A Christmas tree is one of the most iconic holiday drawings, and Parikshet's version goes beyond the basic triangle — adding layered branches, decorations, star topper, and wrapped gifts underneath for a complete festive scene.

🖍️ What You Need

  • Pencil and eraser
  • Green marker (two shades if possible)
  • Star colour — gold or yellow
  • Red, blue, and silver for baubles
  • Brown for the trunk

How to Draw a Christmas Tree Step by Step

  1. Draw the trunk — a short, wide rectangle at the bottom centre.
  2. Draw the bottom tier — a wide triangle resting on top of the trunk. This is the lowest and widest section.
  3. Add the middle tier — a narrower triangle sitting above the first, overlapping slightly.
  4. Add the top tier — the narrowest triangle at the top, coming to a sharp point.
  5. Draw the star topper — a five-pointed star at the very top of the tree.
  6. Add baubles — round ornaments hanging from branches, in different colours. Add a small cap and loop at the top of each.
  7. Draw lights — small oval shapes strung in a zigzag pattern across the tree.
  8. Add presents — two or three wrapped gift boxes with ribbons and bows underneath the tree.
  9. Colour and shade — darker green on the underside of each branch tier, lighter green on top.
💡 Parikshet's Tip: Drawing the tree in three separate triangular tiers (instead of one big triangle) immediately makes it look more like a real layered Christmas tree. The overlapping tiers are what creates that fluffy, multi-branch look.

How to Draw Christmas Tree: Step-by-Step for Kids

Get your pencil ready! Follow these easy steps and you'll have an amazing Christmas Tree drawing in no time.

What You'll Need

  • Pencil (HB or 2B)
  • Eraser
  • White drawing paper
  • Black marker (optional, for outlines)
  • Coloured pencils or crayons

Step-by-Step: Drawing a Christmas Tree

Step 1: Sketch the Basic Outline

Begin with a very light pencil sketch of the Christmas Tree's overall shape. What is the biggest, simplest shape that describes it — a rectangle, oval, or triangle?

Step 2: Add the Main Structure

Build on the basic outline by adding the main structural elements of the Christmas Tree. Break it down into simple geometric shapes.

Step 3: Draw the Key Features

Add the most important identifying features that make this recognisably a Christmas Tree. These are the details that someone would notice first.

Step 4: Add Secondary Details

Now add the secondary details — textures, patterns, smaller parts. These build up the drawing gradually and give it character.

Step 5: Refine the Outline

Go back to the outline and refine any shapes that don't look right. Compare the proportions to a reference image if you have one.

Step 6: Add Depth with Lines

Add shading lines or cross-hatching on the darker side of the Christmas Tree to create the impression of three dimensions.

Step 7: Trace with Marker

Once happy with your pencil drawing, carefully trace the final lines with a black marker or pen. Let it dry, then erase all pencil marks underneath.

Step 8: Colour Your Drawing

Apply colour to your Christmas Tree, working from the largest areas first. Leave white areas uncoloured — the paper's white works as your lightest tone.

Colouring Your Christmas Tree

Use real reference images as a guide for the Christmas Tree's colours. Start with a base colour and add darker shading on one side to give a 3D feel.

Tips from Parikshet

  • Break the Christmas Tree into simple shapes first — even complex subjects are just combinations of circles, rectangles, and triangles!
  • Don't try to make it perfect on the first try — Parikshet always does at least two practice sketches before the final drawing.
  • Practice makes perfect — try drawing it again tomorrow!