Christmas Lantern Ideas for Kids

Joan Jul 01, 2026

As the festive season approaches, it's time to start thinking about creative ways to involve your kids in Christmas preparations. One enchanting idea is to create Christmas lanterns together, which not only adds a magical touch to your home but also becomes a cherished family tradition. Here, we've gathered some delightful Christmas lantern ideas for kids that are both fun and safe.

Carton Lantern 🏮
Carton Lantern 🏮

Christmas lanterns are not only a beautiful addition to your holiday decor but also a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with your children while teaching them about craftsmanship, creativity, and the spirit of Christmas. So, let's dive into some captivating ideas that will surely light up your holidays.

Mini Paper Lanterns with printable template - The Craft Train
Mini Paper Lanterns with printable template - The Craft Train

Classic Paper Bag Lanterns

This is a simple and classic Christmas lantern idea that's perfect for young kids. All you need are paper lunch bags, markers, scissors, and battery-operated tea lights.

Star Lantern Craft for Kids
Star Lantern Craft for Kids

First, have your kids decorate the paper bags with festive drawings, such as Christmas trees, snowflakes, or reindeer. Then, carefully cut out designs on the sides of the bag to let the light shine through. Once done, place a tea light inside, and you have a charming lantern ready to brighten up your Christmas path.

Personalized Name Lanterns

Make Magical Christmas Lanterns with Kids
Make Magical Christmas Lanterns with Kids

To make these lanterns extra special, help your kids write their names on the paper bags using colorful markers or paint. You can also add glitter or stick-on gems for an extra touch of sparkle.

These personalized name lanterns can be used as place cards at your Christmas dinner table or hung as decorations in your kids' bedrooms. They'll love seeing their names glowing during the festive season.

Paper Plate Snowman Lanterns

Free Christmas Lantern Template for Children of all ages
Free Christmas Lantern Template for Children of all ages

Another easy and fun Christmas lantern idea is to create snowman lanterns using paper plates. You'll need paper plates, markers, googly eyes, orange construction paper, and battery-operated tea lights.

First, draw and cut out a snowman's face on one paper plate. On another plate, draw and cut out a triangular hat. Then, let your kids decorate the snowman's face with markers and stick on the googly eyes and carrot nose. Once complete, place a tea light inside the bottom plate, and you have a delightful snowman lantern.

Mason Jar Lanterns

Snowman and Snowflake Winter Lantern
Snowman and Snowflake Winter Lantern

Mason jar lanterns are a great way to upcycle old jars and create beautiful, long-lasting Christmas decorations. You'll need mason jars, sandpaper, paint, paintbrushes, battery-operated tea lights, and any embellishments you'd like to add, such as ribbons, stickers, or glitter.

First, help your kids sand the mason jars to prepare them for painting. Then, let them paint the jars with acrylic paint in their favorite Christmas colors. Once the paint is dry, they can decorate the jars with festive embellishments. Finally, place a tea light inside, and you have a stunning mason jar lantern that will add a warm glow to your Christmas evenings.

Mooie lantaarn of lampion voor Sint Maarten knutselen: heel veel ideeën
Mooie lantaarn of lampion voor Sint Maarten knutselen: heel veel ideeën
someone is holding a plastic ornament with a yellow star on it
someone is holding a plastic ornament with a yellow star on it
Lamp – Lantern
Lamp – Lantern
a red lamp is on top of a book and it's hanging from the ceiling
a red lamp is on top of a book and it's hanging from the ceiling
DIY Lantern Snowman Craft For Kids
DIY Lantern Snowman Craft For Kids
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🎄 DIY Christmas Lanterns – Festive Winter Glow in Minutes
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Holiday Craft: Solstice Lantern
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Felinar confecționat din hârtie de calc | Talente de Năzdrăvani
#Shelf decorations
#Shelf decorations
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a miniature house with a christmas tree in it and a sign that reads, what do they do?
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a christmas tree in a glass case with presents under the top and lights around it
Christmas Lantern 3
Christmas Lantern 3
Kid-Friendly and Eco-Friendly DIY Holiday Lanterns
Kid-Friendly and Eco-Friendly DIY Holiday Lanterns
Printable Reindeer Lantern Template
Printable Reindeer Lantern Template
Tischlaternen für Weihnachten
Tischlaternen für Weihnachten
Printable Paper Lantern Template (FREE PDF) - Crafts on Sea
Printable Paper Lantern Template (FREE PDF) - Crafts on Sea
Handmade Xmas Fireplace Scene Lantern With Lights - Etsy
Handmade Xmas Fireplace Scene Lantern With Lights - Etsy
DIY Christmas Lanterns
DIY Christmas Lanterns
Lampionnen voor Sint Katrina - KlasTools
Lampionnen voor Sint Katrina - KlasTools
Lantern Christmas Cards
Lantern Christmas Cards

Star-Studded Mason Jar Lanterns

For a touch of celestial magic, create star-studded mason jar lanterns. You'll need mason jars, gold or silver paint, star-shaped stickers or cut-outs, battery-operated tea lights, and a hot glue gun.

Paint the mason jars with gold or silver paint and let them dry. Then, help your kids arrange and stick the star-shaped stickers or cut-outs onto the jars. Once they're happy with the design, use the hot glue gun to secure the stars in place. Finally, place a tea light inside, and you have a mesmerizing star-studded lantern that will light up your Christmas nights.

Frozen-Inspired Lanterns

Inspire your kids' creativity with these Frozen-themed lanterns. You'll need mason jars, blue and purple paint, paintbrushes, glitter, battery-operated tea lights, and any Frozen-themed embellishments, such as stickers or cut-outs.

Help your kids paint the mason jars with blue and purple paint to create an icy effect. Once the paint is dry, they can add glitter and Frozen-themed embellishments to their lanterns. Place a tea light inside, and you have enchanting Frozen-inspired lanterns that will make your kids feel like they're in Arendelle.

Creating Christmas lanterns with your kids is a wonderful way to spend quality time together while fostering their creativity and imagination. So, gather your materials, put on some festive music, and let the crafting fun begin! As you light up your lanterns this Christmas, you'll not only be adding warmth and beauty to your home but also cherishing precious memories with your loved ones.