I love crafting with my kids at Christmas. With twinkling lights, festive music playing, and the excitement of the season in full swing, simple, festive activities feel a little magical.
And when it comes to easy Christmas crafts, popsicle sticks are hard to beat! They’re cheap, versatile, and perfect for turning into adorable ornaments, handmade gifts, and festive decorations that you’ll want to bring out year after year.
With just a handful of sticks, some paint, and whatever odds and ends you have lying around, you can whip up popsicle stick Christmas crafts for kids that are fun, sweet, and totally doable even on busy days.
No pressure, just happy hands and imaginations running wild.
Whether your little ones are creating ornaments for the tree, cute Christmas characters, or gifts for grandparents, these Christmas craft stick crafts add joyful chaos to the season — the good kind, the kind we remember.
Cozy, a little messy, and full of heart.
If you love decorating the tree with the kids, why not try one of these Christmas ornaments for kids to make too.
December is our probably our busiest crafting month – the craft cupboard rarely gets closed – we have so many Christmas crafts for kids: Santa crafts, snowman crafts, nativity crafts…
And on the days I can’t face the clean-up, our no mess Christmas activities save the day, and the carpet!
Popsicle Stick Christmas Tree Crafts
Three sticks make a triangle, and a triangle makes a tree. A popsicle stick Christmas craft is a classic and they suit toddlers right up to big kids.
Lolly Stick Christmas Tree
Painted green lolly sticks, colourful pom-poms and a star come together to make this simple Christmas tree craft.
It’s an easy lolly stick craft for kids to decorate and enjoy during the holidays.
Get the tutorial from Thimble & Twig
Yarn Wrapped Popsicle Stick Christmas Tree
Wrap green yarn around a popsicle stick triangle to create a cute Christmas tree, then add pom-pom baubles and a cardboard trunk.
This festive ornament craft is also a fun way for preschoolers to practise their fine motor skills.
Get the tutorial from Little Bins for Little Hands
Popsicle Stick and Twig Christmas Tree Ornaments
A popsicle stick trunk with twigs glued across it, shortest at the top, longest at the bottom. Sorting the twigs by length is sneaky pre-maths. Collect them on a winter walk first!
See it on Instagram from easypeasyandfun
Button Tree Popsicle Stick Ornament
Here’s a super simple popsicle stick Christmas tree, with a triangle tree decorated with colourful buttons and a bright yellow star to finish.
It’s a great one for mixed ages, as everyone can decorate at their own level.
Get the tutorial from Simple Mom Project
Craft Stick Christmas Tree Ornament
Wrap two shades of green yarn around a popsicle stick triangle, then decorate it with metallic paper shapes and a star at the top.
Another easy Christmas tree craft with popsicle sticks that’ll make a cute handmade gift or decoration for the tree.
Get the tutorial from Moms and Crafters
Christmas Tree Ornaments
This cute Christmas tree ornament uses popsicle sticks as the main body of the tree as well as the frame. Finish with a glittery trail of tree lights zig zagging across the tree and some painted baubles.
See the Christmas tree ornament idea on Instagram from allamcrafts
Snowman & Snowflake Popsicle Stick Ornaments
Craft sticks are the perfect material for snowflakes – criss-cross sticks into a star shape, add glitter and you have a festive snowflake decoration fit to give to a love one.
On the other hand, craft sticks are less of a match for a snowman – expect some skinny snowmen, not the normally rotund ones! Cute popsicle stick ornaments all the same.
Sparkly Lolly Stick Snowflakes
Glue the sticks into a snowflake for your child, then let them go wild with sequin stars, sparkles and glitter glue.
Hang it on the tree or stick it on the front of a Christmas card.
Get the tutorial from Thimble & Twig
Popsicle Stick Snowflake Ornaments
These colourful popsicle stick snowflakes feature fun embellishments like tiny bells, shiny gems and fluffy pom-poms.
The tutorial says toddlers can easily help decorate, which makes these perfect popsicle stick ornaments kids of all ages can join in with.
Get the tutorial from The Best Ideas for Kids
Popsicle Stick Snowman Ornament
Paint a single popsicle stick white, then add a paper hat, scarf and nose, buttons and a cheeky marker face.
A loop of twine turns him into an ornament. He’s ideal for classroom Christmas parties too.
Get the tutorial from Mommy Christmas
Snowflake Ornaments
Create pretty snowflake ornaments with popsicle sticks for a simple winter craft kids can decorate and personalise. Hang the finished snowflakes on the tree or use them as festive decorations around the house.
See the snowflake ornament idea on Instagram from abcdeelearning
No-Mess Snowflake Popsicle Stick Activity (Free Printable)
Little hands can follow printable pattern cards to build different snowflakes using popsicle sticks, combining fine motor practice and early maths skills.
It’s a fun way to explore different snowflake designs before turning their creations into Christmas decorations!
See the popsicle stick snowflake activity on Instagram from sooksookbrain
Popsicle Stick Snowman Puppets
Jumbo craft sticks, colourful buttons, pipe cleaners and googly eyes come together to make a super cute and skinny popsicle stick snowman. Kids can turn them into little snowman puppets for pretend play or use them as festive Christmas decorations.
See the popsicle stick snowman on Instagram from artsycraftsymom
Cheerful Popsicle Stick Snowman
Add a little winter cheer to craft time with this cheerful popsicle stick snowman. Kids can enjoy making their own festive character to display at home or in the classroom.
See the cheerful snowman craft on Instagram from eifelivy
Santa Popsicle Stick Crafts for Kids
Ho, ho, ho! Here are some fun popsicle stick crafts for kids who love creating Santa Claus himself.
Craft Stick Santa
A jolly little Santa built from craft sticks, with a cotton wool beard and a bright red hat.
Simple, cheerful and low mess too.
See it on Instagram from @gluedtomycrafts
Craft Stick Santa Claus Ornament
Another lovely Santa, this time made to hang on the tree.
Add your child’s name and the year on the back for a keepsake you’ll unpack year after year.
See it on Instagram from arijana_creative_time
Popsicle Stick Santa Hat
Three red sticks glued into a triangle, red paper behind and cotton balls along the brim and on top.
An adult does the hot glue, and little ones do the fluffy cotton ball bit. It’s one of my favourite toddler popsicle stick crafts.
Get the tutorial from Hunny I’m Home
Santa Sleigh Popsicle Stick Craft
Bring Santa’s Christmas Eve journey to life with a festive sleigh craft made from popsicle sticks. It’s a fun way to add a little North Pole magic to your Christmas crafting activities.
See the Santa sleigh craft on Instagram from briteandbubbly
Reindeer Popsicle Stick Crafts for Kids
Craft Stick Rudolphs
I love these sweet craft stick reindeer, each with a shiny red Rudolph nose.
Make a whole herd and line them up on the windowsill.
See it on Instagram from @play.and.learn.with.karen
Popsicle Stick Reindeer
Three popsicle sticks painted brown, clothespin antlers and a fluffy red yarn pom pom nose.
It’s written with little ones in mind, so it’s a great pick if you’re after popsicle crafts for preschoolers.
Get the tutorial from Beth Anna Verill
DIY Popsicle Stick Reindeer Ornament Craft
Turn simple craft sticks into an adorable reindeer ornament with googly eyes, antlers and a bright red nose. It’s a fun Christmas craft for kids to make and hang on the tree.
Get the tutorial from Honey + Lime
Popsicle Stick Sleds, Gingerbread Houses & More
Once you’ve mastered the basic shapes, craft sticks can build almost anything. These Christmas popsicle stick crafts are a little more ambitious, and great for older kids.
Popsicle Stick Gingerbread House (Free Printable)
Paint the sticks brown, build the walls and a stepped roof, then glue on the decorations (grab the free printable from the link below.)
It’s best for ages 6 and up, with younger ones helping with the bigger pieces.
Get the tutorial from Printables Fairy
Popsicle Stick Sled Ornaments
These popsicle stick sled ornaments feature a small photo and festive decorations, making them a cute Christmas keepsake for kids to make.
See the sled ornament idea on Instagram from thecraftpatch
Popsicle Stick Sled Ornament
A tiny sled made from popsicle sticks makes a charming addition to your handmade Christmas decorations. It’s a lovely idea for creating a rustic-looking ornament for the tree.
See the popsicle stick sled ornament on Instagram from jugglingactmama
Gingerbread Man Stick Craft
This cute gingerbread man craft transforms a simple popsicle stick into a festive little character that kids can decorate with their own creative touches.
Get the tutorial from Rock Your Homeschool
DIY Red Truck Christmas Tree Ornament
This red truck ornament carries a little Christmas tree and features a photo, while the handprint trees add a sweet personal touch. They’re a lovely way to turn kids’ artwork into a Christmas keepsake.
See the Christmas craft on Instagram from candlaylay
Popsicle Stick Star Ornament
These colourful popsicle stick stars are decorated with small embellishments and pretty ribbon bows, making them lovely ornaments to hang on the Christmas tree. Kids can choose their favourite colours to create their own festive designs.
See the popsicle stick star ornament on Instagram from juniorsartanddiy
The Nutcracker Soldier
Make a festive nutcracker soldier using popsicle sticks for a Christmas craft inspired by the classic holiday character. It’s a fun way to bring a little traditional Christmas charm to your craft collection.
See the nutcracker soldier craft on Instagram from thecraftpatch
Nativity Popsicle Stick Christmas Crafts
Lolly sticks make the perfect little figures for a nativity scene. These are lovely for Sunday school or for retelling the Christmas story at home.
Popsicle Stick Nativity Scene
Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus, all made from popsicle sticks.
Add a string loop to make it an ornament, or stick it onto a homemade card.
See it on Instagram from leeml61
Bright and Colourful Nativity Craft
Cheerful nativity characters on craft sticks, great for storytelling and small world play.
A lovely mix of craft and pretend play, and fun popsicle stick art for kids.
See it on Instagram from artyprojectsforkids
Yarn Wrapped Nativity Craft
Wrapping yarn around the figures gives each one a cosy, textured robe.
It’s brilliant for fine motor skills and very satisfying to finish.
See it on Instagram from rainydaymum
More Easy Christmas Crafts for Kids
I hope these popsicle stick Christmas crafts for kids help you use up that box of lolly sticks this December!
Most need little more than sticks, glue and a few bits from the craft drawer. And the ornaments make the sweetest gifts for grandparents.
Looking for more festive ideas? Here are some of our favourites:
