocoa, a Christmas wreath, and a sleigh.
Start with the cozy holiday set › (coming soon)
How to Turn Your Christmas Drawings Into Creative Projects
Drawing is only the beginning. Once you finish your sketches, there are many fun ways to use them during the holidays. You can turn your drawings into cards, decorations, or small gifts that make people smile.
Start by scanning or photographing your drawings in good light. You can print them on thick paper to make Christmas cards or gift tags. Add short messages or names to make each one personal. If you like crafts, trace your drawings onto fabric or wood to create handmade ornaments. Even a simple pencil sketch looks special when you frame it in a small photo frame.
Another idea is to color your drawings with watercolor pencils or digital tools. Adding soft shades of red, green, and gold will make them stand out. You can also share your art online—post your process, show before-and-after photos, or make a small collage with all your holiday sketches. Sharing your progress not only inspires others but also helps you see how much you’ve improved.
The best part of creating art for Christmas is that it connects people. When you give someone a drawing, you’re giving them your time and imagination. That’s what makes handmade art so special: it comes from the heart.
Drawing Tips for your Artwork made after the Christmas Drawing Tutorials
Start with light lines.
Use a soft 2B pencil and keep your first strokes gentle. You’ll refine shapes as you go.
Build from simple forms.
Most Christmas drawings begin with triangles, ovals, and rectangles. Combine them to create your outline.
Layer your shading.
Use 2B – 4B pencils for depth. Add darker tones slowly, especially under hats, scarves, and ornaments.
Focus on textures.
Use small circular strokes for fluffy fur, straight hatching for wood, and smooth shading for shiny surfaces.
Have fun with details.
Small touches like buttons, stars, or ribbons make your drawings feel complete and full of life.
Free Practice Sheets
Download the Free Christmas Drawing Pack with printable outlines and space to add your own touches.
Each sheet includes key steps and room to experiment with shading or background ideas.
Get the free printable pack › (coming soon)
“Every drawing starts simple. Keep your lines loose, and enjoy watching your sketch come to life.”
FAQ
What pencils should I use for Christmas drawings?
Start with HB for outlines and 2B–4B for shading. Charcoal works well for soft, dark shadows.
Are these tutorials kid-friendly?
Yes. Each one includes easy steps that children and beginners can follow.
Can I share my finished drawings online?
Of course. Tag them with #ChristmasDrawingIdeas so I can see your creations and share them too.
Keep Drawing This Season
Drawing during the holidays isn’t just relaxing. It captures the joy of the season.
Try one tutorial each day, and by Christmas, you’ll have your own small gallery of festive art.
