Free Festive Santa Handprint Template

We’ve made a new Santa handprint every December since my son was little, and I’ve saved most of them with our Christmas decorations.

It’s one of those crafts that’s quick to prep, fun for kids, and turns into a sweet keepsake without much effort.

Whether you’re planning a holiday activity for home or the classroom, this free printable makes it easy to turn a painted hand into Santa’s beard.

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Handprint Santa Craft

This handprint craft has become one of our go-to December activities, simple enough for little hands, but it always feels special.

Once you’ve printed the handprint template, everything else is easy to do with just a bit of paint and creativity.

We usually print ours on cardstock so it holds up better (especially if it’s getting saved as a keepsake), but regular printer paper works fine too.

Have your child pick their paint colors, we used grey for Santa’s beard here, but anything goes.

Use a small brush to paint their hand, then carefully press it onto the page so the palm sits below Santa’s face and the fingers spread out like a beard.

Gently lift their hand to avoid smudging, then set it aside to dry completely.

Once the paint’s dry, kids can decorate the rest, add googly eyes, color in Santa’s hat, sprinkle in some pom poms or glitter if you’re feeling brave.

There’s no right or wrong way to do it, which is probably why we keep coming back to it every year.

Books About Santa for Kids

Santa’s always held a bit of magic in our house, and these books have helped keep that wonder alive through the years. Some are sweet and nostalgic, others offer a gentle way to talk about the story behind the tradition, each one has become part of our December rhythm.

The Night Before Christmas – We’ve read this classic every Christmas Eve since my son was tiny. The rhymes are soothing, the illustrations are beautiful, and it never feels old. It’s the one book we always make time for, no matter how busy the evening gets.

The (Wonderful) Truth About Santa – This was such a helpful read when we started getting those curious questions. It keeps the magic alive while gently introducing the idea behind the tradition. Honest, but still full of heart.

The Truth About Santa – If your kids are ready to explore where the Santa story came from, this one’s a great pick. It weaves together history and holiday fun in a way that’s thoughtful but still engaging for kids.

More Christmas Activities

If your kids loved the Santa handprint craft, here are a few more easy ways to keep the holiday fun going. These activities are great for adding a little extra cheer to cozy afternoons or festive family time.

Play a Christmas-themed board game together, it’s one of our favorite ways to unwind and laugh as a family during December.

Set aside time for kids to write their wish lists with our Santa letter template. Some years my son wrote pages of LEGO sets, other years it was just one very specific flashlight. It’s a simple way to encourage imagination and reflection, especially when they decorate it themselves.

Try our free Santa scavenger hunt for a bit of indoor excitement. It’s perfect for snowy days or Christmas Eve countdown fun.

Let kids color and personalize their own Christmas cards with our free printable set. They’re sweet to give to friends, grandparents, or even tuck into gifts.

And if you want another keepsake, try making a salt dough Santa handprint ornament, it’s messy in the best way, and something you’ll love pulling out year after year.

Get Your Free Santa Claus Handprint Template Here!

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Last Updated on 23 October 2025 by Clare Brown