There’s something magical about holiday-themed art, and drawing is one of the best ways to capture that spirit. Whether you’re doodling snowmen on greeting cards, sketching festive scenes in your journal, or looking for creative ways to unwind in December, Christmas drawing ideas can bring out your playful, nostalgic, and imaginative side.
This guide is designed to help beginners explore approachable, joyful holiday-themed drawing prompts. You’ll find step-by-step suggestions, creative tips, and inspiration to make this season both artistic and fun. No need for advanced skills—just bring your curiosity and a pencil.
If you’re searching for even more seasonal inspiration, don’t miss our curated christmas drawing ideas page filled with prompts for all levels.
Why Christmas Is a Great Theme for Beginner Artists
Holiday motifs are instantly recognizable. That makes them ideal for practice because:
- They use basic shapes and forms
- You already know what they should look like
- There's lots of room for play and creativity
- Repetition helps build skill (draw one ornament—then draw five!)
- They're perfect for cards, crafts, and decorating
And best of all, drawing with a seasonal theme brings a sense of fun and tradition to your art.
Getting Started: Tools and Setup
You don’t need expensive materials to start drawing holiday scenes. Here’s what you’ll want on hand:
- Pencil (with eraser)
- Sketchbook or printer paper
- Fineliner or pen for inking
- Optional: colored pencils or markers
If you're feeling ambitious, consider using metallic pens or white gel pens to add snow highlights and sparkle.
Classic Christmas Drawing Ideas
Let’s begin with some timeless Christmas icons. These are simple enough for beginners and offer lots of room for creative expression.
1. Christmas Tree
A holiday staple. Start with a triangular shape and layer branches downward. Add decorations:
- Star or angel at the top
- Ornaments (just small circles!)
- Garland (wavy lines)
- Presents underneath (rectangles with ribbons)
Vary the tree’s fullness, size, and shape to create your own festive forest.
2. Snowman
Composed of three stacked circles, a snowman is beginner-friendly and expressive:
- Add stick arms, a carrot nose, and button eyes
- Give it a scarf and hat for personality
- Draw it melting for a fun twist
You can even create a snow family with different sizes and accessories.
3. Candy Cane
This one’s all about curves and stripes:
- Draw a long, rounded "J" shape
- Add diagonal stripes that alternate red and white
- Add a bow for flair
It’s a great exercise in symmetry and repetition.
Cute Christmas Drawing Ideas
If you love drawing things with charm and personality, try adding a playful twist to your holiday sketches. These ideas borrow from the world of cute drawing ideas, which are all about simplicity and emotion.
1. Santa’s Helpers
Tiny elves with oversized hats, rosy cheeks, and pointy shoes are a fun way to stretch your character drawing skills.
Try different poses:
- Wrapping gifts
- Sneaking cookies
- Riding toy trains
Use circles and ovals to construct heads and bodies before adding details.
2. Gingerbread People
Cookies with faces! Use soft lines and add:
- Simple smiles
- Frosting zigzags
- Tiny hats, scarves, or candy buttons
This idea also works great on cards or gift tags.
3. Cozy Mugs
Draw a large mug filled with hot chocolate, marshmallows, and a candy cane.
Add cute extras:
- A face on the mug
- Steam hearts
- Holiday patterns (snowflakes, holly, stars)
This is a great way to mix object drawing with cute character expression.
Easy Scene-Based Christmas Drawings
Want to draw an entire setting instead of just one item? Here are some beginner-level scene prompts to try:
1. Fireplace & Stockings
Start with a rectangle for the fireplace and smaller ones for the mantle and bricks.
Add:
- Hanging stockings
- Flames or glowing embers
- Garland across the top
- A sleeping cat nearby for warmth
2. Snowy Window View
This is a wonderful way to play with perspective:
- Sketch a window frame with crossbars
- Add falling snow, pine trees, or rooftops outside
- Inside the frame, draw curtains, lights, or cozy shadows
You can build on this idea as your confidence grows.
3. Reindeer at Night
Silhouette-style drawings are great for beginners:
- Start with a reindeer profile (oval body, antlers, legs)
- Place it against a moonlit sky
- Add stars, trees, or distant houses in the background
This is a great exercise in using contrast and negative space.
Tips for Making Your Holiday Drawings Stand Out
The magic of holiday drawing isn’t about technical perfection. It’s about adding personality. Here’s how:
- Use repeating motifs like snowflakes or stars for decorative backgrounds
- Add facial expressions to inanimate objects (like a winking ornament)
- Try unusual color palettes—how about purple and gold instead of red and green?
- Give everything a soft, cozy look with rounded edges and minimal detail
If you're looking for ways to stretch your creativity, explore more prompts with a winter spin over in our cool drawing ideas section.
Fun Drawing Prompts for the 12 Days of Christmas
Here’s a 12-day challenge to keep you drawing through the holidays:
- A reindeer with glasses
- A pile of wrapped gifts
- A snow globe with a house inside
- A penguin in a sweater
- A mailbox overflowing with cards
- A Christmas cookie character
- A sleigh packed with presents
- A holiday wreath with animals
- A Christmas tree in space
- A nutcracker doing yoga
- A holiday candle scene
- Your favorite Christmas memory as a drawing
You can do one a day or mix and match depending on your mood.
When You're Ready to Add Color
Once you’ve sketched a few ideas, try experimenting with color:
- Use red, green, white, and gold for classic themes
- Use blue and silver for a wintery feel
- Watercolors add softness, while markers add brightness
- Try colored pencils with light layering to create gentle shading
Don’t worry about staying inside the lines—this is your holiday sketchbook.
Final Thoughts
Drawing during the holiday season is more than just creative fun—it’s a way to slow down, feel present, and share joy with others. Whether you're making art for cards, gifts, decorations, or your own quiet moments, Christmas drawing ideas are a great way to build skill while celebrating the season.
Use these prompts as a starting point. Play with the ideas, personalize them, and let your creativity snowball. The more you draw, the more confident you’ll become.
And if you ever feel stuck, revisit our christmas drawing ideas for fresh inspiration. Your next favorite drawing could be just a snowflake away.