Christmas is the season of sparkle, laughter, and creativity — and what better way to spread holiday cheer than with festive face paint? Whether you’re planning a Christmas party, looking for fun activities for kids, or simply want to add a magical touch to your celebrations, these easy Christmas face paint ideas are perfect for beginners.
From Frosty the Snowman to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, these step-by-step tutorials make it simple to transform little faces into festive favourites. With designs including an Ice Princess, Santa hat, and playful penguin, you’ll find inspiration for every festive occasion.
Face painting at Christmas isn’t just about the look, it’s about creating joyful memories, encouraging imagination, and adding a splash of colour to the season. So grab your brushes, sprinkle on some glitter, and let’s dive into these fun and easy holiday face paint designs that will keep kids smiling and you feeling merry.
6 Easy Christmas Face Paint Ideas for Kids
Frosty Snowman
Do you want to build a snowman? This cheerful Frosty Snowman design is a quick three-step tutorial that brings winter wonder straight to your face.
Step 1:
Start by sponging white paint across the forehead and down the nose.
Step 2:
Using orange paint, add your snowman's nose. Paint in the snowman's eyes, mouth, and coal buttons with black paint.
Step 3:
Finally, add some small stars to each side of the face using blue paint, and dots using white paint.
Ice Princess
Step into a frosty fairytale! With shimmering snowflakes and icy sparkle, this magical Ice Princess look is perfect for little royals.
Step 1:
Start by sponging sparkle blue paint across the forehead and dab silver paint onto the cheeks.
Step 2:
Paint a crown and add some decoration with white on the forehead.
Step 3:
With a fine brush and black paint, outline the design in the middle of the crown. Finally, add some white snowflakes and highlights.
Santa Hat
Ho ho ho! This jolly Santa Hat design is a simple three-step way to keep the holiday spirit shining bright.
Step 1:
Using a brush and some red paint, draw a large, thick arc that runs across the forehead and curves under the right eye. This will form Santa's hat, so it can be a bit uneven and rumpled like fabric.
Step 2:
Take a clean brush with some white paint and draw a thick stripe just above the eyebrows and touching the red of the hat. Then draw a white pom-pom on the red tip underneath the eyes. To make the white parts look extra fuzzy, you can go over them with a sponge covered in white paint.
Step 3:
Finally, use a thin brush and some black paint to outline the hat and white fur.
Festive Swirl
Twirl into Christmas magic! This swirling snowflake-inspired design is quick, easy, and guaranteed to add sparkle to the season.
Step 1:
Using a brush and some white paint, add a snowflake in between the eyes.
Step 2:
Create swirls of blue, purple, and white by painting a crescent shape over one eye and under the other eye.
Step 3:
Finally, add curls of white at the end of each swirl. Paint lots of stars, dots, and sparkles to create a festive swirl!
Penguin
Cool, cute, and oh-so-festive! This playful penguin face paint is the perfect chilly companion for holiday fun.
Step 1:
Using a sponge and some white paint, draw two thick arches at the top corners of the browline. Then draw an inverted triangle between the eyes. Now take a brush and black paint and draw a thick line at the top of the triangle. Then outline the white arch on the right and bring the stripe right down onto the cheek. Do the same with the other one, then take a sponge and some yellow, dabbing the colour on the triangle tip.
Step 2:
Create swirls of blue, purple, and white by painting a crescent shape over one eye and under the other eye.
Step 3:
Finally, add curls of white at the end of each swirl. Paint lots of stars, dots, and sparkles to create a festive swirl!
Reindeer
Dash into the holiday spirit with this adorable reindeer look. In just three steps, you’ll be ready to prance through the festivities — add a red nose for a Rudolph twist!
Step 1:
Using light brown paint, outline the deer shape over the face, leaving a large gap around the eyes. Fill this in with either a large brush or sponge.
Step 2:
With white paint, paint the inside of the ‘ears’, outline the gap around the eyes and down to the nose. Paint white on the nose and then with a dry sponge blend this upwards.
Step 3:
Finally, add curls of white at the end of each swirl. Paint lots of stars, dots, and sparkles to create a festive swirl!
Top Tips for Using Snazaroo Face Paint
- Test first: If painting sensitive skin, do a small patch test to ensure comfort.
- Prep the skin: Make sure the face is clean and dry before painting.
- Layer lightly: Snazaroo paints are highly pigmented. Start with thin layers and build up for a more vibrant colour.
Face Paint FAQs
What is the easiest Christmas face paint for beginners?
The easiest designs are simple shapes like a Santa Hat or Frosty Snowman. With snazaroo paints, you only need a few colours and three quick steps to create a festive look that's perfect for kids and beginners.
How long will the face paint last?
Snazaroo face paints are water-based, so they last for several hours of festive fun, but can be easily removed with soap and water. Perfect for parties without the worry of lingering stains.
Can kids wear face paint all day?
Yes, Snazaroo paints are dermatologically tested, fragrance-free, and gentle on sensitive skin. They’re safe for children to wear throughout the day, though it’s best to remove before bedtime.
How do I remove Snazaroo face paint?
Simply use warm water and mild soap. Snazaroo is designed to wash off easily without scrubbing, making cleanup quick after the fun.
Enjoy Glitter and Giggles
Now you have six easy Christmas face paint ideas to make your celebrations extra magical. Whether you’re painting Frosty, twirling into festive swirls, or transforming into Rudolph, these designs are all about fun, creativity, and holiday cheer. So grab your paints, gather your loved ones, and let the festive faces begin. Merry Christmas and happy painting!
