top of page
Search

Top 5 Fun Winter Paper Crafts to Keep Kids Entertained During Holiday Break

Winter break can stretch long, especially for families looking for creative ways to keep kids busy indoors. Paper crafts offer a perfect blend of fun, learning, and hands-on creativity that can engage children of all ages. These activities require minimal materials, mostly paper and simple tools, making them accessible and budget-friendly. Here are five exciting paper crafts that will brighten up your winter holidays and keep your kids happily occupied.


Close-up view of colorful paper snowflakes on a wooden table
Colorful paper snowflakes ready for decoration

1. Paper Snowflakes


Paper snowflakes are a classic winter craft that never goes out of style. Kids love folding and cutting paper to create unique snowflake patterns. This craft helps develop fine motor skills and introduces basic symmetry concepts.


Materials needed:


  • White or colored paper

  • Scissors

  • Pencil (optional for drawing patterns)


How to make:


  1. Fold a square piece of paper diagonally to form a triangle.

  2. Fold the triangle in half again.

  3. Draw simple shapes or patterns along the edges.

  4. Carefully cut out the shapes.

  5. Unfold to reveal a beautiful snowflake.


You can hang these snowflakes on windows, walls, or string them together to make garlands. For added fun, try using glitter or markers to decorate the finished snowflakes.


2. Paper Winter Animals


Creating paper animals like penguins, polar bears, or owls can bring a touch of wildlife to your winter crafts. This activity encourages imagination and storytelling as kids can invent little adventures for their paper creatures.


Materials needed:


  • Colored construction paper

  • Glue stick

  • Scissors

  • Markers or crayons


How to make:


  1. Cut out basic shapes like circles, ovals, and triangles.

  2. Assemble the shapes to form animals by gluing them together.

  3. Add details such as eyes, beaks, or fur patterns with markers.

  4. Let the kids create a winter scene using their paper animals.


This craft can be extended by making a diorama or a winter forest backdrop using a shoebox or poster board.


Eye-level view of a handmade paper penguin with winter decorations
Handmade paper penguin with winter-themed decorations

3. Paper Chain Garland


Paper chains are simple to make and add a festive touch to any room. Kids enjoy the repetitive process of linking paper loops, which also helps with counting and pattern recognition.


Materials needed:


  • Strips of colored paper (about 1 inch wide)

  • Glue or tape


How to make:


  1. Take one strip and form a loop, securing the ends with glue or tape.

  2. Thread the next strip through the loop and secure it.

  3. Repeat until the chain reaches the desired length.


You can use holiday colors like red, green, white, or blue. For a winter twist, add paper snowflakes or stars between the chains. Hang the garland across doorways, mantels, or windows.


4. Pop-Up Winter Cards


Pop-up cards add a surprise element to traditional card-making. Kids can create winter scenes that spring to life when the card opens, making it a perfect craft for holiday greetings.


Materials needed:


  • Cardstock or thick paper

  • Scissors

  • Glue

  • Colored pencils or markers


How to make:


  1. Fold a piece of cardstock in half to form the card base.

  2. Cut two parallel slits inside the card, about 1 inch apart.

  3. Fold the cut section inward to create a pop-up tab.

  4. Decorate the pop-up tab with winter shapes like trees, snowmen, or presents.

  5. Add drawings or messages on the rest of the card.


This craft encourages creativity and can be personalized for family and friends.


High angle view of a colorful pop-up winter card with snowmen and trees
Colorful pop-up winter card featuring snowmen and trees

5. Paper Lanterns


Paper lanterns bring a warm glow to winter nights and are surprisingly easy to make. They can be used as decorations or nightlights, adding a cozy atmosphere to your home.


Materials needed:


  • Colored paper or cardstock

  • Scissors

  • Glue or tape

  • LED tea light (optional)


How to make:


  1. Fold a rectangular piece of paper in half lengthwise.

  2. Cut slits from the folded edge toward the open edge, stopping about an inch from the edge.

  3. Unfold the paper and roll it into a cylinder, securing the edges with glue or tape.

  4. Add a paper handle by attaching a strip to the top.

  5. Place an LED tea light inside for a safe glow.


Kids can decorate the lanterns with stickers, glitter, or drawings before assembling.


Comments


bottom of page