Table of Contents
Printable paper chains Christmas crafts are an easy way to make festive decorations with basic supplies. The printable usually includes paper strips, Christmas patterns, or simple outlines that can be colored, cut, and joined into a chain. Depending on the design, children may create traditional loops or connected shapes such as Christmas trees, stars, snowmen, or reindeer.
This activity is useful for families, teachers, homeschool groups, libraries, Sunday school classes, and holiday party organizers. It works well as a quiet table activity, a group decoration project, or a Christmas countdown. Children can practice coloring, cutting, folding, and sequencing while working toward a decoration they can display. Younger children may need help with scissors and joining the links, while older children can manage most of the project independently.
What You Need
- Printed Christmas paper chain template
- Regular printer paper or lightweight cardstock
- Child-safe scissors
- Glue, tape, or a stapler
- Crayons, colored pencils, or markers
For a more colorful garland, print the template on red, green, white, or pastel paper. You can also print on white paper and let children decorate every strip before assembling the chain.
How to Make a Christmas Paper Chain
- Print the template at 100% or actual size. Do not select “fit to page” unless the pattern is being resized intentionally.
- Color the designs before cutting. This is easier while the strips are still flat.
- Cut carefully along the outside lines. If the template uses connected shapes, leave the joining sections intact.
- For a loop chain, bend one strip into a circle and secure the ends with glue, tape, or a staple.
- Thread the next strip through the first loop, then fasten it. Repeat until the chain reaches the desired length.
- Hang the finished garland across a mantel, classroom bulletin board, doorway, wall, or Christmas tree.
Practical Printing Tips
Use standard US letter paper for most home printers. Cardstock makes sturdier links, but very thick cardstock may be difficult for young children to cut or for some printers to feed. Print one test page first to check the margins, colors, and scale. If the design includes small tabs or narrow cutting lines, use a sharp pair of scissors and provide extra copies.
To make a longer garland, print several pages and mix solid-color strips with patterned ones. For a countdown, make one link for each day before Christmas and remove one link each day. Finished chains are lightweight, so use removable tape or small adhesive hooks when decorating walls and windows.
Where to Find and Print Printable Paper Chains Christmas
Printable Christmas Paper Chain Template
A color-your-own Christmas paper chain activity with decorated and blank printable strips, plus simple assembly instructions.
4 Free Printable Christmas Paper Chain Templates
A printable template set featuring Christmas tree, star, snowman, and reindeer paper chain designs for home or classroom crafting.