If your heart is already twinkling with Christmas cheer (and mine DEFINITELY is), then you’re going to fall head over heels in love with these super cozy and creative Christmas painting ideas.
From little Christmas trees and snowy cottages to woodland critters and sparkling ornaments, each and every painting idea on this list oozes that big cozy heart-hug feeling we all love and long for this time of year.
So turn on your Christmas music, grab a mug of something hot, (and a blank canvas of course) and let’s dive in for a super cozy painting session….
P.S. Before you get started, be sure to click here to quickly & easily save these awesome Christmas painting ideas to your fave Pinterest board…
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1. Paint a Jolly Christmas Collage on Canvas
Merge together all of your favorite classic Christmas characters in this happy, blocky painting.
From snowmen to reindeer, gingerbread to Santa!
2. Capture the Nativity Under a Starry Night
Paint a serene image in honor of the true Christmas miracle: a holy nativity under a softly glowing star in the sky.
3. Paint Whimsical Highland Cows with Festive Charm
Warm up to a funny, fuzzy little group of highland cows in Santa hats and scarves.
This charming image is sure to bring a touch of farmhouse Christmas cheer to your art collection.
4. Make a Classic Christmas Wreath Painting
This is Christmas art that feels at home in any room.
A traditional wreath design with a red bow and some holly berries is the ideal classic Christmas decoration.
5. Paint a Glowing Christmas Tree in the Snow
This twinkling Christmas tree, painted in acrylics with a hint of white paint and glitters for that special shine, will cast a beautiful glow on your wall this winter.
It’s a simple yet great сhristmas painting that anyone can try!
6. Capture the Cozy Glow of a Winter Cabin
The perfect peaceful painting to make you feel like you’re dreaming of a white Christmas: this beautiful image of a snow-covered cabin with glowing windows is pure winter magic.
7. Paint a Church Scene Filled with Carolers
Take a nostalgic trip down memory lane with this soft and cozy image.
Paint an old church glowing from the inside, and fill the gently snowing scene with joyful carolers.
8. Create a Charming Winter Walk in the City
Paint a wintry scene with Christmas cheer and winter wonder: a snow-covered bridge and tree branches, twinkling lights, and bundled-up families enjoying the crisp air of the modern Christmas cityscape.
9. Paint a Cozy Fireplace Scene with Stockings Hung
Fireplace scene: a painting that would grace Santa’s mantle with ease!
The roaring flames, glowing garlands, and fuzzy cat make this a cozy and comforting Christmas painting.
I just love all the Christmas decorations on the fireplace… so beautiful!
10. Stroll a Snowy Village Street at Dusk
Paint a charming little lane lined with quaint, wreath-topped shop windows and gently flickering lamplight.
Bundle up a horse-drawn carriage for an old-world vibe.
It’s such a lovely idea for capturing the cozy village charm of Christmas past.
11. Paint a Pink Christmas Cottage That Glows with Warmth
This sweet, snowy, pastel home with strings of lights glowing through every window looks like it stepped right out of a dream. P
roving that pink and Christmas truly make the cutest pair.
12. Capture the Peace of a Winter Garden Scene
Paint a serene winter scene with some holly, berries, and a cute little robin perched on the snowy garden wall.
It’s a lovely, nature-inspired Christmas scene.
13. Try a Minimalist Ornament Trio in Watercolor
Experiment with acrylic washes of simple color and watch as they transform into elegant Christmas tree balls.
This simple christmas painting project works wonderfully as a trio of homemade Christmas cards.
14. Paint a Starry Winter Cabin Scene
Paint a cozy little house and glowing window with a crescent moon overhead and snow softly falling.
It’s a simple yet striking image that would be a perfect beginner acrylic project for older children.
15. Create a Glowing Park Tree at Night
Paint a giant Christmas tree sparkling with lights under a bright city sky.
I love the darker shades in this painting!
A wonderful art project for adults that’s sure to remind you of the magic of Christmas in every snowy town square.
16. Add a Touch of Glam with a Gemstone Christmas Tree
Sprinkle your canvas with color and gems for a Christmas tree that’s sure to sparkle with life.
This bold and vibrant project is ideal for those who love to paint with a little more color and sparkle.
17. Paint a Dreamy Watercolor Christmas Tree with Colorful Ornaments
Experiment with loose and flowing watercolor shades for a loose, artsy look.
Add on bright ornaments to complete this beautiful and dreamy painting project.
18. Capture the Charm of a Christmas Chocolaterie
A pink shopfront filled with window boxes, wreaths, and Christmas trees on a snowy city street comes together in this cheery little scene.
It looks like a slice of festive Paris.
19. Paint a Whimsical Snowy Village Under the Stars
Tiny cottages with twinkling lights, dancing snowmen, and a horse-drawn carriage come together in this lively watercolor winter wonderland scene.
It’s full of family-friendly detail and Christmas cheer.
20. Try a Simple Christmas Tree Card in Watercolor
Paint a delicate evergreen shape with ornaments and accents of gold.
It’s a simple yet stunning handmade Christmas card idea.
21. Paint a Sparkling Ornament and Santa Hat Still Life
Paint this darling duo of a shiny red bauble paired with Santa’s soft, fuzzy hat. It’s an easy way to practice painting with light, texture, and that classic Christmas color on canvas.
22. Paint Cozy Christmas Mice by Candlelight
Santa hats on two sweet little mice, a flickering candle, and some gingerbread cookies create such a darling little scene.
Perfect for a homemade Christmas card or as a small cozy painting as a handmade gift to someone special.
23. Try Mini Winter Cabin Watercolor Cards
Loose watercolor washes of snowy cottages with tiny detailed brushwork to bring them to life… this easy watercolor painting makes the perfect set of handmade Christmas cards.
24. Create a Candy-Cane Striped Watercolor Stocking
Paint a simple candy cane striped stocking filled with fresh greens peeking out and delicate splatters of gold.
It’s such a pretty, minimal design with a beautiful finished result.
25. Paint a Retro Car Piled with Presents
A vintage green car topped with colorful gift wraps and fairy lights: playful and nostalgic, it’s ideal for a charming and illustrative Christmas canvas.
Or makes for a fab iconic greeting card, don’t you agree?
26. Make a Palette-Knife Christmas Tree on a Dark Background
Paint a bold Christmas tree on a dark background with thick, textured strokes.
This winter art project is a great way to play with glow and contrast…
and the finished painting would make a stunning statement on your wall for the holidays.
27. Capture a Storybook Woodland Cottage in the Snow
Paint a cozy little home tucked inside a tree with warm light softly spilling onto the snow-covered ground outside.
It’s a perfect winter fairytale painting.
28. Paint a Bold Close-Up Bauble with Vibrant Colors
Zoom in on one glossy ornament sitting among some colorful bokeh lights.
It’s a unique and creative way to practice painting shape, shine, and contrast.
29. Try a Whimsical Winter Squirrel with a Candle
Paint this fluffy little squirrel donning a nightcap and holding a flickering candle.
It’s a wonderful project that would work beautifully for the whole family.
30. Create a “Merry Christmas” Tree Card Using Bubble Wrap
Paint a simple green tree, then experiment with hand-lettering words across the front of the card for a special touch…
I mean, what can be better to recieve at Christmas than lovely hand-made messages?
31. Paint a Snowy Christmas Tree at Sunrise
Capture the serene scene of a snow-covered Christmas tree glowing gently in the soft light of the early morning.
Such a peaceful painting idea to try if you love dreamy landscapes.
The gentle pastel color and shining snowflakes make it feel like a calm Christmas morning before the rest of the house has woken up.
32. Create a Sparkling Gemstone Christmas Tree
Bright, bold colors layered with acrylic paints, then jazzed up with glitter and faux jewels for that luxurious holiday glam look.
A festive hand-made project that would work perfectly for bringing a little Christmas sparkle into your living room this season.
33. Try Wonderful Painted Tree Balls in Watercolor
Simple yet elegant, this watercolor ornament design features overlapping ornaments in deep greens, rich pinks, and blues.
The soft, blended edges make it an easy watercolor painting project for beginners or if you’re just new to watercolor paints.
34. Paint Santa’s Sleigh Ride Through Town
Paint a joyful Christmas village scene from a storybook, complete with jolly Santa Claus with his sleigh full of christmas presents flying across a twinkling bridge under a full moon.
Packed full of festive decorations, this bright and wintery painting idea is a must-try!
Especially if you love bringing whimsy and bold color to your holiday art projects.
35. Capture the Warm Glow of a Classic Tree
Paint this moody golden glow and capture a little bit of nostalgia.
A softly lit Christmas tree standing proudly in a darkened room makes for such a peaceful painting idea and is perfect for cozy winter nights.
36. Paint a Minimal Green Ornament Card
This simple, lovely, handmade card project is sure to make someone’s day.
Paint a single watercolor ornament with subtle gold details and a tied ribbon for a personal touch with your Christmas greetings this year.
Such a simple design but with seriously beautiful results!
37. Paint a Snowy Tree Under the Night Sky
Love darker tones and serene winter scenes? This one is a must for you.
A lone pine tree dusted in snow, standing out against a starry night sky… this one is simple, elegant, and full of that calm Christmas tree spirit we all know and love.
38. Create a Wreath Watercolor Set
Paint a stunning set of cards featuring mistletoe and holly wreaths in deep greens and reds.
It’s a beautiful way to make your own set of unique painted Christmas ornaments. You could also turn them into handmade watercolor greeting cards.
39. Paint the Northern Lights Over a Snowy Cabin
For a little touch of winter magic, this dazzling scene combines cozy, snow-covered cabins with a brightly glowing aurora sky.
It’s the perfect mix of cozy and awe-inspiring: a true Christmas miracle on canvas.
40. Make a Mini Christmas Tree Card
A sweet, simple, and charming watercolor painting of a tiny potted simple Christmas tree.
Add a touch of gold or glitter if you want it to sparkle, then gift it to a loved one as a handmade postcard or attach it to a Christmas present for that extra special touch.
41. Paint Shimmering Pastel Ornaments
Soft watercolor shades and a dusting of glitter give this painting a magical feel.
The light purples and blues are so pretty and frosty. It would make a beautiful, truly original christmas greeting card that sparkles in the light.
42. Capture the Glow of Christmas Lights
There’s something so cozy and inviting about this painting: a close-up of sparkling bulbs tucked into a pine branch, with warm golden light against a dark green background.
It’s that “sitting by the tree with cocoa” feeling we all love in a bottle.
43. Create a Peaceful Snowy Tree Scene
The luminous glow of this Christmas tree is perfect, as it gently casts a soft light against a snowy background.
Snow is falling, and the sky is a soft pastel pink and blue. It’s a beautiful reminder of those serene winter nights and the quiet magic in the air before Christmas Eve.
44. Paint a Classic Christmas Stocking
Hang this glowing red Christmas stocking by the chimney this winter!
A dusting of glitter and golden sparkles make it feel like a throwback to Christmas mornings from our childhood.
45. Paint a Sweet Christmas Angel
Feel the peace as you paint this soft, pastel angel, holding a candle and filling the room with light.
A simple, spiritual touch to your Christmas paintings.
The minimalist design and gentle glow make this cute angel painting project radiate warmth, kindness, and pure holiday spirit.
46. Paint a Polar Bear Under the Stars
A sweet, pastel, and minimal watercolor polar bear gazing up at the twinkling night sky.
A wonderful way to incorporate some nature into your Christmas art collection.
Perfect for the artist who loves quiet, thoughtful, and wondrous paintings.
47. Paint a Cozy Winter Fox
Instantly win over your heart with this darling little fox with a blue scarf around his neck.
The snowy backdrop and soft brushstrokes make it a great beginner-friendly project with just enough coziness and character to stand out.
Don’t you just love unique watercolor greeting cards?
Before You Go...
So there you have it… a whole sleigh full of cozy Christmas painting inspiration to help you spend your winter days in paint and surrounded by all things magical. I hope you’ve found a new painting idea to try for yourself or a loved one in your life.
Whether it’s a snowy village scene for your wall, a luminous Christmas tree on canvas, or a set of sweet handmade cards to send to your friends and family, there is nothing more joyful than brushing a little more color and magic into your day.
So light a candle, pour yourself a warm drink, and let’s fill our days and our hearts with all things joyful and cozy this Christmas. After all, it’s not just about painting something beautiful… it’s about taking the time, soaking in the magic, and creating a little festive memory with your own hands during the holiday season
Wishing you warm holiday hugs and a merry Christmas!