The holiday season is the perfect time to bring families together for creative activities. Painting projects are fun for kids, encourage self-expression, and create lasting memories. Here are some simple and festive painting ideas to get your little artists involved in the magic of the holidays.
1. Hand-Painted Ornaments
Let your kids personalize your tree this year with hand-painted ornaments! Start with clear or plain ceramic ornaments or tree cookies and let their imaginations run wild. Use acrylic paints for bright, lasting colors, and consider adding glitter for an extra sparkle.
Tip: Lay down newspaper, parchment paper or a plastic tablecloth to keep the mess manageable.
2. Festive Finger Painting
Nothing beats the joy of finger painting for younger children! Set up a station with washable paints and encourage them to create holiday-themed art. They can design their own snowflakes, trees, or even reindeer! Make sure to buy Strathmore Finger Painting Paper. It is available from a variety of suppliers. The U.S. brand paper is built with bleed-resistant technology, which means the paint will not blot or ruin the pages beneath it. And the paint will glide nicely on the paper.
Idea: Frame their masterpieces as unique holiday decorations or gifts for grandparents. Or use it as wrapping paper!
3. Painted Holiday Cards
Skip the store-bought cards this year and have your kids paint their own! Use watercolor or tempera paints on heavy cardstock to create snowmen, wreaths, or holiday scenes. Add a personal touch with handwritten messages inside. Or create one card design, scan it into your computer and upload to Canva to have the cards printed. Order the envelops as well! 
4. 5-Minute Swap Painting
Turn painting into a game! Give everyone five minutes to paint their version of a snowman, gingerbread house, or holiday scene. Swap paintings afterward for more fun and have the person add his touch to the painting. Keep rotating the paintings around. Then after an hour see the amazing pieces of art.
An example of a girl's weekend 5-minute swap painting. We used Nova Color acrylic paints - known for their full body and brightness.
5. Decorate with Painted Rocks
Take a nature walk to collect smooth stones, then transform them into festive decorations. Paint them as Santa, snowmen, or candy canes, and place them around the house or if you live in a warm climate place in the garden for a unique holiday touch.
6. Get Creative with Our Painted Bird Kits
Are you looking for a more structured activity? Try one of Caron Designs’ Painted Bird Kits! These all-in-one kits are perfect for family time and include everything you need to create beautiful keepsakes. A great activity for any age.
Make the Holidays Magical with Art
Painting activities spark creativity and offer a chance to unplug and connect as a family. Whether it’s a quick swap and paint project or an afternoon of ornament painting, the memories made during these moments will last far beyond the holiday season.
What are your favorite painting activities during the holidays? Share your ideas in the comments below!
