With these pipe cleaner Christmas projects, you and your children can enjoy wonderful holiday entertainment with barely any cleanup afterward!

Twist, curve, and craft your way into the festive spirit with the ultimate holiday-making MVP—pipe cleaners!
When the Christmas rush draws near, bringing a whirlwind of baking, shopping, and decorating, making time for detailed holiday crafts can seem as difficult as catching snowflakes in a net.
That’s where the simple but versatile pipe cleaner comes in, giving parents an easy path to a winter crafting wonderland without the messy aftermath.
Picture having a collection of bright, glittery, wonderfully bendable pipe cleaners—or, as crafting experts call them, chenille stems—right at hand.
Your children can make everything from charming ornaments that sparkle to sweet tabletop decorations guaranteed to make your guests say, ‘Aww!’
Some of these projects do require paint and glue, but the mess is still quite small compared with many other crafts for kids.
Whether you’re an experienced crafter in need of a speedy seasonal project or a busy parent searching for a stress-free activity, these pipe cleaner Christmas crafts can save the holiday.
I’ve searched the North Pole—or perhaps just the internet—to gather more than 30 charming pipe cleaner craft ideas for you.
Gather standard, glittery, striped, textured, and extra-thick pipe cleaners, because we’re about to begin a crafting adventure that’s both vibrant and imaginative.
Let’s make this Christmas more handmade, less untidy, and much more enjoyable. Your creative journey is ready to begin!
Christmas Projects with Pipe Cleaners
Pipe Cleaner Tree Ornaments
1

Elf Ornament
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2

3

Vintage Santa Ornament
Mollie created her own take on a classic Santa ornament that she displays on her desk. Make one yourself using the complimentary printable faces she provides.
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4

Vintage Christmas Tree
Would you like a white Christmas this year? These pale pipe cleaners create the appearance of a snowy tree ornament!
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5

Rudolph Ornament
Do you have a burned-out night-light bulb? Save it to create this adorable little reindeer with googly eyes and a pom-pom nose!
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6

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8

Lovely Pineapples
These pineapple ornaments are crafted from tinsel, or glittery, pipe cleaners. A wreath ornament guide is included as well.
View the Guide
9

Simple Angels
For this simple angel ornament, using a single-colored pipe cleaner is an excellent idea!
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10

Pipe Cleaner Icicle
Create an icicle decoration for your Christmas tree with special glittery gold pipe cleaners and a jewel!
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11

Jingle Bells
Bring a bit of jingle to your tree this year with these pipe cleaner ornaments!
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12

Crystal Icicles
Here is one more idea for an icicle ornament. Discover how children can create these crystal icicles with Borax!
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13

Sweet Lollipops
Twist and coil your pipe cleaners together to form some delightful lollipop ornaments!
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14

Candy Canes
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More Enjoyable Pipe Cleaner Christmas Projects
15

Reindeer from a Wine Cork
View the Tutorial
16

Christmas Tree Craft
It may be hard to believe, but pipe cleaners create this festive tree. Tiny ornaments adorn it, wrapped presents sit beneath it, and a small dog watches nearby!
View the Tutorial
17

Starburst Tree Decoration
Give your tree a brighter finish this season with this fantastic DIY modern starburst topper!
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18

“Merry” Christmas Sign
Intertwine red and white pipe cleaners like candy canes, then form the word “Merry” on this charming vintage-style Christmas sign.
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19

Vintage Sparkle Garland
Bring a touch of nostalgic shimmer to your tree with this garland. Traditional pipe cleaners paired with mercury glass beads create its retro 1950s style!
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20

Poinsettia Art Canvas
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21

22

Festive Table Place Cards
Place a small candy cane monogram at every setting, helping each visitor find their assigned seat!
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23

Wire Word Garland
Along with this golden pipe-cleaner script spelling C’est Noel, Jan created another garland for her tree featuring the words “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire.” Be sure to take a look!
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24

Charlie Brown’s Christmas Tree
Gather the family to watch A Charlie Brown Christmas, then craft your own take on his tree with pipe cleaners and a coat hanger.
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25

Reindeer Treat Bags
Filled with M&Ms, these treat bags are ideal for a children’s holiday table! They also make wonderful presents for neighbors.
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26

Holiday Cards
Invite the kids to help send holiday greetings this year by creating these cards from pipe cleaners and pom-poms.
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27

Holiday Trees
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28

Holiday Pencil Toppers
Discover how to craft Christmas tree and Rudolph toppers for pencils. Place them on your presents, then take them off and enjoy them as finger puppets!
View the Tutorial
29

Pasta Reindeer Figures
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Enjoyed these Christmas pipe-cleaner projects? Be sure to explore these other popular holiday articles as well:
Christmas Perler Beads • Elf on the Shelf • Paper Crafts • Preschool Crafts • Star Crafts