Nothing says Christmas crafts quite like turning simple popsicle sticks into something magical for the tree. This kids popsicle stick sleigh DIY is a sweet little project that doubles as a popsicle stick sled ornament for your Christmas tree or a playful prop for small world play.

Whether you’re crafting with a whole class, a scout group, or just one excited little maker at the kitchen table, this popsicle stick sleigh craft is the perfect way to slow down, make something with love, and add homemade charm to your holiday decorations. If you enjoy popsicle stick Christmas crafts, this one is a keeper. It’s sturdy, colorful, and easy to adapt, so you can create a sleigh out of popsicle sticks in any style you like.

santas sleigh popsicle stick christmas craft

You can keep this as a freestanding popsicle stick sled, glue on ribbon to hang it as a sled ornament, or even add a small printed photo to make popsicle stick ornaments with pictures for grandparents. Kids will love building their own stick sleds and choosing the gift colors, and grown ups can lean into the relaxing paint and assemble time too. This makes an adorable keepsake year after year on the tree.

Materials for your Popsicle Sled Ornament

For this popsicle stick sled craft you only need popsicle sticks, construction paper, scissors, glue, yellow and red paint, and a paint brush. If you want it to become a popsicle stick sled ornament, add a short loop of ribbon or twine at the end.

The popsicle sticks form the sleigh body and runners, the paint brings in that classic Santa red with cheerful yellow runners, and the construction paper turns into tiny presents and a strand of lights. Simple supplies, huge payoff for your Christmas decorations with popsicle sticks.

Step by Step How to Make a Santa Sleigh Out of Popsicle Sticks

Ready to build your sleigh popsicle stick style. Here’s how to make a Santa sleigh out of popsicle sticks. Little hands can help with the painting and gluing, while an adult can handle the snips.

Popsicle Stick Christmas Sleigh Craft

Turn simple popsicle sticks into Santa’s bright red sleigh filled with gifts and holiday cheer! This fun and easy Christmas craft is perfect for kids of all ages and makes an adorable popsicle stick sled ornament to hang on your tree.

Materials

Popsicle sticks
Construction paper in different colors
Scissors
Glue
Yellow and red paint
Paint brush

Tools

Printer for template if using

Instructions

Prepare five popsicle sticks and paint it red.
Cut one popsicle stick into three then two popsicle sticks in half.
Paint two popsicle sticks yellow.
When it is dry, draw curves in one popsicle stick using a marker.
Assemble the popsicle sticks in a Santa sleigh as shown in the picture.
Cut out your gift shapes in colored construction paper using the templates.
Assemble the templates as gifts just as shown in the picture, using a glue stick
then attach it to the popsicle stick sleigh
Cut out light bulb shapes from colored construction paper
Lastly, attach the light bulbs on the curves to complete your string of Christmas lights.

This is a fun way to explore design and building skills. Kids can experiment with different layouts for their stick sled, try wider or narrower tops for their popsicle stick sleds, and play with color combinations.

If you want to turn this into popsicle stick ornaments for kids, glue a ribbon at the back before the final dry. If you’re crafting with toddlers, pre cut pieces so they can focus on paint, press, and stick.

Older kids and teens can add glitter, names, or a tiny tag to turn it into a popsicle stick sleigh ornament gift for a family member. And yes, a popsicle stick sleigh for adults totally counts as self care crafting time.

Download the Santa Sleigh PDF Template

You can grab our free printable template to make your own popsicle stick Santa sleigh at home or in the classroom. The PDF includes the sleigh accessories like the colorful gifts and string of lights, ready to cut out and glue. It’s the easiest way to get perfect shapes and bring your popsicle stick sled craft to life. Download and print on regular paper or light cardstock, and you’re ready to start crafting.

Terms of use: Our popsicle stick sleigh craft template is free for personal use and classroom use.

That’s it. A classic popsicle stick Santa sleigh that feels festive on the tree and lovely as a tabletop decoration. Between the bright paint, the tiny paper gifts, and the twinkly light detail, this craft stick ornament brings all the Christmas spirit in a small, sturdy package.

Make one each year and watch your collection of craft stick ornaments grow. If you’re hooked on Christmas decorations with popsicle sticks, keep going with a popsicle stick Christmas tree, popsicle stick snowflakes, and a popsicle stick Santa sleigh fleet.

Another way to make a sleigh: Fun Paper Plate Santa and Sleigh Craft, That Really Moves

Fun Paper Plate Santa and Sleigh Craft, That Really Moves

More Popsicle Stick Christmas Crafts

If you loved making this stick sled, try more popsicle stick Christmas ornaments next. You can craft a popsicle stick Christmas tree with buttons as baubles, geometric popsicle stick snowflakes, a popsicle stick Santa, or frame style popsicle stick ornaments with pictures. These craft stick Christmas ornaments use the same core supplies, so it’s easy to set up one station and let kids rotate through projects. They make wonderful little keepsakes for the tree year after year.

Christmas Popsicle Stick Crafts For Kids

More Christmas Crafts for Kids

We have lots of easy Christmas crafts to keep the fun going all season long. From paper garlands and handprint cards to cardboard gingerbread houses and simple watercolor gift tags, there’s something for every age and attention span. Set out a tray of materials, invite kids to create, and enjoy that cozy making time together.

Simple Christmas crafts for toddlers

If you enjoyed this popsicle stick sled ornament tutorial, please share this post with a friend or teacher who loves simple Christmas popsicle stick crafts. Pin it to your holiday board or share on social media so more little makers can join the fun.

Materials for your Popsicle Sled Ornament

Step by Step How to Make a Santa Sleigh Out of Popsicle Sticks