Paper Plate Santa Claus Craft for Kids (With free template)

Ho, ho, ho!

Get ready for a fun and easy template craft that turns a simple paper plate into a jolly Santa Claus!

This Paper Plate Santa Claus Template Craft makes creating Santa super easy. Simply print the template, trace the different pieces onto colored construction paper, cut them out, and glue everything together.

Add some cotton for Santa’s fluffy beard, and your cheerful Christmas craft is complete!

This craft is perfect for Christmas activities for kids, preschool classrooms, daycare, holiday parties, or a fun afternoon craft at home.

The template takes care of the tricky shapes, so kids can focus on the fun part – cutting, gluing, and bringing Santa to life!

So, grab your paper plate and Santa template, and let’s get crafting!

Before moving on to the craft, we would appreciate it very much if you would check out our YouTube channel and subscribe to it.

We upload new easy craft tutorials there that are different from what we publish on the blog. Thank you!

What You’ll Need:

Template #33 – Paper plate Santa Claus template (available in our free resource library – get the password by signing up using the form in step 2)
Paper plate
Red construction paper
White construction paper
Black construction paper
Light brown or peach paint
Paintbrush
Scissors
Pencil
Glue
Cotton balls

How to Make a Paper Plate Santa Claus

Step 1: Paint the Paper Plate

paper plate santa claus crafts for kids with free template

Start with a plain white paper plate and peach or light brown paint.

Using a paintbrush, paint the inside of the paper plate with light brown or peach paint. This will become Santa’s face.

Try to leave the outer rim of the paper plate white, as it will help create the base for Santa’s fluffy beard.

Set the paper plate aside and allow the paint to dry completely.

Step 2: Download and print the printable template and make the red pieces

Print out the Santa Claus template.

Note: You can get the template (template #33) from our free resource library. The password to the free library will be sent directly to your email once you enter your details in the form below.

Free printable template for Paper Plate Santa Claus craft

Grab the free printable template (template #33) by filling out the form below.

Once you sign up, you will get access to our resource library, where the template is waiting for you, along with lots of other free printables for kids.

The password will arrive in your inbox within 1 to 2 minutes – if you do not see it, make sure to check your promotions, spam, or junk folder just in case.

Once you have the password, head to the library, download the template, print it on plain white paper, and you can start crafting.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.

Download the free template

to do the Paper Plate Santa Craft

And gain instant access to the exclusive RESOURCE LIBRARY with this file and all other free templates too!

Once subscribed, you will receive our newsletter with details on new craft tutorials and free templates. We respect your privacy. You can unsubscribe at any time.

After printing the template, the next step is to trace the pieces for Santa’s hat, nose, and mouth onto red construction paper, using the template (as shown in the above pic).

Cut them out using scissors and set the red pieces aside for later.

Step 3: Make the White Pieces

Now take a sheet of white construction paper (ours is a different shade).

Using the template, trace the pieces for Santa’s hat trim, pom-pom, and mustache onto the white paper.

And cut out each piece with scissors.

Step 4: Assemble Santa’s Hat

Take the red hat piece and the white hat trim you cut out earlier.

Glue the white trim along the bottom of the red hat.

Next, glue the white pom-pom onto the top of the hat.

Press the pieces down gently and allow the glue to set.

Your Santa hat is ready! 🎅

Step 5: Make Santa’s Eyes

Take the black construction paper and use the template to trace Santa’s eyes.

Carefully cut out the two eye pieces.

Set them aside with the other Santa pieces.

Step 6: Assemble Santa’s Face

Now it’s time to bring Santa’s face to life!

Once the paint on the paper plate is completely dry, glue the two black eyes onto the face.

Then glue the mouth part in place.

Add the white mustache above the mouth, arranging the pieces so they create Santa’s classic mustache.

Next, glue the red nose on top of the mustache.

Press everything down gently and let the glue dry.

Step 7: Attach Santa’s Hat

Take the completed Santa hat and place it at the top of the paper plate.

Position it so the bottom white trim sits just above Santa’s forehead.

Once you are happy with the placement, glue the hat securely onto the paper plate.

Step 8: Add Santa’s Fluffy Beard

Now for the best part – Santa’s fluffy beard!

Take some cotton balls and glue them around the bottom and sides of Santa’s face, leaving his eyes, nose, and mustache visible.

Add more cotton balls until you have a nice, full beard.

You can use smaller pieces of cotton to fill in any gaps and make the beard extra fluffy.

Allow the glue to dry completely.

Your paper plate Santa is done!

The cheerful Paper Plate Santa Claus is ready to spread some Christmas magic!

Ways to use this craft:

Create a festive Christmas decoration to display on classroom bulletin boards, doors, walls, or windows throughout the holiday season.
Use the paper plate Santa craft as a fun Christmas activity for preschoolers, kindergarteners, and elementary-aged children.
Add the finished Santa to a holiday-themed dramatic play area to encourage storytelling and imaginative play.
Include the craft in a Christmas lesson plan to help children practice cutting, gluing, coloring, and fine motor skills.
Display several completed Santas together to create a cheerful Christmas classroom or homeschool display.
Use the craft as a holiday party activity that keeps kids engaged while creating their own festive artwork.

Final Words

And just like that, a plain paper plate has become Santa himself!

This Paper Plate Santa Claus Template Craft is a fun way for kids to practice tracing, cutting, and gluing while creating a cute Christmas decoration. The printable template makes each step simple, and the fluffy cotton beard adds the perfect realistic touch.

We hope you enjoy doing this craft with kids!

More Christmas Crafts:

Explore more Winter Crafts here