Easy Paper Strip Christmas Tree Craft for Kids [2 Ways!]

We’re always looking for simple Christmas crafts that are fun for kids, easy to prep, and perfect for building memories, especially during those busy December days. One of our favorite activities over the years has been this Paper Strip Christmas Tree Craft! It’s bright, colorful, and easy for even little hands to create.

A finished strip paper Christmas tree craft project showing a tree silhouette filled with layered paper strips in festive red, green, and white patterns, bordered with plaid scrapbook paper; surrounded by scissors, ribbon, and leftover paper strips on a white table.

Last year, we set up a crafting table with all the supplies during our family Christmas party. The kids took turns making their trees and adding their own decorations. Some made theirs tall and skinny, others added big stars, and a few even wrote their names on the “trunk.” It kept the kids happy and creative while the adults visited, and now we hang those trees on the fridge every December.

Whether you need a quick school activity, a Christmas party craft, or something festive to do on a snowy afternoon, this one is a hit!

A handmade Christmas tree craft made from layered paper strips in festive patterns and colors, arranged from longest to shortest on a white background to form a tree shape. The tree is topped with a sparkly red tinsel bow and has a brown rectangular paper trunk at the bottom. A hand with green painted nails holds the paper, and “Merry Christmas” patterned wrapping paper is partially visible beneath it.

Why We Love the Strip Paper Christmas Tree Craft

This Paper Strip Christmas Tree Craft is one of our favorites! We’ve made these with preschoolers during our church Christmas party and even used them as DIY Christmas cards for grandparents. All you need is paper, scissors, and glue, simple supplies for a big dose of holiday cheer. Here are even more reasons to love this craft!

  • Great for preschoolers and elementary kids
  • Helps with fine motor skills
  • Encourages creativity and independence
  • Uses basic supplies you already have
  • Perfect for classroom, church, or home activities

Strip Paper Christmas Tree 2 Ways!

We love the strip Christmas tree so much, we created two different versions for you to love too! The first is using strips of paper that slowly get smaller in size! The second version uses a fun Christmas tree template to create a fun strip paper Christmas tree. Whichever you choose, both will be fun projects!

A handmade strip paper Christmas tree craft made from layered strips of patterned and solid green, red, and white paper arranged in a triangular tree shape, topped with a sparkly red pipe cleaner bow. A paper trimmer and crafting supplies are visible in the background.
A paper Christmas tree craft made from layered strips of patterned paper in red, green, and white colors with holiday designs such as polka dots, stripes, presents, and text like "Fa La La." The tree is outlined in black on a white background with a plaid border. A red-and-white striped bow is attached to the top of the tree. Extra paper strips are scattered in the corner.

Supplies You’ll Need

Crafting setup for a Christmas paper strip tree, featuring a variety of colorful holiday-themed paper strips, green cardstock, a paper trimmer, scissors with yellow handles, and red tinsel garland, all arranged on a “Merry Christmas” patterned background.
  • Construction paper (greens, browns, and any fun patterns or colors)
  • 1 White piece of Cardstock
  • Christmas tree template. Grab below or in our membership
  • Scissors
  • Glue stick or school glue
  • Star stickers, pom-poms, sequins, or other decorations (optional)

How to Make a Paper Strip Christmas Tree (Version 1)

A flat lay of Christmas craft supplies, including a green triangle cut from cardstock, a piece of white paper with a red "Merry Christmas" border, a brown paper rectangle, yellow-handled scissors, a paper trimmer, and a red-and-white ribbon pom-pom partially visible on the left.
A Christmas craft project in progress showing a white sheet of paper with a brown paper rectangle (tree trunk) and a red and green striped paper strip (bottom tree layer) glued on top. Additional supplies, including scissors, a paper trimmer, Christmas-themed scrapbook paper, and a green triangle cutout, are placed around the workspace.
Christmas tree craft setup with a paper trimmer, scissors, and strips of patterned paper spelling 'Merry Christmas.' A partially assembled strip paper Christmas tree made from layered paper strips sits on a white background alongside festive green, red, and striped papers.

Step 1: Cut your paper strips
Cut out several strips of green paper in varying lengths, starting long and gradually making them shorter. These will form your tree layers. I cut my strip 1 inch wide, but you can cut any size. Then cut a small brown rectangle for the tree trunk.

Step 2: Glue the trunk
Glue the brown rectangle at the bottom center of your piece of cardstock paper.

Step 2: Build your tree base
Start by gluing the longest strip near the bottom of your paper. Be sure some of the trunk can be seen. Continue layering the green strips, gradually working up to the smallest at the top to form the shape of a Christmas tree.

A paper Christmas tree craft made from strips of colorful holiday-themed scrapbook paper arranged from shortest to longest, forming a tree shape. The tree is glued onto white cardstock with a brown paper trunk. A paper cutter, green triangle, and other Christmas craft supplies are in the background.
A close-up of a holiday crafting setup featuring a paper trimmer, scissors with orange accents, and multiple strips of patterned paper stacked into the shape of a Christmas tree. The design rests on a white sheet with a “Merry Christmas” background.
A flat lay of a completed paper strip Christmas tree made from colorful festive strips, placed on a white background. Surrounding the tree are crafting tools including a paper cutter, green cardstock, scissors, and a “Merry Christmas” patterned paper.

Step 4: Decorate!
Use star stickers, pom-poms, buttons, sequins, or any festive craft items you like to decorate your tree. Let your child’s creativity shine!

Step 5: Top it off
Don’t forget the star! Use a sticker, a foam star, or cut a star out of yellow paper to place on the top of the tree. You can also use a ribbon like us!

That’s it! You’ve created a colorful and festive paper Christmas tree craft that’s fridge-worthy.

Version 2

To create version two, you will cut out the strips (all the same length) and start layering them at the bottom of a blank piece of cardstock. Layer them on the whole sheet. Once done, cut out the tree template (so that you cut the inside out of the tree. Glue the tree over the strips of paper. Attach a ribbon, pom pom or star to the top of the tree if you prefer.

Printable Christmas tree craft template on a white and plaid background, surrounded by festive paper strips in red and green, scissors, and a paper trimmer.
A hand holding a cut-out Christmas tree template with thick black outlines, placed over a festive red, green, and white plaid background with crafting scissors nearby.
Christmas-themed scrapbook page with a white center bordered by a red, green, and white plaid pattern, and three layered paper strips at the bottom in red, green with polka dots, and solid green.
A Christmas tree craft made from horizontal strips of various festive patterned and solid papers arranged on a white background to resemble a layered Christmas tree. The strips include red, green, and white holiday prints with polka dots, stripes, “Fa La La” text, presents, and metallic gold accents. The design is bordered by a red, green, and white plaid paper.
A festive Christmas craft made from layered strips of patterned paper cut into the shape of a Christmas tree. The tree is filled with horizontal strips in red, green, and white featuring designs like polka dots, stripes, snowflakes, and the word “Fa La La.” It’s outlined in black and topped with a red and white striped ribbon bow. The paper tree is mounted on a white background with a red, green, and white plaid border.
This strip paper Christmas tree craft uses a cut-out tree shape with strips of patterned paper layered behind it, creating a festive striped look. It’s topped with a candy cane–striped bow and backed by a red, green, and white plaid paper. This project is perfect for kids or as a DIY Christmas card idea.

Why We Love This Christmas Craft

  • Simple & Inexpensive: Uses materials you likely already have at home.
  • Great for All Ages: Easy enough for preschoolers but fun for older kids to personalize.
  • Encourages Creativity: Kids can mix up colors, decorations, or even add presents under the tree.
  • Perfect for Classrooms: Quick setup and minimal mess make it ideal for group crafts.

More Christmas Fun on Frosting & Glue

Looking for more easy Christmas crafts for kids? Check out some of our favorites:

You can also browse our entire Christmas crafts collection for festive fun all season long!

FAQs About the Paper Strip Christmas Tree Craft

What age is this paper strip craft best for?
This craft is great for preschoolers (with help) through elementary-aged kids. Even toddlers can enjoy it with pre-cut strips and a little guidance!

Can I use patterned scrapbook paper to make these Christmas trees?
Yes! Patterned or glittery scrapbook paper makes adorable trees and adds texture and variety.

How can I adapt this craft for a classroom?
Pre-cut the strips and provide glue sticks for easier cleanup. Have kids decorate with stickers to avoid mess.

Does this paper tree craft have any learning benefits?
Yes! It strengthens fine motor skills, teaches pattern recognition, and promotes following directions while sparking creativity.

What if I don’t have green paper?
No problem! Let kids make rainbow Christmas trees, use white and silver for a snowy tree, or color plain paper with crayons. You could even watercolor white paper so a fun effect.

Can I turn this into a card or ornament?
Absolutely! Make a mini version on a folded card or glue it onto cardboard and punch a hole to hang it on the tree. When printing the template, reduce the size percentage.

Crafting is such a fun way to make memories during the holidays, and this Paper Strip Christmas Tree Craft is perfect for little hands. It’s creative, mess-free, and leaves you with something sweet to display or gift. Try it at home or bring it to your next holiday playdate or classroom party!

Happy crafting and merry Christmas from all of us at Frosting & Glue!

A handmade Christmas tree craft for kids made from layered strips of patterned red, green, and white scrapbook paper cut into the shape of a tree on white cardstock. The tree is topped with a red and white striped ribbon bow, and rests on a red, green, and white plaid background.

Grab the Printable Template

Want to make this craft even easier? Our Paper Strip Christmas Tree Template is available inside the Print & Play Club membership. It includes:

  • Christmas Tree Outline Template

Join the club to access this and hundreds of other holiday craft templates that make fun effortless!

Click here to become a member and get the template

If you are not quite ready to join, you can grab the template here!

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👉 PS. This printable is waiting for you inside the membership!

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