Santa Paper Plate Craft: A Classic Christmas Activity for Kids

a paper plate painted and decorated to look like santa

There are some crafts that feel timeless, and Santa Claus is at the top of the list when it comes to Christmas fun. Children love making their own version of Santa, and parents and teachers love how simple and festive the project is. The Santa Paper Plate Craft is one of those activities that checks all the boxes: it’s inexpensive, easy to set up, and fun for kids of all ages. With just a paper plate, a little paint, some cotton, and a few other basics, you can create a cheerful Santa face that makes the perfect decoration for home or classroom walls.

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This craft has the added bonus of being a little messy in the best way possible. Kids get to paint, glue, and work with soft cotton to build Santa’s iconic beard. The different textures make it engaging for little hands, and the finished product is something children feel proud to display. Whether you’re looking for a quick project before a holiday party or a meaningful family activity on a December afternoon, the Santa Paper Plate Craft is a wonderful choice.

Supplies top make the santa paper plate craft

paint paper plate red construction paper cotton black marker and scissors

To make a Santa Paper Plate Craft, you’ll need a paper plate, construction paper, scissors, glue, cotton, a marker, and both red and brown paint. If you’re using the provided templates, they’ll help with the hat, eyes, and nose, making it even easier to assemble. These are supplies that most homes and classrooms already have on hand, which means you can dive into the craft without a lot of prep.

how to make this santa craft

a paper plate cut and painted to look like santa

Start by dividing the paper plate into two sections: one for Santa’s hat and one for his face. Paint the top portion of the plate red to represent the hat, and leave the lower portion unpainted for Santa’s skin tone. Some children like to add a little peach or light brown paint to make the face stand out more. Allow the paint to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

a paper plate cut and painted to look like santa with cotton glued on for the beard and hat

Once the paint is ready, it’s time to add Santa’s beard. Take pieces of cotton and glue them along the bottom of the plate. Encourage kids to fluff the cotton up so it looks full and soft, just like Santa’s real beard. Cotton can also be added along the edge of the hat to create the fluffy trim, and a small cotton ball can be glued to the very top as the pom-pom. These little details are what make Santa instantly recognizable.

Next, attach the eyes. You can use the template for perfectly sized paper eyes, draw them on with a marker, or even use googly eyes for a fun 3D effect. After the eyes are in place, cut out and attach the circular nose template from red construction paper, or simply let kids color one in. The big red nose adds personality and brings the Santa face to life. Some children may even want to add a smile with a marker underneath the nose.

Why parents and teachers love this santa paper plate craft

What’s nice about this project is how much flexibility it offers. Some kids may want to keep their Santa simple, while others may go all out by adding glitter to the hat, sequins on the beard, or rosy cheeks with crayons or markers. No two Santas ever look the same, which makes the finished crafts even more fun to display together.

In the classroom, this project works beautifully as a December art center or holiday party activity. Teachers can prepare by painting the plates ahead of time or by cutting out the eyes and nose templates so students can focus on assembly. Once finished, the Santa faces can be displayed in a group along a bulletin board or hallway, creating a cheerful holiday scene. They also make wonderful keepsakes for students to take home and hang on the fridge.

At home, this craft can become part of a family tradition. Children can work on their Santas while listening to Christmas music, watching a holiday movie, or sipping hot cocoa. The finished Santa plates make charming decorations for the tree if you punch a hole at the top and add ribbon, or they can be used as place settings at a holiday meal. Families often enjoy saving these crafts year after year to see how children’s versions of Santa change as they grow.

From a practical standpoint, the Santa Paper Plate Craft is about as budget-friendly as it gets. Paper plates and cotton are inexpensive and easy to find, and the templates make the process simple. Clean-up is quick, and the project can be completed in a single sitting. Because it doesn’t require specialized supplies, it’s easy to adapt for both large groups of students and small family gatherings.

Extend the learning

Pairing the Santa Paper Plate Craft with a Christmas read-aloud makes the experience even more special. The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore is a classic that pairs perfectly with Santa crafts. How to Catch Santa by Jean Reagan adds humor and excitement to the tradition. For a cozy option, Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson is a sweet story that captures the magic of the season. Reading one of these stories before or after crafting creates a warm and memorable experience for children.

There are also easy ways to extend this craft into other learning activities. For writing, children could create a short note “from Santa” and glue it to the back of their plate. Younger learners might simply write “Ho Ho Ho!” while older children could write a few sentences about Santa’s adventures. For math, children could count how many cotton balls they used for the beard, or measure how long they could make Santa’s beard if they stretched the cotton. For social studies, this activity could tie into discussions about holiday traditions around the world, comparing how different cultures celebrate Christmas and what role Santa plays in those celebrations.

A fun christmas craft that brings cheer

The Santa Paper Plate Craft is more than just a seasonal art project. It’s a way for children to feel connected to the joy of the holiday season. The act of painting, gluing, and assembling Santa’s face is fun in itself, but the real magic comes when kids see their finished craft and feel proud of what they created. Parents and teachers alike will love how the project combines creativity, fine motor practice, and seasonal spirit into one simple activity.

Christmas is a time for tradition, imagination, and togetherness, and this craft captures all three. Whether displayed in a classroom, hung on the family Christmas tree, or used as a decoration at a holiday meal, these Santa faces bring cheer wherever they go. They’re the kind of project children will remember fondly, not just because of how they turned out, but because of the memories made while creating them.

If you’re looking for a holiday craft that’s easy, festive, and meaningful, the Santa Paper Plate Craft is a perfect choice. It’s simple to prepare, enjoyable to make, and always a hit with kids. Most importantly, it helps bring the magic of Santa Claus right into the classroom or home in a way that’s creative and fun.