Festive Elf Crafts: Fun Christmas Art Projects for Kids

Every year, our home fills with Christmas magic when our cheeky elves, Max and Tinsel, arrive. For my two girls, ages 9 and 11, the elves aren’t just visitors, they’re part of the family, bringing laughter, mischief and plenty of fun.

This year, we will be combining their arrival with Christmas art activities, turning the excitement into creative fun. Here are some of the things we will be doing.

Elf Portraits & Welcome Letters

The girls draw their version of Max and Tinsel and write welcome letters. They love imagining the elves’ personalities, especially Max’s cheeky grin, Tinsel’s twinkling eyes and if we have time we might even create tiny outfits with felt and glittery paper.

DIY Elf Accessories & Ornaments

We craft miniature scarves, hats, and ornaments for the elves. Using ribbon, beads, and paper, my girls experiment with textures and colours, while making decorations that double as keepsakes for our tree. This is perfect for a wintery cold day in front of the fire.

Elf Mischief Maps

The girls draw playful maps of where Max and Tinsel might hide or what funny antics they might get up to, turning the elves’ adventures into mini art-scavenger hunts. They love to predict and they are so pleased if their guess is correct.

Why It Works

These activities are more than crafts, they’re storytelling, skill-building, and memory-making. By pairing elf visits with art, the girls practice creativity, design, and self-expression in a festive, personal way.

If you’d like to bring a similar mix of holiday magic and structured creativity into your home, check out my art lesson plans designed for primary-aged children: The Art Room Shop.