Are you looking for some drawing ideas this winter? Christmas is almost here, why not grab your digital pen and draw a Christmas tree with us?
In this tutorial, we will show you how to draw a Christmas tree with presents step by step. We will also include a video and additional things to draw at the end.
How to Draw a Christmas Tree Drawing with Presents: What You'll Learn
● How to draw a Christmas tree step by step
● How to create both a simple and a more decorated version
● How to shade your tree to make it look more 3D
● How to add lights, ornaments, and presents
● How to draw Christmas tree details like stars, baubles, ribbons, and present boxes
Let's get started!
Draw a Christmas Tree in 6 Easy Steps
Recommended Tools
● Drawing Tablet
● Software: Photoshop or any other digital creation software you prefer
Step 1: Start with a Base Outline
Begin by using a green tone to block in the basic shape of the tree. Once the main silhouette is in place, add strokes along both sides to the layer the pine needles as well as suggest where the trunk would be. This gives your Christmas tree a more natural, realistic look right from the start. You can also adjust your brush size according to your own habits and preferences.
Step 2: Add Shadow and Light
To make your Christmas tree look more 3D and realistic, add some light and shadow. Apply slightly different highlights to each layer of the base, and use darker green on each layer of pine needles to create natural shadows.
This subtle contrast between light and shadow brings depth to your tree, even in a simple Christmas tree drawing, and makes it look much more lifelike.
For beginners searching for “easy way to draw a Christmas tree,” shading is one of the simplest ways to create an instant 3D effect.
Step 3: Decorate the Christmas Tree With Lights and a Star
Now comes the fun part: decorating! No drawing of a Christmas tree feels complete without festive touches
Add a few decorations:
● Soft glowing string lights wrapped around the tree
● Bright round bulbs
● A glowing five-point star on top
When working digitally, use a soft round brush set to “Add” or “Glow” to create the illusion of holiday lights. Even in a minimal outline drawing, adding lights makes everything look instantly cheerful.
Step 4: Add More Detailed Ornaments and Presents
Here's where your Christmas tree gains personality. Start adding whatever ornaments you love:
● Ribbons
● Miniature present boxes
● Gingerbread-man shaped ornaments
● Candy-cane decorations
● Spheres, bells, or glittery baubles
Right below the tree, draw a few present boxes. Begin with simple shapes. Block in the base colors so you can decorate them later.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches and Patterns
Now begin refining the ornaments by adding small patterns and details. Draw shapes and decorative lines on the present boxes, and add facial features to the gingerbread men to bring them to life.
Step 6: Refine the Tree Shape and Add Branch Ridges
A Christmas tree is recognizable because of its natural, layered pine needles. To make your drawing authentic:
● Add leaf clusters along the outline
● Use short, tapered strokes to mimic pine needles
● Add subtle gaps between layers
Increase the brightness around edges to simulate reflected light
Finally, sprinkle some sparkling star shapes around the tree to create a magical holiday atmosphere.
This step is what turns your artwork from “cute” into "wow, that looks real!"
See the video below for even more help in drawing a Christmas tree step by step.
Our favorite drawing supplies
Drawing Gloves
Digital Pen Holder
Graphic Tablet
Quick Keys
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you make a Christmas tree drawing look realistic?
To make your drawing look realistic, combine highlights, shadows, and textured pine needle strokes. Pine needles should fan outward and vary in length. Highlights should come from a clear light source, usually from the top-left or top-right. Shadows appear under each layer of branches.
How do you draw a star for the top of a Christmas tree?
Draw a five-pointed star, fill it with bright yellow, and add a few sparkling light effects around it.
How do you draw a more cartoon-like Christmas tree?
A cartoon Christmas tree is simply a simplified version with rounder shapes, exaggerated ornaments, bold outlines, and brighter colors. Think of bubbly triangle layers and big shiny decorations.
How do you draw lights and baubles on a Christmas tree to make them look realistic?
Use soft glows for lights. For baubles, add a small white highlight and a darker shaded bottom to create a glossy surface.
A good drawing tool makes creating art way more fun. Different brushes let you mimic all kinds of effects whether it's watercolor, oil paint, or just a quick sketch. From light shadows to smooth gradients, it feels like you're casting a little bit of magic with every stroke.
This winter, we're excited to share our newest Pen Display⭐ Xencelabs Pen Display 16 Lite
Quick Summary of Xencelabs Pen Display 16 Features:
4K OLED Display: 3840×2160 resolution, 1.07 billion colors, 100,000:1 contrast ratio, high color space coverage for accurate, color reproduction.
Super AG Etching™ technology: Reduces screen reflections and provides a clear, distraction-free view, even in well-lit rooms or where there are ceiling lights. The etched surface provides a natural pen-and-paper feel.
Finely Tuned Pen Pressure Curve: It has an initial activation force of 3 g, allowing for delicate strokes as well as strong, bold lines. Pen response is adjustable to match any drawing style.
Ultra-thin Portable Design: 12 mm thin and 2.67 lbs (1.2 kg) light with single USB-C cable connectivity, making it easy to carry and transport to various working environments.
Two v2 Pens with Different Grips
Virtual Tablet Mode™: Seamlessly control multiple monitors with customizable overlay for personalized workflow.
Highly Compatible: Supports Windows® 7+, Windows® 11 ARM64, macOS 10.13+, and Linux (driver download requires internet).
If you're considering choosing a drawing tablet this festival season, you can find more details on the Xencelabs Official Estore.
More Drawing Ideas
How to Draw a Ghost
How to Draw a Hibiscus Flower
How to Draw a Husky Dog
