Try These Christmas-Inspired Art Prompts
December is one of my favourite times of the year to draw. There’s something about twinkling lights, cosiness, and that collective sense of joy that feels instantly inspiring. Whether you’re an illustrator working in Procreate, a teacher looking for creative classroom ideas, or someone who just loves to doodle with a hot chocolate in hand — Christmas art prompts are the perfect way to get into the festive spirit.
Here are some of my favourite Christmas-inspired drawing prompts to help you fill your sketchbook (or Procreate gallery!) with warmth, sparkle, and imagination.
🎅 Character Prompts
A sleepy reindeer who keeps missing Santa’s take-off
An elf who dreams of being a toy inventor
Santa’s pets (what animals might he secretly have?)
A child discovering a magical ornament
A snowman who comes to life after Christmas
🎄 Scene Prompts
Christmas morning chaos — wrapping paper everywhere
Cosy living room with twinkling fairy lights
A night-time sleigh ride over a snowy town
A beach Christmas picnic (very Australian!)
The North Pole’s “lost and found” department
🍪 Object Prompts
A plate of half-eaten Christmas cookies
Gingerbread houses in a snow globe
A bauble that holds a tiny winter world inside
A letter to Santa — but from one of the reindeer
A stocking filled with unexpected treasures
🖌️ Creative Tips for Using Prompts
When I use prompts like these in Procreate, I don’t always aim for a finished piece. Sometimes I’ll do a quick five-minute sketch, just to explore an idea. Other times, a single prompt grows into a full illustration or even a story concept.
You can use Procreate’s time-lapse feature to record your festive drawings (they make fun little Instagram reels!), and don’t forget to play with sparkly brushes or gold textures — a little digital shimmer goes a long way.
🎁 Make It a Tradition
Each December, I try to draw at least one Christmas-themed illustration, even if it’s small. It’s a lovely creative reset at the end of the year — a reminder to play, experiment, and create just for joy.
So, light a candle, queue up some carols, and give a few of these prompts a go. You never know — one of them might spark a story, a card design, or a whole new illustration project.
Merry drawing — and Merry Christmas!
Hey, there! I’m Jasmine Berry, a freelance illustrator based in sunny Perth, Western Australia. Most days you’ll find me sketching away on my iPad or surrounded by pencils and cats, chasing new ideas. I like to think of myself as eternally optimistic—always seeing the fun, the colour, and the possibility in every project I take on. Send me a message if you would like to collaborate on a project.