DIY Cardboard Christmas Tree

This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This large cardboard Christmas tree turns recycled materials into a festive holiday display. It has three snowy platforms, a lighted garland-covered cone, and room for a miniature house, Santa and his sleigh, and a little train. It’s a creative project for families and holiday crafters who enjoy hands-on decorating, and it can become a seasonal focal point in a living room, entryway, or community space. The finished tree is about 1.80 meters tall, so plan a clear, stable spot for it before you begin.

Why You’ll Love This Project

This is a satisfying way to reuse cardboard and create a dramatic Christmas decoration without needing crochet skills or specialized equipment. The main work is cutting, shaping, taping, and decorating, so it’s accessible to beginners who are comfortable using scissors and handling craft materials.

The project also invites personal touches. Arrange the ornaments, lights, and miniature holiday scene to suit your room, or involve family members in decorating the different levels. Because it is tall and made from lightweight materials, it can be easier to move than a conventional full-size tree—but it still needs a level base and a secure setup.

The display is especially useful for seasonal decorating when you want a handmade centerpiece that can hold small decorations and gifts. It also gives recycled cardboard a second life. Keep in mind that the tree is decorative rather than a crochet project: no yarn, crochet hook, or stitches are involved.

“I liked being able to build the shape from recycled cardboard and then add the holiday scene one level at a time. Taking time to secure the cone and position the lights made the finished display feel much more polished.”

How the Project Comes Together

You’ll build a tall cone from joined cardboard sections, then fit three round cardboard platforms around it. Next, you’ll cover the cone with Christmas garland, weave in LED lights, and add cotton to the platforms for a soft, snowy look. The final step is arranging the miniature decorations, ornaments, star, and gifts.

The project uses basic crafting skills rather than crochet techniques. Cutting and fitting the platforms takes careful measuring, while forming a sturdy cone may require a second pair of hands. Allow plenty of time to assemble and decorate, especially if you need to adjust the cardboard pieces. The source provides a finished height of about 1.80 meters but does not specify the platform dimensions or an exact completion time.

Before starting, choose a spot with enough room for the tree and its train track. Check that the floor is level, and keep the tree away from heat sources and walkways. If children are helping, an adult should handle cutting, hot glue, and electrical connections.

Materials You’ll Need

Gather the following supplies before you start:

• Recycled cardboard
• Adhesive tape
• Silicone glue or hot glue
• Christmas garland
• LED light string
• Cotton
• 10 to 12 Christmas baubles
• 1 gold star
• 1 Christmas house
• 1 Santa Claus with sleigh
• 1 Christmas train
• 4 gift boxes
• Red and gold wrapping paper
• Red and gold satin ribbons
• Scissors

The decorations listed are intended for a three-level holiday display. Check that the house, Santa, sleigh, and train fit the platforms you plan to make. The original instructions do not specify cardboard thickness, glue type, or the length of the light string, so choose materials that suit the size and weight of your decorations.

If you use hot glue, work carefully and follow the glue gun’s safety instructions. Keep the LED lights and their power source accessible, and make sure the product is suitable for indoor use if the tree will be displayed inside.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Build the cardboard cone. Cut several cardboard sections for the tree’s body. Join them with adhesive tape, laying them out in a fan shape on the floor. Gently bend the joined structure until it forms a cone about 1.80 meters tall. Add more tape along the seams to hold the shape.

2. Cut the three platforms. Cut three cardboard discs. Make a hole in the center of each disc, sized to fit the cone where that platform will sit. Test each opening against the cone before adding decorations. If a hole is too small, enlarge it gradually so you don’t remove more cardboard than needed.

3. Fit the platforms around the cone. Slide the discs onto the cone at the heights where you want the three display levels. The source does not give exact heights or a separate platform-support method, so check that each disc sits level and is securely held before decorating. Reinforce the cardboard and joints with tape where needed.

4. Cover the cone with garland. Start at the bottom of the cone and work upward, securing the Christmas garland as you go. Keep the coverage even so the cardboard is hidden and the tree has a consistent shape. Avoid pulling the garland so tightly that it bends or collapses the cone.

5. Add the LED lights. Distribute the light string through the garland as you cover the cone. Keep the bulbs visible enough to glow through the greenery, but tuck the wire neatly so it does not hang loose. Check that the lights work and that the cord can reach its power source before you finish decorating.

6. Create snowy platforms. Place cotton over the bottom platform. Then cover the other two platforms with cotton, arranging it in lightly fluffy layers. Use only enough to create a soft snowy effect, and leave clear, stable areas for the miniature decorations.

7. Arrange the holiday scene. Put the Christmas house on the top platform. Place Santa Claus with his sleigh on the middle platform. On the bottom platform, arrange the small train on its track around the tree. Make sure each item sits flat and does not tip over.

8. Add ornaments and the star. Place some of the red and gold baubles among the garland. Secure the gold star at the top of the tree. Keep ornaments and wires positioned so they don’t block the train or create loose loops.

9. Set out the gifts. Arrange the four gift boxes on the floor around the base. Wrap them with the red and gold paper and finish them with the satin ribbons if they are not already decorated. Leave enough space to access the light controls and to walk safely around the display.

10. Check the finished setup. Look over the cone, platforms, lights, ornaments, and train. Confirm that the tree is stable, the decorations are secure, and no wire is stretched or pinched. Make adjustments before switching on the lights.

Your cardboard Christmas tree is ready to display. Since it is tall and decorated with several small items, check it periodically during the season and reposition anything that starts to shift.

Styling Ideas for Your Finished Tree

Use the tree as a holiday centerpiece in a room where it can be seen from several angles. A corner can make a practical display spot, but leave enough space for the train and gifts at the base. The three platforms naturally create a small festive scene, so arrange the house, Santa, and train where they are visible rather than crowding them with extra decorations.

This display also works well in a school, community room, shop window, or family gathering space, provided it can be set up safely and kept away from foot traffic. The four wrapped gifts can be decorative props; they do not have to contain presents. If the tree is in a public area, check it regularly for loose ornaments, accessible wires, or cotton that has been disturbed.

Cleaning and Storage

This is a cardboard display with lights, glue, cotton, and decorations, so it should not be washed or soaked. Keep it dry and dust it gently with a soft, dry cloth or a clean, soft brush. Avoid pulling the garland or cotton while cleaning, as either may loosen from the cardboard.

For storage, remove loose ornaments, gifts, and miniature decorations first. If the cardboard structure can be stored without crushing it, keep it in a dry place away from damp basements, direct sunlight, and heavy items. If it cannot be taken apart safely, cover it loosely with a clean sheet or protective bag to reduce dust, while allowing any electrical components to remain accessible and cool.

Unplug the lights before moving or covering the tree. Store the light string according to its manufacturer’s instructions, and inspect it for damage before using it again next season. Avoid wrapping the cord tightly around sharp cardboard edges.

Tips for a Sturdier, Neater Display

• Check the space first. A tree about 1.80 meters tall needs room above it and a clear area around its base. Measure the display location before building.
• Use a level floor. A slight slope can make the cone lean and cause items to slide on the platforms.
• Test the cone as you build. Tape the cardboard joints firmly, then check the shape from several sides. Add reinforcement where the cone begins to bow.
• Fit the disc openings carefully. Try each platform on the cone before adding cotton or decorations. A close fit helps it sit in place, but the cardboard should not be forced hard enough to tear.
• Check platform balance. Set each disc level and test it with the intended decorations before adding the garland or cotton. The source does not describe a support frame, so do not assume a cardboard disc will hold heavy items on its own.
• Plan the lights early. Test the LED string and identify where the power source will go before hiding the wire in the garland. This prevents having to pull apart finished sections later.
• Keep decorations secure. Use an appropriate adhesive to prevent lightweight ornaments or the star from shifting. Follow glue safety directions and let it set before handling the tree.
• Keep cotton away from heat. Use LED lights rather than hot bulbs, and keep cotton and paper decorations away from candles, fireplaces, and other heat sources.
• Leave access to the controls. Position the battery pack, switch, or plug where you can reach it without disturbing the miniature scene.

Creative Ways to Customize Your Tree

Choose a different garland color to coordinate with your room. A snowy white garland can create a frosted look, while traditional green makes the red and gold decorations stand out. Changing the garland may affect how much cardboard is covered and how clearly the lights show, so test a small section before decorating the whole cone.

You can also adapt the wrapping palette. Use matching paper and satin ribbons for a coordinated display, or alternate red and gold between the four gift boxes. The listed house, sleigh, train, baubles, and star create the featured Christmas scene; extra decorations can be added if the platforms have room, but too many objects may make the levels look crowded or unbalanced.

The finished height is described as approximately 1.80 meters. Making the cone shorter or taller will change how much cardboard, garland, and lighting you need. It may also affect the platform openings and the stability of the structure. If you change the size, refit all three discs to the cone rather than relying on the original proportions.

For a more snowy effect, arrange the cotton in gentle, thin layers. Too much cotton can hide the platforms and make the miniatures less stable. Add only enough to create the look you want while keeping each decoration firmly seated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a crochet pattern?

No. Despite being featured in a crochet-pattern context, this is a Christmas tree craft made from cardboard, garland, lights, cotton, and holiday decorations. It does not use yarn, a crochet hook, or crochet stitches.

Is the cardboard Christmas tree suitable for beginners?

Yes, if you are comfortable cutting cardboard, taping pieces together, and arranging decorations. The main challenge is shaping a tall cone and ensuring that the platforms sit level. Take your time with fitting and reinforcement, and ask someone to help hold the cone while you secure it if needed.

How tall is the finished tree?

The instructions describe a cone approximately 1.80 meters tall. They do not provide the diameter of the base or the size and spacing of the platforms, so those details depend on your cardboard and display space.

How much cardboard and garland will I need?

The source does not specify quantities or lengths. The amount will depend on the cone’s width, the thickness of the cardboard, and how densely you cover the shape with garland. Gather extra cardboard and garland if possible so you can reinforce seams and cover any gaps.

Can I make the tree shorter or taller?

Yes. Adjusting the height is possible, but it changes the amount of cardboard, garland, and lights you’ll need. You will also need to resize the platform openings to match the cone at each level. A taller or wider structure may need additional reinforcement.

How do I keep the platforms level?

Cut the center openings to fit the cone where each disc will sit, then test the discs before decorating. Check them from several sides and make adjustments before adding cotton or miniatures. The source does not describe a separate support system, so assess the structure’s stability before placing decorations on it.

Are LED lights safe to use with cotton and paper?

LED lights generally produce less heat than traditional bulbs, but they still need to be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Keep the lights and wires in good condition, do not cover the power source, and keep the display away from flames and heat. Unplug the lights before moving or adjusting the tree.

Can I wash or reuse the finished tree?

No—do not wash it. The cardboard, cotton, decorations, and electrical components can be damaged by water. Dust it gently while assembled. If the cardboard stays dry and the lights and decorations are stored carefully, you may be able to reuse the display in a later holiday season.

Can I sell trees made using these instructions?

The provided instructions do not state any rules about selling finished items. If you plan to sell a tree based on this design, check the original designer’s usage terms first.

Print