Fun Paper Plate Christmas Tree Craft for Kids + 5 Easy Guide

When December rolls around, our house fills with twinkle lights, pine-scented candles, and my little ones asking, “Can we make something Christmasy?”

This Paper Plate Christmas Tree Craft has become one of our favorite things to make during the holidays. It’s so easy and a great way to slow down during this busy season!

It’s simple, colorful, and perfect for toddlers and preschoolers who love to get their hands messy while creating something meaningful.

You only need a few basics, paper plates, paint, glue, and a sprinkle of imagination. The best part? It’s more than a festive decoration. It’s a quiet moment of connection tucked into a busy season.

A Memory I’ll Never Forget

Last December, my oldest wanted to have her own Christmas tree in her room. When I didn’t buy her one, she started to create her own.

She spent the next hour perfecting her own homemade Christmas tree and hung it up on her wall. The look of pride in her face is something I’ll never forget!

Paper plate christmas tree for Toddlers Winter Holiday craft

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Cute DIY Paper Plate Christmas Tree Craft | Easy Winter Holiday Craft for Toddlers & Preschoolers

Why Making a Paper Plate Christmas Tree Is So Beneficial for Kids During the Winter Holiday

The beauty of this Paper Plate Christmas Tree craft goes far beyond glitter and glue, it’s a hands-on way for kids to learn, calm down, and express creativity during the busy winter season. As little hands cut, paint, and glue, they’re building fine motor skills, strengthening focus, and learning to follow simple steps, all while having fun.

During cold winter days when outdoor play isn’t always an option, these Christmas Tree Crafts for Toddlers or Christmas Tree Crafts Preschool versions become a cosy indoor activity that keeps them engaged and happy. They also help children understand patterns, colours, and shapes, all important early learning concepts.

This Christmas Tree Art for Kids is also a great way to spark creativity and imagination. Each child’s tree turns out unique, a reminder that creativity doesn’t need to look perfect to be beautiful. And for families, making DIY holiday activities like this becomes a special bonding time that builds memories and holiday traditions.

Teachers and parents love that this Winter Holiday Craft doubles as Christmas Class Decorations or Preschool Holiday Decorations, adding a personal and heartwarming touch to every space. It’s a creative Christmas tree project that brings art, learning, and joy together, all from one simple paper plate.

Materials You’ll Need for the Paper Plate Christmas Tree

Before your little one dives into this fun Paper Plate Christmas Tree project, gather everything you’ll need for a mess-free, joyful crafting time. Most of these supplies are things you already have at home, which makes this one of the easiest Christmas Tree Crafts for Toddlers or quick DIY Holiday Activities for busy moms and teachers.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Paper plate (the base of your tree)
Green paint (or use tissue paper for a fun twist — perfect for Tissue Paper Christmas Trees)
Glue or glue stick
Scissors (child-safe if you’re doing this with preschoolers)
Brown construction paper (for the tree trunk)
Yellow paper or foam (for the star on top)
Colorful construction papers (for ornaments or paper chains — great for Paper Chain Christmas Tree ideas)
Markers or crayons (to add details or outline your Christmas Tree Art for Kids)
Optional: Buttons, glitter, pom-poms, sequins, or stickers (to make your Creative Christmas Tree sparkle)
Old toilet paper rolls if you’d like to turn this into a standing Toilet Paper Roll Christmas Tree craft

These materials are budget-friendly and perfect for Christmas Tree Crafts, Winter Holiday Crafts, or Christmas Decorations for School. They make setup easy and cleanup simple, so you can focus on making memories instead of messes.

How to Make a Paper Plate Christmas Tree (Step-by-Step Guide)

Step 1: Cut the Paper Plate

Cut your paper plate into three parts, these will be your tree sections.

Step 2: Paint It Green

Use green paint for the tree, but leave the outer lining white to create that snowy edge effect. Let it dry before moving on.

Green and white paper plate craft with acrylic paints for kids, promoting mindful toddler activities and creativity.

Step 3: Build the Tree

Cut a rectangle from brown construction paper for the trunk and a yellow star for the top.

Step 4: Add the Details

Glue the three painted sections together to form a Christmas tree shape. Glue them in place.

Step 5: Decorate Your Tree

Cut out small colourful circles or shapes from construction paper; these are your ornaments! Let your child decorate freely. You can even make a mini paper chain Christmas tree garland or tissue paper Christmas trees to add more texture.

What Green Represents & Why It’s Perfect for the Holidays

Green is the colour of renewal, growth, and everlasting life, perfect for the Christmas season. It symbolises hope and warmth during winter, reminding us of togetherness and new beginnings.

This colour works beautifully across Winter Holiday Crafts, Christmas Class Decorations, and even Preschool Holiday Decorations. When kids paint their own paper plate Christmas trees green, they’re not just colouring, they’re celebrating joy and the simple magic of the season.

More Creative Christmas Tree Craft Ideas

If your kids love this, here are other Christmas Tree Art Projects for Kids to try next:

Make a Toilet Paper Roll Christmas Tree using leftover rolls for a 3D look.
Try a Construction Paper Christmas Tree collage using torn paper pieces.
Create a Spiral Craft by cutting your paper tree in a swirl for a hanging decoration.
Build a Paper Chain Christmas Tree together for your wall or classroom.
These are perfect DIY Holiday Activities to keep little hands busy while making your home feel merry and bright!

FAQs: Paper Plate Christmas Tree Craft

What age group is this craft best for?

This Paper Plate Christmas Tree craft is ideal for toddlers (ages 2–4) and preschoolers (ages 4–6). It helps playfully improve hand-eye coordination and creativity.

Can I use different materials?

Absolutely! Try adding buttons, glitter, pom-poms, or even recycled materials. You can also swap construction paper for tissue paper or try a Christmas Tree from Paper for a different texture.

How long does it take to complete?

Most kids finish this Christmas Tree Art For Kids project in about 20–30 minutes, making it a quick and fun Winter Paper Craft For Kids.

What’s a fun variation of this craft?

You can make a Toilet Paper Roll Christmas Tree for a 3D version or hang your Paper Chain Christmas Tree as part of Christmas Decorations for School or your classroom holiday wall.

Can this be used for classroom Christmas decorations?

Yes! Teachers love this as part of Christmas Craft Decorations For Kids or Christmas Class Decorations. It’s low-cost, colourful, and easy to clean up after.

If you love making sensory bins and bottles for your toddlers, you will love all these sensory play ideas!

Final Thoughts for Paper Plate Christmas Tree craft

There’s something so heartwarming about watching your little one proudly show off their Paper Plate Christmas Tree, glue smudges and all. These handmade treasures remind us that Christmas crafts for toddlers don’t need to be fancy; they just need to be fun, simple, and full of love.

This easy Christmas Tree Craft for Kids doubles as a beautiful preschool holiday decoration or even a Christmas class decoration if you’re crafting in school. It’s a creative way to keep little hands busy, teach colour recognition, and spark joy through art.

If your toddler enjoyed this, you’ll also love my Collection of Christmas Art Projects for Toddlers, another great winter holiday craft that’s perfect for cosy afternoons and family bonding.

Gather your supplies, play some Christmas tunes, and let your kids’ imaginations shine through every brushstroke and paper cut. After all, that’s what the season’s truly about, creativity, connection, and a little handmade magic.

Go ahead, grab those paper plates, and make some Christmas magic today.

Paper plate christmas tree For Kids Winter Activity

Check out these other Christmas activities for toddlers:

Easy DIY Paper Plate Christmas Tree Craft for Kids

A Memory I’ll Never Forget

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Why Making a Paper Plate Christmas Tree Is So Beneficial for Kids During the Winter Holiday

Materials You’ll Need for the Paper Plate Christmas Tree