In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to make a stunning 3D paper Christmas tree using simple folding and gluing techniques. This Christmas craft is perfect for parents looking for activities that keep kids engaged, anyone wanting budget-friendly holiday decorations, and families creating new December traditions together. Plus, we’ve included a free template and complete video tutorial to make everything super easy.
Perfect for:
- Christmas table centerpieces
- Mantel decorations that won’t break
- Rainy December afternoon activities
- Handmade gifts for grandparents
- Keeping kids busy during holiday break
Project Specifications
Difficulty Level: Beginner-friendly (great first 3D paper project)
Cost: Under $3 (using craft paper you probably already have)
Time: 30-45 minutes
Ages: 6+ years with adult help for cutting, 9+ independently
How to Make Papercraft 3d Christmas Tree
Things You’ll Need
Materials
- Coloured crafting papers
- Pencil
- Craft glue
- Glitter paper (for the star)
Tools
- A pair of scissors
- Ruler (optional)
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Step-by-Step Instructions: 3d Paper Christmas Tree
Step 1: Prepare the Template and Materials
Download and print the free template. Trace the triangle pattern onto your green paper and cut out 16-20 triangles. Cut out the trunk rectangle, two small circles for the trunk ends, one larger circle for the base, and one star from your gold paper.
Pro tip: Stack 2-3 sheets of paper and cut them together if you want to speed this up. Just make sure your scissors are sharp enough to cut through multiple layers cleanly.
Step 2: Fold the Tree Patterns
Take each triangle cutout and fold it in half vertically, making a neat crease down the center.
Step 3: Start Gluing the Tree Layers
Take any two folded triangle cutouts and apply glue on one of the outer half-sides of a folded piece.
Step 4: Join the First Two Cutouts
Carefully attach the glued side of the first triangle to the outer half of the second folded triangle. Press gently to secure.
Step 5: Continue Adding More Layers
Repeat the process by gluing and joining more folded triangle cutouts side by side to build up the tree shape.
Step 6: Complete the Paper Tree Stack
Keep gluing all the folded triangle pieces together until all 16–20 layers are attached, forming a thick folded stack. Apply glue to the outer side of the first or last triangle cutout in your glued stack.
Step 7: Form the 3D Tree Shape
Join the first and last triangle pieces together to close the shape, forming a 3D paper Christmas tree.
Step 8: Make the Tree Trunk Base
Take the brown rectangular cutout and roll it into a cylinder shape. Secure the edge with glue.
Step 9: Seal the Trunk
Attach one of the round cutouts to either end of the paper cylinder to form the trunk’s base.
Step 10: Attach the Tree to the Trunk
Glue the bottom (wider) side of the 3D paper tree onto the closed top of the trunk cylinder.
Attach the round base cutout to the bottom of the cylinder trunk to help your tree stand upright.
Step 11: Finish with a Sparkling Star
Finally, glue the golden star cutout to the tip of the 3D paper tree. Allow the glue to dry completely, and your adorable Paper 3D Christmas Tree is ready to display!
Watch Video Tutorial: DIY 3d Paper Christmas Tree
Love watching and crafting along? We’ve got you covered! Head over to our YouTube channel to watch the full step-by-step tutorial for this Paper 3D Christmas Tree craft.
It’s quick, beginner-friendly, and perfect for getting into the festive mood. Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the bell icon so you never miss a new holiday craft idea!
Tips for Making Better Paper Christmas Trees
Pick the Right Paper Weight – Regular printer paper looks flimsy and won’t hold the 3D shape. Thick cardstock is hard to fold neatly. Craft paper (about 65-80 lb weight) is perfect. If you’re not sure, craft paper from the dollar store works great.
Make Sharp Creases – This is the single most important step. Run your fingernail along every fold to make it super crisp. Weak folds mean your tree looks sad and droopy instead of standing up proud.
Go Easy on the Glue – A thin line is all you need. Too much glue makes the paper wrinkly, takes forever to dry, and sometimes seeps out the edges. Less is more here.
Line Up Your Bottom Edges – As you’re gluing layers together, check that the bottom points all line up. If they’re uneven, your tree will lean like the Tower of Pisa instead of standing straight.
Make Them Different Sizes – Cut your triangles at different scales to make a tree family. A 6-inch tall tree looks cute next to a 10-inch one. Kids love making tiny baby trees and giant parent trees.
Try Different Colors – Dark green, light green, and even blue or white paper all look great. Metallic green paper makes them look extra fancy. You can even do rainbow trees if your kids are feeling creative.
Add Decorations – Once your tree is built, kids can glue on mini pom-poms, sequins, or tiny paper circles as ornaments. Just keep decorations small so they don’t weigh down the paper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular printer paper instead of craft paper?
You can, but I don’t recommend it. Printer paper is too thin and floppy. Your tree will look droopy instead of standing up nice and straight. Craft paper from the dollar store costs about $1 for a pack and makes a huge difference in how the final tree looks.
Q: How many triangles do I really need?
16 triangles is the minimum for a tree that actually looks full and 3D. 20 triangles looks even better and makes a thicker, sturdier tree. You can go up to 24 if you want a really full tree, but after that it gets bulky and hard to close into a circle.
Q: My tree keeps leaning to one side. How do I fix it?
This happens when your bottom edges aren’t lined up evenly. You can try gently pulling it straighter, or you can prop it against something until the glue fully dries and hardens. For next time, check alignment as you’re gluing each layer.
Q: What size should my triangles be?
The template in our free download works great for a tree that’s about 8 inches tall. If you want a smaller tree, shrink the template to 75% when you print it. For a bigger tree, print at 125%. Just keep the proportions the same.
Q: Can younger kids do this craft?
Kids around 9 or 10 can usually do the whole thing independently. For ages 6-8, they’ll need help with the cutting and probably with closing the circle in step 6. The folding and gluing parts are totally doable for them though.
Q: How do I store these trees between years?
Wrap them gently in tissue paper and store in a box. Don’t stack heavy things on top or they’ll get squished flat. They’ll keep for years if you’re careful with them.
Q: What if I don’t have gold glitter paper for the star?
Regular yellow paper works fine. You can also color a white star with gold or yellow marker, or even skip the star completely and leave the tree top as is. Some kids like gluing a small pom-pom on top instead.
Q: My glue is seeping out between the layers. What am I doing wrong?
You’re using too much glue. Try a thinner line next time, like the width of a pencil line. The layers only need a tiny bit to stick together. Bonus: Less glue also means faster drying time.
More Christmas Tree Crafts You’ll Love
If you enjoyed making this 3D paper Christmas tree, here are other holiday tree projects to try:
More Christmas Tree Ideas:
- DIY Mini Felt Christmas Tree – Soft fabric version that’s perfect for little hands
- Yarn Wrapped Christmas Tree Ornament – Hang these on your actual Christmas tree
- Easy Origami Christmas Tree – Another paper version with a different folding technique
Share Your 3D Paper Christmas Trees
We absolutely love seeing your finished trees. When your family makes these, share photos on social media and tag us with #thecraftaholicwitch so we can celebrate your creativity.
Creative variations we’d love to see:
- Rainbow trees with different colored layers
- Miniature tree families with different sizes
- Decorated trees with tiny paper ornaments
- White or silver trees for a winter wonderland theme
Final Thoughts
Creating this 3D paper Christmas tree is more than just a craft. It’s a chance for kids to build confidence, practice following instructions, and make something beautiful they can actually be proud of showing off.
As a mom and craft enthusiast, I love projects like this because kids stay focused from start to finish. They see their flat triangles transform into something three-dimensional and impressive, and that sense of accomplishment? That’s what builds lifelong confidence in their creative abilities.
So grab some craft paper, print that free template, and watch your kids’ faces light up as their Christmas trees take shape.
Keep crafting, keep learning, and keep creating those precious holiday memories!
Happy Crafting!
#thecraftaholicwitch
