Christmas Door Decorating Contest: 15 Easy Classroom Ideas

A door decorating contest is a joyful way to build team spirit. Students plan, make and share. The hallway turns bright and festive, and everyone gets to enjoy it.

In this post, you will find 15 easy door ideas for your Christmas door decorating contest. Most use paper, tape and basic craft supplies. There are also simple contest rules, a judging score sheet and safety tips. These ideas work well for any school classroom, from kindergarten to high school.

Pick one idea, or mix a few. Let your students help choose.

Simple Rules for a Fun Contest

Clear rules keep the contest fair and stress free. Share them with all classes before you start.

• Set a start date and a judging date. Give classes 5 to 7 school days.
• Set a small budget, or ask classes to use supplies they already have.
• Use one theme for all doors, or let each class pick its own.
• Students should do most of the work. Teachers can guide.
• Make a few kind prizes, such as a class pizza party, a trophy made from paper or extra recess time.
• Give every class a small certificate. Everyone feels proud.
• Keep the focus on fun and teamwork, not just winning.

Easy Judging Score Sheet

Use a simple score from 1 to 5 for each part. Add them up.

• Creativity: Is the idea fresh and original?
• Teamwork: Did many students help?
• Theme: Does it match the contest theme?
• Neatness: Is it tidy and well made?
• Safety: Does it follow school rules?
• Wow factor: Does it make people smile?

You can also add a “students’ choice” vote with paper stickers. It adds fun and makes everyone feel included.

Basic Supplies to Keep on Hand

• Butcher paper or bulletin board paper in red, green, white and brown
• Construction paper and cardstock
• Painter’s tape and masking tape
• Washable glue and glue sticks
• Safe scissors
• Markers, crayons and washable paint
• Cotton balls and white tissue paper
• Battery LED string lights
• Ribbon and string
• Cardboard boxes (free from the cafeteria or office)

15 Christmas Classroom Door Ideas to Win Your Contest

1. Giant Gingerbread House Door

You need: Brown butcher paper, white and colored paper, markers, tape, scissors.

1. Cover the door with brown paper.
2. Cut a big white zigzag strip for icing along the top.
3. Cut round candy shapes from colored paper. Let each student make one.
4. Tape the candy and paper gumdrops over the “house.”
5. Add a paper window and a door in the middle.

2. Snowy Forest Door

You need: Dark blue paper, green paper, white paper, cotton balls, glue.

1. Cover the door with dark blue paper.
2. Cut tall green triangle trees in many sizes.
3. Glue trees in rows. Put the big trees in front.
4. Add cotton ball snow on the branches.
5. Cut a white paper moon and a few stars for the sky.

3. Cozy Fireplace Door

You need: Red or brown paper (for bricks), black paper, yellow and orange paper, paper stockings, tape.

1. Cover the door with brick-patterned paper.
2. Cut a black opening in the middle for the fireplace.
3. Make paper flames from yellow and orange paper. Tape them inside the opening.
4. Cut a paper mantel from brown paper. Place it across the top.
5. Let each student decorate a paper stocking. Tape them to the mantel.

Use paper flames only. Never use real fire near decor.

4. Gift-Wrapped Door

You need: Wrapping paper, a large ribbon, cardboard for the bow, tape.

1. Wrap the whole door like a present. Use tape on the edges only.
2. Add a wide ribbon down the middle and across.
3. Make a big bow from cardboard and ribbon. Tape it at the center.
4. Add a gift tag with a class name.

Do not cover the door handle, the window or the hinges. The door must open freely.

5. Peppermint Candy Shop Door

You need: White and red paper, round paper plates, red markers, tape.

1. Cover the door with white paper.
2. Make big peppermint candies from paper plates. Draw red swirls with markers.
3. Cut a striped awning from red and white paper. Tape it above the door.
4. Add paper lollipops and candy canes in different sizes.

6. Giant Snow Globe Door

You need: Clear plastic or blue paper, white paper, glue, glitter-free sparkle paper, tape.

1. Make a big circle on the door with blue paper or tape.
2. Add a small village scene inside. Use paper houses, trees and a snowman.
3. Cut a base from brown paper at the bottom of the circle.
4. Add white paper dots for snow.

7. Class Photo Christmas Tree Door

You need: Green butcher paper, student photos or self-portraits, yellow paper, tape.

1. Cut a big tree from green paper. Tape it on the door.
2. Print small student photos or let each student draw a self-portrait.
3. Glue each picture on a round paper ornament.
4. Tape the ornaments on the tree.
5. Add a yellow paper star on top.

Check your school photo policy before using student photos.

8. Winter Window Door

You need: Cardboard strips, white paint, blue paper, white paper, tape.

1. Make a big window frame from cardboard strips. Paint it white.
2. Fill the window with a winter scene from blue paper, white hills and paper houses.
3. Add paper curtains on each side.
4. Tape a paper window box with paper pine branches under the window.

9. Handprint Reindeer Door

You need: Brown paper, washable paint or markers, red pom-poms or red paper circles, googly eyes, glue.

1. Trace each student’s hand and forearm on brown paper. Cut it out.
2. Turn the hand upside down. The fingers become antlers.
3. Draw a face on the palm area. Glue on eyes and a red nose.
4. Tape the reindeer in rows on a blue or white door.

Best for ages 4 to 8. Wash hands well after painting.

10. Hot Cocoa Mug Door

You need: Brown and white paper, a big mug shape from cardboard, cotton balls, tape.

1. Cut a giant mug from cardboard and paint it red or white.
2. Tape the mug on the door.
3. Cut brown paper for the cocoa at the top of the mug.
4. Glue cotton balls on top as marshmallows.
5. Add paper steam swirls and small candy cane handles.

11. Penguin Party Door

You need: Black, white and orange paper, blue paper, tape.

1. Cover the door with light blue paper.
2. Make one penguin per student. Cut a black oval, a white tummy and orange feet.
3. Add scarves from colored paper or fabric strips.
4. Place the penguins in a group, as if they are having a party.
5. Add paper snowflakes around them.

12. Giant Ornament Door

You need: Colored paper circles, glitter-free paper patterns, string or ribbon, tape.

1. Cut big circles for ornaments in red, green, gold and blue.
2. Let each student decorate one with stripes, dots or stars.
3. Add a small gold cap at the top of each one.
4. Hang them from strings that start at the top of the door.
5. Vary the lengths so the ornaments hang at different heights.

13. Kindness Lights Door

You need: Colored paper, markers, string, tape.

1. Tape a long string across the door in a wavy line.
2. Cut paper bulb shapes in many colors.
3. Let each student write a kind word on a bulb, such as “share,” “help” or “smile.”
4. Tape the bulbs along the string.
5. Add a title that says “Light Up Kindness.”

14. North Pole Mail Door

You need: Red paper, white paper, brown paper, envelopes, tape.

1. Make a giant red mailbox shape from paper.
2. Add a paper slot and a small flag.
3. Let students write short, kind letters on paper envelopes.
4. Tape the envelopes around the mailbox, as if mail is coming in.
5. Add a candy-striped pole in red and white.

15. Build-a-Snowman Door

You need: White paper, black paper, orange paper, scarves, buttons or paper circles, tape.

1. Make a giant snowman from three big white circles.
2. Add black paper eyes, a mouth and a hat.
3. Cut an orange carrot nose.
4. Use a real scarf or paper scarf at the neck.
5. Add paper stick arms and paper snowflakes all around.

Tips for Easy Classroom Door Styling

• Pick a clear theme before you start.
• Choose two or three main colors. This keeps the door neat.
• Use big shapes. They look better from the hallway.
• Add a little texture with cotton, fabric or crinkled paper.
• Use painter’s tape to protect paint and doors.
• Take a photo of your door before you take it down.
• Plan a place for students to stand and take a class photo.

Age Guidance

• Ages 4 to 6: Tearing paper, painting, sticking cotton balls, handprints.
• Ages 7 to 10: Cutting simple shapes, drawing ornaments, writing kind words.
• Ages 11 and up: Planning the design, drawing scenes, cutting large shapes and putting up the door with help.

Always supervise young children during craft time.

Safety Notes

• Follow your school fire rules. Do not cover more of the door than your school allows. Keep exit signs, handles, fire alarms and windows clear.
• The door must open and close freely.
• Use battery LED lights only. Never use real candles or flames.
• Keep string lights and cords away from walkways and students.
• An adult should handle hot glue guns, craft knives and ladders.
• Use non-toxic, washable paint and glue.
• Keep small items such as buttons and pom-poms away from young children.
• Check for latex and glitter allergies. Skip balloons if your school bans them.

Plan Ahead and Make-Ahead Guide

• 2 weeks before: Share the rules and theme. Let each class vote on an idea.
• 10 days before: Gather supplies and ask families for donations.
• 1 week before: Cut big shapes and prepare kits for each table.
• 3 to 5 days before: Let students make their pieces.
• 1 to 2 days before: Put the door together and hang it.
• Judging day: Walk the halls with the score sheet.
• After the contest: Keep the paper pieces in a flat box to reuse next year.

FAQ

How long should a door decorating contest last?
Five to seven school days is a good time for most classes.

How do I keep the contest fair?
Share clear rules and a score sheet. Set a small budget. Ask students to do most of the work.

What are good prizes for a door contest?
Try a class party, extra recess, a paper trophy or a small certificate for every class.

Can I use real lights on a classroom door?
Use battery LED lights only. Follow your school fire rules.

What themes work well for a school classroom door?
Gingerbread, snow, winter animals, cozy cocoa and kindness are all easy themes.

How can I include all students?
Give every student a small job, such as one ornament, one snowflake or one kind word.

Final Thoughts

A Christmas door decorating contest can bring a whole school together. Choose a simple idea, let your students lead and follow the safety rules. Keep it kind and fun, and every door will shine.