Christmas Tree Skittles Experiment: A Sweet Holiday Science Activity

skittles organized to look like a christmas tree

The Christmas tree Skittles experiment is a great way to mix science with fun and candy during the holiday season. Using just a handful of Skittles, a plate, and warm water, an ordinary treat transforms into a dazzling Christmas tree filled with bright colors. Green and red Skittles form the tree and the ornaments, and five yellow Skittles on top create a shining star. When warm water touches the candies, the colors swirl outward like magic, turning the plate into a cheerful science display.

skittles placed in water to look like a christmas tree

This easy science experiment is as simple as it gets, but the results are so eye-catching that kids and adults alike can’t help but be amazed. Best of all, it doubles as both a holiday craft and a quick science lesson.

Supplies for the Christmas Tree Skittles Experiment

This Skittles science experiment requires only a few items, most of which are probably already on hand:

Skittles in red, green, and yellow
A large white plate or dish
Warm water

That’s it. The simplicity of the materials makes it easy to set up in just a few minutes, making it a perfect holiday science activity for classrooms, playdates, or family holiday activities.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Create the Christmas Tree Shape
Arrange green Skittles into a triangle shape on the plate. Fill the inside of the triangle with more green Skittles, leaving room to add a few red Skittles as ornaments.

Step 2: Add Decorations
Scatter the red Skittles inside the triangle to look like ornaments on a tree. This is a good chance to get creative and design different patterns each time.

Step 3: Make the Star
Place five yellow Skittles at the very top of the triangle in a circle. Together, they form a star shining above the Christmas tree.

pouring water on skittles organized to look like a christmas tree

Step 4: Pour Warm Water
Carefully pour warm water onto the plate, just enough to cover the bottom of the candies. Be sure to pour slowly so the design doesn’t shift out of place.

Step 5: Watch the Magic Happen
The moment the water hits the Skittles, the colors begin to dissolve and spread across the plate. Within seconds, streams of red, green, and yellow flow outward, creating a dazzling holiday design that looks just like a glowing Christmas tree.

The Science Behind the Skittles Experiment for Kids

This easy science experiment is a perfect way to explore basic science concepts. The colorful coating on Skittles is made from sugar and food coloring. When warm water touches the surface, the sugar coating dissolves, releasing the food dye into the water. This process is called solubility.

As the dye spreads, it moves outward through diffusion, which is the movement of particles from one area to another. Because the water distributes evenly on the plate, the colors form neat streams instead of blending right away. That’s why the Christmas tree pattern stays visible before eventually turning into a colorful pool.

This activity is an easy way to introduce concepts like:

Solubility
Diffusion
Color mixing
Temperature and its effects on dissolving speed

Learning Opportunities with the Christmas Tree Skittles Experiment

While it feels like pure fun, this Christmas STEM activity also sneaks in plenty of learning:

Observation Skills: Kids can make predictions about what will happen before the water is poured and then describe what they see.
Scientific Thinking: Questions like “What happens if cold water is used instead of warm?” or “Will the colors mix faster with more water?” help foster curiosity.
Fine Motor Practice: Arranging small candies into a triangle and star shape builds hand-eye coordination.
Color Recognition: This experiment reinforces color names and introduces the idea of primary and secondary colors when the dyes begin to mix.

Fun Variations to Try

The Christmas tree Skittles experiment is just the beginning. With a little imagination, the same idea can be transformed into other Skittles science experiments:

Snowflake Christmas STEM activity: Arrange blue Skittles into a snowflake shape and watch the icy colors spread.
Holiday Wreath: Make a circle with green Skittles and decorate it with red Skittles for berries.
Rainbow Tree: Use all the Skittles colors to create a multicolored holiday tree that bursts into rainbow swirls.

These variations keep the experiment fresh, while reinforcing the same science concepts in different ways.

Tips for Holiday Science Activity Success

Use a white plate or dish so the colors show up more vividly.
Try both warm and cold water to compare the speed of the reaction.
Don’t use too much water.
Set up multiple plates at once for a colorful science display.
Let kids design their own trees to add a creative, artistic element to the experiment.

Why This Activity Stands Out

The Christmas tree Skittles experiment is the perfect mix of science and seasonal activity. It doesn’t take long to set up, but it delivers big results. Watching the colors spread across the plate is both relaxing and exciting. It feels like a Christmas light show made of candy.

This activity is also versatile: it works for classrooms, holiday parties, or simple afternoons at home. It’s a Christmas STEM activity full of creativity and a touch of holiday wonder in one easy project.

Wrapping It Up

The Christmas tree Skittles experiment shows how science and creativity go hand in hand. From arranging Skittles into a tree to watching the colors spread, every step of the process is fun and engaging. Kids learn about solubility and diffusion without even realizing it, because the colorful results steal the show.

It’s a holiday science activity that’s simple, sweet, and unforgettable. The best part? All it takes is a few Skittles, a plate, and warm water to turn candy into a glowing Christmas tree display.

20+ of the best Christmas Ornament Crafts for Kids
Discover 20+ easy Christmas ornament crafts for kids using simple, budget-friendly supplies. This holiday craft roundup includes DIY ornaments perfect for preschool, kindergarten, classroom activities, and family Christmas crafting. Find step-by-step ideas for handmade keepsake ornaments kids will love to make.
Reindeer Ornament Craft: A Sweet and Simple Christmas Keepsake
Easy Christmas Reindeer Popsicle Stick Ornament kids can craft in minutes. Great for holiday decorating, classroom activities, and handmade Christmas ornaments. Find simple instructions for making a popsicle stick reindeer.
Manger Popsicle Stick Craft: A Simple and Meaningful Christmas Keepsake
Easy Manger Popsicle Stick Craft for kids. This simple DIY Christmas nativity craft uses inexpensive supplies and is perfect for homeschool, Sunday school, or classroom Christmas activities. Learn how to make a popsicle stick manger and create a meaningful holiday keepsake with step-by-step instructions.
Christmas Tree Popsicle Stick Ornament: A Festive DIY for Kids
Easy Christmas Tree Popsicle Stick Ornament craft for kids. This simple DIY Christmas craft uses basic supplies and makes a fun holiday activity for home or classroom. Get step-by-step instructions and ideas to decorate your popsicle stick Christmas tree.
Snowman Sensory Bin: A Simple and Engaging Winter Activity for Kids
Create a fun snowman sensory bin for kids using simple winter-themed materials and easy setup instructions. This hands-on activity encourages fine motor skills, imaginative play, and seasonal learning at home or in the classroom. Save this snowman sensory bin idea for your next winter activity with kids.
Christmas Village Houses: Edible Winter Magic in Miniature houses
Build magical edible Christmas village houses with your kids using simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions. This festive holiday activity combines crafting and baking for a creative, delicious winter project. Save this Christmas village idea for family fun all season long.
Oreo Ornament Cookies: A Festive No-Bake Treat for the Holidays
Make these easy Oreo ornament cookies for a fun Christmas treat kids will love. This simple no-bake recipe turns classic Oreos into festive holiday ornaments using just a few ingredients. Perfect for classroom parties, family baking, and adding to Christmas dessert trays. Save this kid-friendly holiday cookie idea for your next Christmas activity.
Yarn Ornament: A Simple and Cozy Christmas Craft for Kids
Make this simple yarn ornament craft for kids using easy supplies and step-by-step instructions. This holiday activity is perfect for classrooms, home projects, and decorating the Christmas tree with handmade ornaments. Save this yarn craft tutorial for your next winter activity with kids.
Moving Polar Bear Craft: A Winter Wonderland in Motion
Try this simple moving polar bear paper plate craft that kids can create with just a few basic supplies. This winter activity includes easy step-by-step instructions and a free printable template, making it perfect for classrooms, home projects, or Arctic animal lessons. Save this engaging craft idea for your next cold-weather activity with kids.
Santa Nutter Butters: A Jolly No-Bake Christmas Treat
Make these easy Santa Nutter Butters for a fun holiday treat kids will love. This simple no-bake recipe turns classic cookies into festive Santa snacks, perfect for school parties, family baking, or Christmas dessert trays. Pin and save the step-by-step guide for your next holiday activity.
Grinch Movie Night Ideas: Christmas Crafts, Snacks, and Fun for the Whole Family
Hosting a Grinch movie night for kids? This blog post has everything you need—creative crafts, hands-on activities, and delicious Grinch snacks for a festive family evening.
18 Grinch Crafts and Activities for Kids
Discover the best Grinch crafts and activities for kids—easy, festive, and perfect for holiday fun! From simple DIY crafts to playful learning activities, this Christmas roundup is great for preschool, toddlers, and early elementary.
Grinch Sensory Bin: A Playful and Heart-Growing Holiday Activity
Create holiday magic with this Grinch sensory bin for kids! This easy Christmas activity encourages hands-on learning, fine motor skills, and festive fun. Perfect for preschool, toddlers, and early learners.
Grinch Popsicle Stick Craft: A Whoville-Worthy Holiday Activity for Kids
Make Christmas extra fun with this adorable Grinch popsicle stick craft for kids! Easy, festive, and perfect for classroom parties, holiday playdates, or a cozy craft day at home.
Grinch Shake Recipe: A Whoville-Inspired Christmas Drink Recipe
A Grinch shake is a creamy Whoville-inspired Christmas drink recipe made with bright green ingredients and sweet toppings. Perfect for a holiday movie night.