The magic of Christmas comes alive through cherished traditions that have been passed down through generations. Families gather around beautifully decorated Christmas trees, exchange thoughtful gifts, sing carols that fill the air with melody, and share festive meals that create lasting memories.
This year, why not add a personal touch to your Christmas celebrations with the ancient art of origami? Paper folding brings a unique charm to holiday decorating that store bought ornaments simply can’t match.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced folder, these 50+ origami Christmas decorations will transform your home into a festive paradise while creating beautiful memories with family and friends.
Christmas Tree
The Christmas tree stands as the centerpiece of holiday celebrations, symbolizing life, hope, and renewal during the darkest days of winter. Today, the Christmas tree serves as the heart of our homes, gathering families together and holding our most treasured ornaments and memories.
We’ll explore four different origami Christmas tree designs that range from simple to spectacular, each bringing its own special character to your holiday display.
1. Origami Easy Christmas Tree
Folding time: 5 minutes
Paper: 15×15 cm
Total steps: 10
Difficulty: Easy, Beginner friendly
This charming simple origami Christmas tree uses a standard 15×15cm square of green paper and takes just 10 easy steps to complete.
Once you’ve mastered the basic folds, grab your favorite colored pencils or markers to add delightful decorations like tiny ornaments, garlands, or a bright star on top. This project is perfect for beginners and makes a wonderful activity for children.
2. Origami Christmas Tree – 3D Version
Folding time: 15 minutes
Paper: 15×15 cm
Total steps: 19
Difficulty: Easy
Step up from the flat version with this stunning 3D origami Christmas tree that truly stands on its own.
Using the same 15×15cm square paper, this design requires 19 steps and involves careful use of scissors to create the layered branch effect. The three dimensional result is remarkably realistic and makes a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday table.
3. Origami Combined Christmas Tree
Folding time: 20 minutes
Paper: 15×15 cm / 13, 1.5×35 cm / 1
Total steps: 20
Difficulty: Intermediate
This impressive modular Christmas tree takes patience but delivers spectacular results. You’ll fold 13 identical units from 15×15cm squares, then combine them to create a two tiered masterpiece.
Remember those origami lucky stars and origami bows we’ll learn later? They make perfect decorations for this tree, creating a cohesive origami Christmas display.
4. Dollar Bill Origami Christmas Tree
Folding time: 20 minutes
Paper: A Dollar Bill
Total Steps: 29
Difficulty: Intermediate
Transform ordinary currency into extraordinary art with this dollar bill Christmas tree.
The 29 step process challenges intermediate folders, but the payoff is incredible. The bill’s proportions create a perfectly shaped tree, and amazingly, the folding process positions the star from the dollar bill right at the tree’s peak. It’s like magic hidden in plain sight.
Christmas Star
The Christmas star holds profound meaning in Christian tradition, representing the Star of Bethlehem that guided the wise men to Jesus. This celestial symbol reminds us of divine guidance, hope, and the light that shines in darkness. In our homes, stars bring that same sense of wonder and spiritual connection to our Christmas celebrations.
We’ll discover six different origami star techniques, each creating its own unique beauty and serving different decorative purposes throughout your home.
5. Origami 3D Star
Folding time: 5 minutes
Paper: 15×15 cm
Total steps: 11
Difficulty: Easy
This delightful 3D five pointed star proves that simple can be stunning. In just 11 steps using a 15×15cm square, you’ll create a dimensional star that catches light beautifully from every angle. These quick little stars are perfect for scattered decoration or as gift toppers.
6. Origami Christmas Star
Folding time: 20 minutes
Paper: 15×15 cm
Total steps: 25
Difficulty: Intermediate
Here’s the classic Christmas origami star that appears in homes worldwide during the holidays. This 25 step masterpiece from a single 15×15cm sheet creates the traditional five pointed star design.
Fold several in coordinating colors and string them together to create stunning garlands that transform any room into a winter wonderland.
7. Gum Wrapper Origami Star
Folding time: 10 minutes
Paper: Gum Wrapper
Total steps: 16
Difficulty: Easy
Don’t throw away those gum wrappers! Transform them into beautiful five pointed stars in just 16 steps.
The metallic finish of most gum wrappers gives these stars a special sparkle that’s completely different from paper versions. They’re perfect for adding unexpected glamour to your tree or creating unique garlands.
8. Easy Sticky Note Origami Star
Folding time: 5 minutes
Paper: 7.5×7.5 cm
Total Steps: 13
Difficulty: Easy
Sticky note stars offer a slightly different approach from the gum wrapper version. Using standard 7.5×7.5cm sticky notes, this 13 step process creates charming little stars perfect for last minute decorating.
9. Origami Lucky Star
All you need: Paper strips (¼ inch width recommended)
The origami lucky star carries a beautiful story of hope and wishes. Legend says that if you fold 1,000 lucky stars and place them in a jar, your deepest wish will come true.
These tiny treasures are folded from thin paper strips and create the most adorable puffy little stars. Try folding them in different colors and sizes to fill clear glass bowls or mason jars for magical Christmas displays that seem to glow from within.
10. Dollar Bill Origami Star
Folding time: 20 minutes
Paper: A Dollar Bill
Total Steps: 26
Difficulty: Intermediate
Designer: John Montroll
John Montroll’s dollar bill star design transforms a simple bill into an elegant five pointed star through 26 carefully crafted steps. Like our dollar bill Christmas tree, this design cleverly uses the bill’s existing elements to enhance the final result.
Christmas Flowers and Plants
Fresh flowers and greenery bring life and natural beauty to Christmas celebrations. While winter might limit our garden options, origami flowers bloom year round and never wilt. This collection of paper botanicals will fill your home with everlasting beauty and vibrant color.
11. Origami Poinsettia Flower
Folding time: 50 minutes
Paper: 15×15 cm/2 7.5×7.5/1
Total steps: 46
Difficulty: Advanced
The poinsettia is Christmas royalty among flowers. These stunning red beauties originated in Mexico and became associated with Christmas through beautiful legends of miraculous blooms.
Creating this origami version requires dedication. Use one red 15×15cm square for the distinctive flower, one green 15×15cm square for the stem, and a smaller 7.5×7.5cm square for the leaves. When assembled, you’ll have a breathtaking poinsettia that rivals any live plant.
Our flower collection doesn’t stop there. We feature many other gorgeous blooms including flat flowers, roses, dollar bill flowers, gum wrapper flowers, carnations, daisies, sunflowers, and olive branches. Each brings its own character to your holiday arrangements.
Visit our complete origami flower collection page to explore dozens more floral possibilities.
12. Origami Pot Plants
Potted plants add a cozy, homey feeling to Christmas decorating. These three origami versions bring that same warmth without any watering required.
Our collection includes elegant orchids, charming cacti, and cheerful tulips. Each pot plant tells its own story and adds personality to mantels, side tables, or window sills throughout your home.
13. Decorative Origami Flower Balls
Kusudama represents one of origami’s most beautiful traditions. These decorative flower balls originated in ancient Japan as herbal medicine balls, but evolved into stunning artistic creations.
Our three kusudama tutorials offer complete flexibility. Start with a single kusudama flower to understand the basic technique. Progress to creating entire flower bouquets that make stunning centerpieces. Finally, master the complete flower ball that transforms any room into an elegant showcase. Each project builds on the previous, creating a natural learning progression.
Christmas Animals
Christmas animals hold special places in holiday traditions and stories. From reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh to doves representing peace, these creatures add whimsy and meaning to our celebrations. Our origami menagerie brings these beloved animals to life through paper artistry.
14. Origami Christmas Reindeer
Folding time: 20 minutes
Paper: 15×15 cm
Total steps: 31
Difficulty: Intermediate
Reindeer are the true heroes of Christmas night, flying through starlit skies to help Santa deliver presents worldwide.
This challenging 31 step design from a 15×15cm square captures the majestic beauty of these magical creatures.
15. Easy Origami Deer
Folding time: 20 minutes
Paper: 15×15 cm / 2
Total Steps: 25
Difficulty: Easy
This gentler approach to deer folding uses two separate 15×15cm squares, one for the front body and one for the rear, then joins them together. The result is a graceful deer that’s much easier to achieve than the single sheet reindeer, making it perfect for folders who want beautiful results without advanced techniques.
16. Easy Origami Dove
Folding time: 10 minutes
Paper: 15×15 cm
Total steps: 21
Difficulty: Easy, Beginner friendly
Doves symbolize peace, hope, and the Holy Spirit in Christmas tradition.
This gentle 21 step design from a single 15×15cm sheet creates an elegant dove that seems ready to take flight.
17. Origami Swan
Folding time: 20 minutes
Paper: 15×15 cm
Total steps: 34
Difficulty: Intermediate
Swans represent grace, beauty, and transformation, fitting perfectly with Christmas themes of renewal and hope.
This 34 step creation from a 15×15cm square challenges intermediate folders while producing an undeniably elegant result.
The swan’s curved neck and proud posture make it a stunning addition to any holiday scene.
18. Origami Penguin
Folding time: 15 minutes
Paper: 15×15 cm
Total steps: 28
Difficulty: Intermediate
Penguins bring winter wonder and playful charm to Christmas celebrations. These delightful Antarctic residents embody the cozy, family centered spirit of the holidays.
The 28 step folding process from a 15×15cm square creates an adorable penguin with distinctive markings that children absolutely love.
19. Origami Bear
Folding time: 10 minutes
Paper: 15×15 cm
Total steps: 27
Difficulty: Intermediate
Bears represent strength, protection, and the comfort of home during winter months.
This 27 step design transforms a 15×15cm square into a charming bear that adds woodland magic to Christmas displays. The bear’s friendly appearance makes it a perfect decoration for children’s rooms or family gathering spaces.
20. Origami Owl
Folding time: 15 minutes
Paper: 15×15 cm
Total steps: 21
Difficulty: Easy
In many traditions, owls represent the wisdom of the season and the watching over of families during the long winter nights.
This 21 step creation from a 15×15cm square produces a dignified owl that adds a touch of natural elegance to your holiday decor.
Christmas Ornaments
Christmas ornaments transform ordinary trees into magical wonderlands and fill our homes with festive spirit. These traditional decorations each carry their own special meaning and add personality to our holiday celebrations.
21. Origami Christmas Bell
Folding time: 5 minutes
Paper: 15×15 cm
Total steps: 18
Difficulty: Easy, Beginner friendly
Christmas bells ring out joy and celebration, announcing the good news of the season.
These charming paper bells folded from 15×15cm squares in just 18 steps bring that same festive sound to your decorations, even if only in spirit.
Their simple elegance makes them perfect for beginners and wonderful for creating matching sets.
22. Origami Santa
Folding time: 8 minutes
Paper: 15×15 cm
Total steps: 15
Difficulty: Easy, Beginner friendly
Santa Claus brings magic and wonder to Christmas celebrations worldwide.
This delightful 15 step design from a 15×15cm square captures Santa’s jolly spirit in simple, recognizable form.
Children love creating their own paper Santa, and these make wonderful additions to cards, gift tags, or tree decorations.
23. Origami Christmas Santa Hat
Folding time: 15 minutes
Paper: 15×15 cm
Total steps: 23
Difficulty: Intermediate
The iconic Santa hat instantly says “Christmas” to everyone who sees it.
This 23 step design from a 15×15cm square creates a perfectly proportioned hat that captures all the festive spirit of Santa’s famous headwear.
Fold several in different sizes to create a family of Santa hats for your holiday display.
24. Origami Christmas Santa Boots
Folding time: 5 minutes
Paper: 15×15 cm
Total steps: 13
Difficulty: Easy, Beginner friendly
Santa’s boots represent his long journey around the world on Christmas Eve.
These adorable 13 step boots folded from 15×15cm squares make perfect companions to your origami Santa.
They’re quick enough to fold several pairs and fun enough to engage children in the Christmas preparation process.
25. Origami Christmas Gloves
Folding time: 5 minutes
Paper: 15×15 cm
Total steps: 19
Difficulty: Easy, Beginner friendly
Christmas gloves keep Santa warm during his chilly Christmas Eve travels.
These sweet little gloves folded in 19 steps from 15×15cm squares complete the Santa outfit collection alongside the hat and boots. They also work beautifully as standalone decorations or gift card holders.
26. Origami Snowflake
Folding time: 20 minutes
Paper: 24×24 cm
Total steps: 31
Difficulty: Advanced
Snowflakes capture the pure magic of winter and the unique beauty of Christmas snow.
This intricate 31 step design requires a larger 24×24cm square and benefits from thin paper that creates delicate details.
When complete, hold your snowflake up to sunlight or a lamp. The translucent paper creates an absolutely breathtaking effect that seems to glow from within.
27. Origami House
Folding time: 15 minutes
Paper: 15×15 cm / 2
Total steps: 22
Difficulty: Easy
A cozy Christmas house represents the warmth of home during the holiday season.
This charming design uses two 15×15cm squares, one for the house structure and one for the roof.
Try using shimmery or metallic paper to create houses that sparkle like they’re covered in fresh snow or glowing with warm light from within.
28. Origami Moon
Folding time: 15 minutes
Paper: 15×15 cm
Total steps: 15
Difficulty: Intermediate
The Christmas moon watches over all the holiday celebrations and lights the way for Santa’s sleigh.
This elegant 15 step design from a 15×15cm square creates a crescent moon perfect for adding celestial beauty to your decorations.
29. Origami Balloon
Folding time: 5 minutes
Paper: 15×15 cm
Total steps: 12
Difficulty: Easy, Beginner friendly
Festive balloons add celebration and joy to any Christmas gathering.
This quick 12 step balloon from a 15×15cm square brings party spirit to your holiday decorations and makes a great project for children learning origami basics.
30. Origami Candy
Folding time: 5 minutes
Paper: 15×7.5 cm
Total steps: 15
Difficulty: Easy
Sweet Christmas candy represents the treats and goodies that make the holidays special.
This delightful design uses a 15×7.5cm rectangle and takes just 15 steps to create realistic looking wrapped candy perfect for decorating or filling bowls as festive accents.
Christmas Wreath
Christmas wreaths welcome guests and spread holiday cheer from the moment they approach your door. These circular symbols of eternal life and the endless cycle of seasons have decorated homes for centuries. We’ll explore two beautiful origami wreath designs that bring this tradition indoors.
30. Origami Christmas Wreath
Folding time: 30 minutes
Paper: 15cm x 15cm / 19
Total steps: 14
Difficulty: Intermediate
This stunning modular wreath requires 18 individual units folded from 15×15cm squares, then assembled into a perfect circle.
The 19th square folds into a decorative bow that completes the wreath’s traditional appearance. The beauty of this design lies in its scalability. Use larger or smaller squares to create wreaths of different sizes for various locations throughout your home.
31. Origami Leaf Wreath
Folding time: 30 minutes
Paper: 7.5cm x 7.5cm / 16
Total steps: 16
Difficulty: Intermediate
Create this stunning seasonal wreath using sixteen 7.5×7.5 cm papers to fold basic leaf units, then arrange them in a circular pattern.
Origami Envelopes for Christmas (6 Ideas)
When you want to send heartfelt Christmas messages to family and friends, a handmade origami envelope adds an extra touch of love and care.
These beautiful paper envelopes show recipients that you’ve put thought and effort into every detail of your greeting. Choose from square envelopes, leaf shaped designs, heart envelopes, simple classic styles, birthday cards, or secret heart message boxes.
Each design offers its own special charm for containing your Christmas wishes. Visit our complete origami envelope collection page for even more creative options to house your holiday greetings.
Christmas Origami Gifts for Mother (4 Ideas)
Christmas gifts for Mom deserve that extra special touch that shows how much she means to you.
Have you thought about what to give her this year? Handmade origami jewelry and accessories create unique, heartfelt presents that no store can match. Consider a delicate diamond ring, a beautiful butterfly ring, a charming heart bracelet, or a simple yet elegant bracelet. Each piece carries the love and time you’ve invested in creating something just for her.
Explore our complete Mother’s Day origami gift collection page for many more ideas that will make her Christmas morning truly special.
Christmas Origami Gifts for Father (4 Ideas)
Christmas gifts for Dad can be both practical and meaningful with origami creations.
Check out our Father’s Day origami gift collection page for a complete selection of projects perfect for the special man in your life. From clothing accessories to useful items, these handmade gifts show your appreciation for everything he does.
Christmas Origami Gifts for Kids (4 Ideas)
Christmas gifts for children become extra magical when they’re handmade with love. Kids appreciate the time and effort that goes into creating something special just for them.
Our children’s origami gift collection page offers numerous creative projects that will delight young recipients and provide hours of entertainment long after Christmas morning.
Origami Boxes for Your Christmas Gifts (8 Ideas)
After folding all these wonderful presents, you need beautiful boxes to present them properly. Our origami box collection includes heart boxes with lids, blossom rose boxes, pyramid boxes, heart boxes, bunny boxes, cat boxes, gift boxes, and rose boxes. Each brings its own style and personality to gift-giving, and many are functional enough to hold real presents.
Visit our complete origami box collection page to discover numerous styles and sizes perfect for housing your Christmas treasures.
Merry Christmas and Happy Folding!
The beauty of origami lies not just in the finished pieces, but in the peaceful moments spent folding, the satisfaction of mastering new techniques, and the smiles that light up faces when loved ones receive your handmade creations.
As you fold your way through this Christmas season, remember that each crease carries your intentions, each completed model holds your care, and every decoration you create adds warmth and personality to your celebrations.
From our origami family to yours, we wish you a Christmas filled with joy, love, and the simple pleasure of creating beauty with your own hands. Merry Christmas and happy folding!