Christmas Tree Drawing: Step-by-Step Tutorial & Easy Ideas

Want to draw a Christmas tree that actually looks right? Start with three stacked triangles over a small rectangle trunk and build from there. This page covers the full process — six steps from first line to finished drawing — followed by Christmas tree drawing ideas in every style: easy, cute, realistic, and a few you probably haven't tried.

  • Difficulty Easy
  • Time ~10 min
  • Tools Pencil, eraser, paper
  • Starts with three stacked triangles over a small rectangle trunk
Christmas Tree drawing — hand-drawn Christmas tree illustration with ink lines and soft colors
Christmas Tree drawing — hand-drawn Christmas tree illustration with ink lines and soft colors

How to Draw a Christmas Tree Step by Step

How to draw a Christmas tree step by step — 6-step Christmas tree drawing tutorial grid
How to draw a Christmas tree step by step — 6-step Christmas tree drawing tutorial grid
  1. Stack three triangles

    Draw a small triangle, then a wider one overlapping its bottom, then a third wider still — like a pine wearing three skirts.

  2. Wave the edges

    Retrace each triangle's bottom edge as a wavy line of drooping branch tips, and soften the straight sides with small notches.

  3. Add the trunk and pot

    A short rectangle trunk under the lowest tier, planted in a simple pot or a snow mound.

  4. Hang the garland

    Two or three curved swag lines sweeping across the tiers — they instantly give the tree roundness.

  5. Decorate

    Circle ornaments hanging below the garland lines, a handful of small lights, and one candy cane or gift tucked at the base.

  6. Crown it with the star

    A five-point star on top, a few sparkle marks around it, and light shading on one side of each tier for depth.

Christmas Tree Drawing Ideas to Try Next

Once the basic Christmas tree clicks, run it through these variations — each one practices a different skill while staying on a subject you already know.

  • A tree with presents avalanche

    The tree buried to its middle tier in gift boxes of every size — great wrapping-pattern practice.

  • A cat climbing the tree

    The annual disaster: your tree with a cat halfway up, one ornament mid-fall.

  • Minimal line-art tree

    The whole tree as one continuous zigzag line ending in a star — modern card material in ten seconds.

  • A gift-tag sized mini Christmas tree

    Design it small and simple enough to draw twenty times on gift tags.

  • A Christmas tree greeting-card design

    Center the Christmas tree, add a hand-lettered greeting and a simple border — an actually usable drawing.

  • Kawaii Christmas tree with a face

    The cute-ify formula: dot eyes, blush circles, tiny smile on your Christmas tree.

  • Christmas tree in a snow globe

    Draw a circle, put the Christmas tree inside, add a base and floating flakes — instant keepsake feel.

  • A Christmas tree garland or pattern

    Repeat small Christmas tree drawings along a string or in rows — decoration you can actually put up.

Christmas Tree Drawing Styles: Easy, Cute & More

Easy Christmas tree drawing — easy style Christmas tree sketch

Easy Christmas Tree Drawing

Try a simplified version built from basic shapes — perfect for beginners and kids. Same six steps as above — simply simplify or stylize the final pass.

Tips for Better Christmas Tree Drawings

  • The garland goes first, ornaments second: swag lines establish the tree's 3D roundness, and ornaments hanging just below them automatically sit 'on' the branches instead of floating.
  • Holiday palettes are part of the drawing: commit to the expected colors boldly rather than muddying them.

Not feeling the Christmas tree today?

Let the generator pick your next subject — filtered by mood and difficulty.

🎲 Random Drawing Generator

Christmas Tree Drawing FAQ

What is the easiest way to draw a Christmas tree?

Start with three stacked triangles over a small rectangle trunk, keeping your lines light. Refine the outline, add the defining details, then erase the construction shapes. The six-step method above breaks this down — most people get a recognizable Christmas tree on their very first try with it.

How long does a Christmas tree drawing take?

A simple Christmas tree drawing takes about 10 minutes following this tutorial. A quick doodle version can be done in two or three minutes, while a detailed, fully-shaded study might take an hour. Speed comes with repetition — the second attempt is always faster than the first.

What supplies do I need for Christmas tree drawings?

Just a pencil, an eraser, and any paper. An HB pencil for construction lines and a 2B for final outlines is a nice upgrade, and colored pencils or markers finish it off — but nothing on this page requires special supplies.

Is a Christmas tree easy to draw for beginners?

Yes — the Christmas tree is one of the friendlier subjects for beginners, and this method was written for first-timers. Kids can follow the same steps; just expect wobblier lines and more charm.