19 Easy Paper Christmas Tree Crafts for Kids That’ll Make Your Holiday Magical

I still remember the first time my youngest tried to cut construction paper with those chunky safety scissors—more ripping than cutting, but her face lit up like she’d just created the Mona Lisa! That’s when I realized paper Christmas tree crafts weren’t just about the end result.

Three out of four families make homemade holiday decorations, and honestly, I get it. There’s something special about those wobbly, imperfect creations that store-bought stuff just can’t match. With five kids ranging from preschool to middle school, I’ve learned that paper crafts are my secret weapon for keeping everyone busy during those crazy December days.

The best part? You probably already have everything you need sitting in your junk drawer. Construction paper, scissors, glue sticks, maybe some crayons or markers—boom, you’re ready for an afternoon of creative chaos.

I’ve tried everything from simple accordion-fold trees that my three-year-old can handle to intricate 3D designs that challenge my older kids. Some projects flopped spectacularly (let’s not talk about the glitter explosion of 2022), but most became treasured decorations we still pull out every year.

Whether you’re stuck inside on a snowy day, need a last-minute classroom activity, or just want to create some budget-friendly holiday magic, these paper Christmas tree ideas will save your sanity. Trust me, after years of craft fails and wins, I’ve narrowed it down to 19 projects that actually work—and won’t drive you completely nuts in the process!

Accordion Fold Forest Trees

Have kids fold strips of green paper back and forth like an accordion, then stack the folds in a pyramid shape to create layered, 3D trees. Use glitter glue to edge each layer like snowy tips and add tiny paper stars or sequins for ornaments. These stand upright on their own and look adorable grouped together as a mini paper forest. Let kids make different sizes and even “snow” versions with white paper. They’re great for mantle displays or classroom windowsills.

Spinning Spiral Trees

Draw a large green spiral on cardstock and let kids cut along the line until they have a dangling spiral. Once hung from the ceiling or a string, the paper twirls like a whimsical Christmas tree in motion! Kids can decorate the spiral with stick-on gems, paper ornaments, and a shiny foil star on top. Use double-sided paper for an extra pop of color as it spins. These are mesmerizing in a window and look magical in a row.

Puffy Pom-Pom Paper Trees

Cut out classic triangle Christmas tree shapes and let kids glue on colorful tissue paper pom-poms for ornaments. Use cotton balls as a snow effect on the tree tips and add a hand-cut trunk with their name on it. Mount the trees on a sky blue background for a framed look that’s fridge-worthy. Older kids can go wild with patterns while younger ones focus on color and texture. The result? Bright, tactile trees that feel like art and play rolled into one.

Layered Lace Doily Trees

Use green paper doilies or dye white ones using watercolor paints, then stack different sizes to create tiered paper trees. Add a mini glitter paper star and tiny buttons or beads as decorations. The lacy look makes these trees feel vintage and fairy tale-like, perfect for magical Christmas decor. Kids can glue them onto folded cards or display them as stand-up decorations. They’re delicate-looking but surprisingly sturdy.

Woven Paper Tree Tapestries

Cut slits into large green paper triangles and have kids weave in strips of patterned or metallic paper horizontally. The result is a textured, colorful tree with a folk-art vibe. Mount the finished trees on construction paper “frames” and let kids add a name tag and glitter border. This is a fantastic way to introduce weaving and patterns while keeping things festive. Every tree turns out different—like a fingerprint of their creativity!

Tear-and-Stick Mosaic Trees

Give kids strips of green paper and let them tear them into rough, uneven shapes. Using a tree outline on cardstock, they’ll stick the pieces on like a mosaic puzzle, layer by layer. Add red torn paper for ornaments and yellow for a star at the top. This tactile craft is especially great for preschoolers working on fine motor skills. No scissors needed—just fingers, glue, and creative energy!

Snowy Fingerprint Trees

Cut triangle tree shapes from green construction paper and glue to a base. Then let kids dip their fingers in white paint to “dot” snow onto the tree like a snowfall. Add mini pom-poms for colorful ornaments or use fingerprints in different colors too! Write the child’s name and year underneath for a keepsake. A fun sensory craft for little ones!

Patchwork Paper Trees

Use leftover scrapbook paper or wrapping paper and cut into small squares or strips. Let kids glue them like a quilt into a triangle tree shape on plain cardstock. The patchwork effect looks cozy and rustic—like a tiny fabric tree! Add ribbon scraps or buttons for a finishing touch. These are beautiful enough to frame or gift.

Button Garland Trees

Cut a basic tree shape from cardstock and punch small holes along the “branches.” Let kids thread yarn or twine through the holes, adding colorful buttons as garland along the way. They’ll love choosing their color combos and creating patterns. This craft builds hand-eye coordination and doubles as a cute keepsake. Mount on red or gold paper for instant holiday cheer.

Snowy Cone Trees with Doily Trim

Roll green construction paper into a cone and tape it. Then cut lace paper doilies into strips to act as snowy garlands. Glue the doily strips around the cone in layers for a frosty, fancy look. Kids can finish with snowflake stickers and a pom-pom on top. Looks elegant but easy enough for preschoolers!

Stained Glass Tissue Paper Tree

Cut a tree shape from black cardstock and remove triangle “windows” from inside it. Tape tissue paper squares behind each opening to create a stained-glass effect. Hang the trees on a window so the light can shine through the colors. Add glitter glue outlines for extra sparkle. A great low-mess, high-impact craft.

Circle Stack Trees

Kids punch or cut out circles in different sizes from scrapbook paper or construction paper. Stack the largest circle at the bottom and go smaller as they build up their “tree,” gluing each one slightly off-center for a whimsical lean. Use patterned paper for extra flair, or have them draw their own designs. Add a stick or rolled paper trunk and mount it on cardstock as a wall display. You can even hang them as ornaments!

Accordion Fold Tabletop Trees

Fold green paper back and forth like an accordion, then fan it into a half-circle and glue it onto a background. Add another fan on the other side to complete the full tree. Kids can glue pom-poms or paper dots as ornaments and stars at the tip of each fold. This gives a super 3D effect while being super easy to make. Set them up on mantels or classroom windowsills for a cheerful display.

Paper Straw Tree Forest

Glue trimmed green paper straws (or rolled strips of paper) in horizontal lines from shortest to longest onto a vertical trunk. Kids will love the process of sizing and placing the “branches.” Top it off with a shiny paper star or sticker. You can make a whole forest of these on one large sheet! Great for siblings or classroom teamwork.

Layered Doily Trees with Gold Leaf Stars

Stack small, medium, and large white paper doilies, folding each one slightly and layering them into a triangle. Dab with watercolor paint for a soft pastel look. Add a tiny gold leaf star or foil sticker on top. Glue onto pastel cardstock backgrounds for soft, magical holiday cards. It’s a calming craft that feels fancy but is incredibly easy.

Paper Lace Christmas Tree Crowns

Cut a zig-zag strip of green paper and form it into a headband. Let kids glue on mini triangle trees, snowflakes, and pom-poms made from paper scraps. Add white paper doily lace to the crown’s bottom for a royal finish. These make adorable costume pieces for holiday parties or pretend play. Bonus: let kids decorate each tree with their name!

Magazine Scrap Trees

Grab old holiday magazines or catalogs and let kids cut out green-ish pages or festive patterns. Have them tear or cut the paper into small triangles and glue them from bottom to top in a stacked tree shape. The randomness of the textures and prints gives each tree a unique, collage-style look. Finish it with a gold star cut from a cereal box and a handwritten holiday wish at the bottom. It’s recycling + creativity = holiday win!

Paper Plate Tree Cones

Cut a paper plate in half and roll it into a cone—secure it with glue or tape. Let kids paint the cone green (or pastel pink, silver, or white!) and decorate with stickers, foil shapes, or washi tape garlands. Add a cotton ball at the base for snow and a shiny topper. These look adorable standing on shelves or windowsills. You can even make a whole village with different sizes!

Paper Cone Santa Tree

Roll green cardstock into a cone shape and secure it with tape or glue. Add a little red triangle hat, white paper beard, and googly eyes to turn your tree into a mini Santa! Kids can decorate the “coat” with tiny gold buttons, candy canes, or snowflake stickers. It’s a fun mashup of Santa and a Christmas tree that stands upright. Great as table decor or a festive classroom lineup.

Last week, my middle daughter held up her wonky paper Christmas tree—one side way taller than the other, glitter stuck to her cheek—and declared it “the most beautiful tree in the whole world.” In that moment, I realized she was absolutely right.

These 19 paper Christmas tree crafts aren’t really about making perfect decorations. They’re about catching those fleeting moments when your four-year-old concentrates so hard on folding paper that her tongue sticks out. Or when your oldest finally admits that “baby crafts” are actually pretty fun.

I’ve watched toddlers create masterpieces with nothing but handprints and green paint. I’ve seen eight-year-olds tackle intricate origami patterns with determination that would put adults to shame. The magic isn’t in following instructions perfectly—it’s in letting kids explore, mess up, and try again.

Sure, your coffee table might look like a craft store exploded. And yes, you’ll probably find bits of construction paper in weird places for weeks. But trust me, those crooked cuts and random glue blobs? They’re what make these trees special.

So grab whatever paper you’ve got lying around, dump out that box of art supplies, and let your kids go wild. Don’t stress about Pinterest-perfect results. The real treasure isn’t the finished craft—it’s your child’s proud smile when they show you what they made. Those are the decorations that’ll make your heart full every single Christmas.