12 DIY Christmas Costumes That Are Easy to Make

DIY Christmas costumes save money and let you build an outfit that fits the party exactly. Most of these use felt, cardboard, and a few basics from the craft drawer. You do not need a sewing machine for the simple ones. These twelve DIY Christmas costumes work for school plays, office parties, and family photos. Pick one, gather your materials, and give yourself an evening to put it together.

In this post: 12 ideas

Felt Christmas tree tunic
Cardboard gingerbread house costume
Red and green elf vest and hat
Snowman sweatshirt costume
Reindeer antlers and brown cape
Giant wrapped gift box
Candy cane striped tabard
Paper star gold cape
Round ornament costume
Nutcracker cardboard vest
Holly leaf shoulder cape
Christmas pudding felt poncho

1. Felt Christmas tree tunic

DIY Christmas costumes idea, felt Christmas tree tunic

Cut a large felt triangle and slip it over the head like a poncho. Layer green felt in rows for a branch effect. Stitch or glue the shoulders closed.

Add felt ornaments, a star headband, and a brown band at the base for the trunk. Battery string lights can tuck into the folds. This is a favorite felt costume to make.

2. Cardboard gingerbread house costume

Cardboard gingerbread house DIY Christmas costume

Build a box from a large carton and cut a face hole in the roof front. Paint the walls brown and add white trim along the edges.

Glue on paper gumdrops and candy canes for the roofline. Straps inside hold the box on the shoulders. Keep the base open so walking stays easy.

3. Red and green elf vest and hat

Sew or glue a simple green felt vest with scalloped edges and red trim. Add gold buttons down the front.

Pair it with a pointed felt hat and a bell on the tip. Striped socks finish the look. This is one of the fastest DIY Christmas costumes on the list.

4. Snowman sweatshirt costume

Start with a white sweatshirt and add three large black felt circles for coal buttons. Glue an orange felt carrot nose to a headband.

A black top hat and a bright scarf complete it. White leggings keep the color consistent. Kids can pull this together in under an hour.

5. Reindeer antlers and brown cape

Reindeer antler headband and brown cape costume

A brown cape and an antler headband carry this costume on their own. Add a red pompom nose and a few felt ear shapes.

Brown leggings and a tan shirt keep it simple. A small bell collar adds sound. This look works for all ages.

6. Giant wrapped gift box

Giant wrapped gift box Christmas costume

Wrap a sturdy cardboard box in bright paper and cut holes for the head and arms. Add a large fabric bow on top.

Use suspenders inside to hold the weight. Keep the box light so it stays comfortable. Boxy outfits like this read well in photos.

7. Candy cane striped tabard

Cut two long white felt panels and join them at the shoulders. Add red diagonal stripes with tape or fabric paint.

A red and white striped hat ties it together. Red tights keep the theme going. This tabard slips on over any shirt.

8. Paper star gold cape

Make a large five-point star from gold cardboard and attach it behind the shoulders. A gold cape hangs underneath.

Add a star headband and gold leggings for a full look. Metallic paper catches the light well. These glowing DIY Christmas costumes suit a school nativity scene.

9. Round ornament costume

Use a round laundry basket frame or a hoop skirt as the base and cover it in shiny fabric. Add a cardboard cap on top for the ornament hook.

Pick one bold color so the shape stays clear. Suspenders hold the frame at the waist. This works well as a group costume.

10. Nutcracker cardboard vest

Cut a red cardboard vest and add gold trim and round buttons. A tall black hat with gold details sits on the head.

Rosy cheek circles and a drawn mustache finish the face. White gloves add a formal touch. Stiff fabric holds the shape better than felt here.

11. Holly leaf shoulder cape

Cut several green felt holly leaves and sew them onto a short shoulder cape. Add clusters of red felt berries.

A simple green dress or shirt sits underneath. A berry hair clip matches the cape. This one is quick and comfortable.

12. Christmas pudding felt poncho

Make a round brown felt poncho and add a white felt drip layer over the top like icing. A sprig of felt holly pins to the front.

Brown leggings keep the base plain. A red berry cluster adds color. These playful DIY Christmas costumes always get a smile.

Tips for your DIY Christmas costumes

Plan your DIY Christmas costumes around felt, cardboard, and items you already own. Measure the wearer before you cut, and test the straps for comfort. Keep a hot glue gun and strong tape close for quick fixes.

These DIY Christmas costumes come together with basic supplies. For more holiday making, see our DIY Christmas ornament ideas and classroom Christmas crafts. Read the story behind the nutcracker if you pick that look, and browse our Christmas bow ideas for finishing touches.