Things can get very hectic in the run-up to Christmas, so it’s a good idea to set aside time to relax and enjoy a creative art session – and what could better than some Christmas drawing!
You can draw alone or make it a social occasion by inviting a few friends over. Make an evening of it with some hot chocolate (or mulled wine!) and a festive movie.
Drawing is also a creative way to keep children entertained away from the TV or iPad screens. You could get them to draw their own Christmas cards for their friends!
The great thing about pencil drawing is that it’s accessible and affordable. You don’t need to splash out on expensive supplies to make a piece of festive art to be proud of.
There is no need to be a professional artist either – all of these easy Christmas drawing ideas come with simple steps to follow, so you can sketch with confidence. There are drawing ideas for kids and more challenging projects for older children and adults.
Ready to start drawing? Pick up a pencil and have a go at creating your own easy Christmas drawings.
Make pretty paper Christmas decorations
Take a peek at our pick of the best DIY paper Christmas ornaments and learn how to make everything from snowflakes to origami Santas.
33 easy Christmas drawing ideas
1. Cute Santa
It’s not Christmas without Santa! This cute drawing was designed by Esther Curtis and we think he would make a fantastic addition to any festive scene.
We've also included a colouring page for you ot download and print for little ones to colour in!
Learn how to draw Santa with Esther’s simple step-by-step guide.
2. Christmas tree
The vintage feel of Charlotte Kinson's Christmas drawing is delightful. In Charlotte’s how to draw a Christmas tree guide, you’ll learn how to build up the branches, add baubles and finish decorating with a twist of tinsel.
3. Snowflakes
Capture a snowflake in all its icy glory with this brilliant drawing tutorial. This drawing guide will show you how to sketch a frosty snowflake using coloured pencils.
Discover how to draw a snowflake with Charlotte Kinson.
4. Patterned baubles
Get experimental with this fun patterned baubles drawing idea from Art Projects for Kids. For this Christmas drawing project, you’ll need paper and coloured markers or felt-tip pens.
To make it easier, create a bauble template for children to draw around. Then you can move on to the fun part: filling the baubles with patterns of your choice!
5. Snowman
Do you want to build a snowman? If you’re not lucky enough to have snow outside, have a go at drawing one instead.
This snowman drawing tutorial from easypeasyandfun.com uses a few simple shapes to create a cool little character - perfect for little kids to draw! You can add your own choice of accessories to complete the drawing.
If you feel like trying something a little bit more detailed, you can always check out our how to draw a snowman tutorial right here on Gathered.
6. Holly
Holly can be the centrepiece of a Christmas card or used to add a little embellishment at the edge of a picture. You can also layer up sprigs of holly to draw a festive wreath!
Learn how to draw holly with this easy lesson from iHeartCraftyThings.
7. Candy cane
Festive candy canes are really fun to draw! This fabulous candy cane drawing tutorial will show you how to sketch this classic Christmas treat and decorate it with a stylish bow.
You can also download a handy Christmas drawing worksheet with all of the steps for kids to follow.
8. Christmas wreath
Looking for the perfect Christmas card idea? This metallic Christmas wreath drawing tutorial from Snapdragon Life can be created using a little festive foliage.
All you need is some paper, shimmering gel pens and a plate to use as a template. There’s a brilliant video tutorial to guide you through the steps too.
Turn your drawings into real life!
Swap your Christmas drawing for the real thing by learning how to make a Christmas wreath here on Gathered.
9. Christmas presents
These three-dimensional presents really feel as though they’re popping out of the page. This Christmas presents drawing tutorial is a good project to try if you want to learn how to add more depth to your drawings.
This stack of gifts would look great under a Christmas tree or as part of a festive scene.
10. Christmas bells
If you’re making a traditional Christmas card, decorate it with an iconic set of Christmas bells.
This vintage design is finished off with holly leaves and a luxurious bow. Discover how to draw Christmas bells with this beginner-friendly guide from DrawingForAll.
11. Snowglobe
If you’re looking for a quick and easy Christmas drawing idea, this adorable snowglobe drawing definitely fits the bill. This snow globe has a happy snowman inside and even the globe itself has a sweet little smile.
Use a marker to create your Christmas drawing then colour it in with pencils or watercolour paints.
12. Robin Christmas drawing
Robins may look complicated, but they’re a lot easier to draw than you might think! In this simple robin drawing video tutorial by Harriet Muller, you’ll learn how to sketch your own little feathered friend using a few simple techniques.
13. Reindeer
Santa’s sleigh won’t be going anywhere without a few reindeer to lead the way! Learn how to draw a reindeer step-by-step with this lesson from professional illustrator Jesse Hodgson.
Learn more about this fascinating creature with BBC Wildlife’s reindeer guide.
Use your Christmas drawings for cardmaking!
All the Christmas drawing ideas we've included in our round-up would make wonderful Christmas cards.
Explore our Christmas card ideas and use your drawings to make them more personalised.
14. Santa’s sleigh
Now that you’ve learnt how to draw reindeer, you can add Santa’s sleigh to your Christmas drawing.
This sleigh is drawn at an angle so you can see the seat and a sack of presents ready to be delivered! If you’re drawing this with younger children, you may need to give them a little help to sketch the outline of the sleigh.
15. Mistletoe
If you can’t find mistletoe this Christmas, draw your own instead! Mistletoe is one of the oldest Christmas decorations, so it’s not surprising that it often appears in festive art.
This bunch of mistletoe can be drawn by itself, used to embellish a Christmas wreath or hung from a doorway as part of a festive scene.
Create your own seasonal mistletoe drawing with IHeartCraftyThings.
16. Christmas stocking
Children love checking their stockings on Christmas morning and it’s become a beloved festive tradition over the years.
This Christmas stocking drawing is packed with beautifully wrapped gifts and colourful candy canes.
17. Gingerbread man
Kids and adults alike will love our how to draw a gingerbread man tutorial – it's far easier than baking and just as sweet!
Encourage your kids to draw this gingerbread man on Christmas cards to send to their friends and family.
18. Gingerbread house
Now you’ve drawn a gingerbread man or woman, why not give them a little gingerbread house to live in?
This gingerbread house is adorned with lollipops and cakes with a snowy icing sugar roof. Find out how to draw a gingerbread house and cover it with your favourite candy.
19. Christmas elf
Santa couldn't possibly do it all himself – draw one of his army of helpers with our elf drawing tutorial!
If you think this drawing might be a little tricky for your younger kids, we've also included a free elf colouring page too so that they can join in the fun.
20. Holiday wreath
If you’re feeling ready for a challenge, have a go at drawing this intricate holiday wreath. It looks complicated, but if you follow the steps you’ll be able to craft your own elegant holiday wreath drawing.
This is the perfect drawing project for a cosy afternoon art session! Although it takes a while to draw, it’s well worth it to make something this beautiful.
21. Christmas gnomes
Looking for a cute Christmas drawing idea? These Christmas gnomes designed by artist Jen Vaughn couldn't be easier to draw! Once you've drawn the outline in black pen, you can fill in the picture using festive colours.
Learn how to draw Christmas gnomes with Jen's video guide.
22. Easy Christmas garland
Calling all colouring fans! Colouring book artist Johanna Basford demonstrates how to draw and colour your own easy Christmas garland.
If you want to take your shading to the next level, take a look at Gathered's shading techniques guide for lots of tips and expert advice.
23. Christmas lights
Shine bright this December by drawing your own vibrant Christmas lights. Choose an array of rainbow shades and surround the bulbs with a soft halo of light.
Find out how to draw Christmas lights with artprojectsforkids.org.
24. Polar bear
While polar bears aren't strictly Christmassy, we think we can make an exception for this endearing polar bear doodle from mashaplans.com.
Masha has tons of adorable festive doodling ideas, so her blog is well worth a visit.
25. Christmas star
The star is a big part of the Christmas story and what Christmas tree would be complete without one? Learn how to draw a Christmas star with helloartsy.com.
26. Pinecone
Pinecones are a classic Christmas motif and they're much easier to draw than you might think. Discover how to draw pinecones with this tutorial from easydrawingguides.com.
Have a creative Christmas
Make your own custom crackers this Christmas with these fabulous Christmas cracker kits.
27. Christmas truck
What could be more exciting than choosing your own Christmas tree and bringing it home? Capture that feeling by drawing this charming Christmas truck idea.
Find out how to draw a Christmas truck with helloartsy.com.
28. Christmas doodles
Doodling is a great creative activity to explore when you're stuck in a rut. Make a list of every item you can think of that's associated with Christmas, then fill a page with festive doodles.
This example from @chameleon_art_products on Instagram is a fantastic reference image if you're not sure where to begin.
29. Christmas angel
If you're drawing a Christmas tree, finish the look by adding a sweet angel on the top. This easy angel drawing tutorial by zooshii on YouTube is very easy to follow and looks fabulous.
30. Mittens
These mittens look so cosy and warm! They're very simple to draw, but if you prefer colouring in you can download the design as a PDF.
Try HelloArtsy's mittens drawing tutorial.
31. Candy cane hearts and a Merry Christmas tree
@studywithsoybean Reply to @lifestyleby.lucero homemade Christmas cards part 2! #artmas #howtodraw #christmascards #christmasdoodles #christmas #hollyjollychristmas ♬ original sound - Faisal
How adorable is this simple Christmas drawing by Study with Soy Bean? Her Tik Tok shows you how to draw two different festive designs that are perfect for turning into cards.
Follow her tutorial and make your very own Christmas cards this year!
32. Christmas bauble
Drawing How to Draw has a brilliant step by step Christmas bauble tutorial on their blog. This easy drawing can easily be filled in with your own patterns, colours and designs.
33. Festive penguin drawing
This simple Christmas drawing is bound to put a smile on your loved ones' faces. Originally from Hello Happy Studio, this short tutorial is a quick doodle you can add to your festive collection.
Start feeling festive with easy Christmas crafts to make
There's nothing like a Christmas crafting session to get you in the mood for a celebration! Turn your simple Christmas drawings into decorations, gift inspiration and much more with Gathered's pick of the best Christmas craft ideas.
Get excited for the big day with our cute Christmas drawings
A drawing session is the perfect way to relax in the hectic run-up to Christmas, whether you enjoy sketching a snowflake or decorating cards with your own cute little Santa drawing!
It’s a soothing way to unwind by yourself, but can provide a fun activity to enjoy with your friends and family. Even the kids can get involved!
Christmas can be an expensive time for many, so it’s always good to take some time out to enjoy a creative activity that won’t break the bank.
Our easy Christmas drawing ideas all have easy steps to follow and can be enjoyed by artists of all ages!
Continue the festive fun with our Christmas painting ideas
If you’re in the mood for making more seasonal art, put down your pencils and pick up a brush instead.
We’ve rounded up lots of beautiful festive painting projects for you to try, from snowflakes to stunning watercolour wreaths. Get inspired with Gathered’s favourite Christmas painting ideas.
Read more
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- 29 Christmas wreath ideas for a festive welcome
- 33 best Christmas quilt patterns for the holiday season
- 24 of the best DIY advent calendar kits
- 50 impressive Christmas tree ideas to make your home sparkle