Let’s be honest—December always seems to hit with a mix of excitement and mild panic. Suddenly, the house needs to look festive, every surface should sparkle, and, of course, there’s never enough time or money to do it all. If you’re like me, you want your home to feel warm and full of holiday cheer without spending a fortune or stressing about complicated decor projects. That’s why I love turning to mason jars. They’re affordable, easy to find, and unbelievably versatile. In this article, I’m sharing 15 mason jar DIYs I’ve tried and loved for Christmas. I’ll walk you through exactly how to make each one, what mistakes to watch for, and how to tweak them for your own style. By the end, you’ll have a toolkit of simple, beautiful projects any homeowner—beginner or experienced—can pull together in an afternoon.
Why Mason Jars? (And Why They Work for Christmas)
A few years ago, I was staring at a pile of empty jars, wondering what to do with them. Instead of tossing them, I started experimenting. What I found is that jars are a blank canvas—they work with rustic decor, modern minimalism, or anything in between. Plus, Christmas is a season of light, and glass jars are perfect for glowing candles and twinkling fairy lights. You can fill them, paint them, wrap them in ribbon—the sky’s the limit. I’ve used them for ornaments, table centerpieces, and even upcycled gifts. Best of all, most of these projects take under 30 minutes, and many cost less than $5 (or even free, if you’re reusing what you already have).
Getting Started: What You’ll Need
Before we jump into the projects, let’s talk basics. Here’s what I keep on hand for mason jar Christmas crafts:
- Mason jars (any size—small ones for ornaments, larger for centerpieces)
- Twine, ribbon, or jute (for wrapping)
- Acrylic paint and brushes (for frosted or colored jars)
- Mod Podge or glue (for decoupage and attaching decorations)
- Epsom salts, fake snow, or baking soda (for wintery effects)
- Fairy lights, tea candles, or LED candles (for that magical glow)
- Mini ornaments, pinecones, cinnamon sticks, holly, or dried fruit (easy, natural fillers)
- Hot glue gun (for quick, sturdy attachments)
- Scissors, ruler, pencil (basic tools, always handy)
I strongly recommend wiping jars clean and letting them dry fully before starting. Any leftover food or oil will show under paint or Mod Podge.
1. Snow Globe Mason Jars
There’s something mesmerizing about snow globes—the gentle swirl, the memories they evoke. Instead of hunting for pricey collectibles, you can make your own in minutes.
Materials: Clear mason jar (475 ml/16 oz works best), distilled water, glycerin (optional, for slower-falling “snow”), white glitter or fake snow, small figurine or ornament for the scene, super glue.
Steps:
- Glue your figurine to the inside of the jar lid and let dry completely.
- Fill the jar almost to the top with water, add a dash of glycerin (this slows the glitter’s fall), and a big pinch of glitter.
- Screw the lid on tightly and shake—watch the magic!
Pro tip: If you want a vintage air, paint the lid gold or red before gluing in your figurine. Test your water level a few times—too full and it spills, too empty and the “snow” looks sparse.
Avoid this: Using tap water can lead to cloudiness over time. Distilled keeps things clear.
2. Frosted Mason Jar Lanterns
I love these for lining pathways indoors or out. They cast a soft, warm glow and are easy to make.
Materials: Clear mason jars, frosted spray paint or Mod Podge matte, stencils or painter’s tape (optional), fairy lights or tea candles.
Steps:
- Clean and dry jars thoroughly.
- If you want patterned frosted jars, mask off sections with painter’s tape.
- Spray or brush on the frosted paint/Mod Podge and let dry.
- Pop in a tea candle or string of fairy lights.
Variation: For a starry effect, use a star-shaped stencil and spray the rest of the jar. Peel off after drying. I did these for a party last year, and they were a hit—people asked where I’d bought them!
3. Mason Jar Christmas Village
This is one of my favorites for table centerpieces or bookshelves. It looks festive even if you’re not very crafty.
Materials: Several mason jars (various sizes), small bottlebrush trees (available cheap at craft stores), fake snow, mini houses or figurines, twinkle lights.
Steps:
- Place a layer of fake snow in the bottom of each jar.
- Arrange a tiny tree, house, or figurine in the center.
- Nestle a string of battery-powered fairy lights around the scene.
- Screw on the lid—or leave open for easy changing.
What works best is mixing jar sizes and arranging them together for a mini skyline effect. Last year, I set this up on my dining table and surrounded it with cinnamon sticks and pinecones—simple, atmospheric, and it smelled incredible.
4. Mason Jar Advent Calendar
I’m a sucker for countdowns, and this one’s way more charming than any store-bought calendar.
Materials: 24 small mason jars (I use 120 ml/4 oz jars), craft paper, white chalkboard paint, chalk, small gifts or handwritten notes, ribbon.
Steps:
- Paint the lids with chalkboard paint and let dry.
- Label the lids 1–24 with chalk.
- Fill each jar with a tiny treat, note, or activity idea.
- Line them up on a shelf, mantel, or tray.
Personal tip: I add a mix of chocolate, festive tea bags, and little coupons (“cozy movie night”)—something for every day. It’s a highlight for my family every December.
5. Mason Jar Candle Holders
This is my go-to for easy, portable mood lighting.
Materials: Pint-sized mason jars, votive candles, colored sand, small pebbles, or Epsom salts (for filler), twine or ribbon.
Steps:
- Layer sand, pebbles, or salts in the base of the jar.
- Nestle a votive candle in the center.
- Wrap the rim with twine or ribbon for extra flair.
Avoid this: Keep an eye on burning candles—never leave unattended, and place on a heat-safe surface.
6. Mason Jar Ornaments
These are perfect for gifting or hanging on the tree. They look complicated, but trust me, they’re not.
Materials: Mini mason jars (60–120 ml/2–4 oz), small ornaments, faux snow, glitter, ribbon or twine, hot glue gun.
Steps:
- Fill jars with a pinch of faux snow and a mini ornament—like a tiny Santa, star, or pinecone.
- Tie twine or ribbon around the neck for hanging.
- Hot glue a loop to the lid so it can hang easily.
Pro tip: Add a tag with year or a message for a sweet keepsake.
7. Mason Jar Hot Cocoa Kits
I started making these as gifts for neighbors a few years back, and now it’s a tradition.
Materials: Quart-sized mason jar (950 ml/32 oz), hot cocoa mix, mini marshmallows, candy canes, festive ribbon, printed tag.
Steps:
- Layer cocoa mix and marshmallows in the jar.
- Stick a candy cane in the top.
- Tie with ribbon and add a tag (“just add hot milk!”).
Variation: For adults, add a packet of instant coffee or a mini bottle of Bailey’s.
8. Mason Jar Cookie Jar
This doubles as decor and a handy snack station.
Materials: Large mason jar (1–2 L/32–64 oz), baked cookies, printed label or chalkboard tag.
Steps:
- Fill with your favorite cookies (gingerbread or sugar cookies work well).
- Tie with a ribbon, add a tag (“help yourself!”), and display on the counter.
Avoid this: Store in a cool place—cookies can soften quickly in warm kitchens.
9. Mason Jar Snowy Scenes
This is a breeze if you’re short on time but want something eye-catching.
Materials: Pint-sized mason jar, faux snow, small figurines (deer, trees, etc.), glue, twine.
Steps:
- Glue figurines to the inside of the jar’s base.
- Add a thick layer of fake snow to cover the bottom.
- Wrap twine around the neck for a rustic touch.
Pro tip: Rotate your figurines for a new look every few days.
10. Mason Jar Gift Wrapping Stations
I’ve always struggled with keeping wrapping supplies organized at Christmas. This hack sorted that out.
Materials: Several quart or pint jars, ribbons, bows, scissors, tags, pens.
Steps:
- Fill jars with scraps of wrapping, bows, tags, and pens.
- Set them on a tray or in a shoebox.
- Everything stays tidy, and you can wrap anywhere!
11. Wishing Jar for Guests
This is a sweet addition to holiday gatherings.
Materials: Large mason jar, slips of paper, pen, festive label.
Steps:
- Label the jar “Wishes for the New Year.”
- Set out with a pen and slips of paper.
- On New Year’s Day, read the wishes together.
Personal note: I love looking back at these notes year after year.
12. Mason Jar Tabletop Luminaries
For when you need some quick holiday magic on the dinner table.
Materials: Pint or quart-sized jars, Mod Podge, tissue paper or colored cellophane, tea lights.
Steps:
- Brush Mod Podge onto the outside of the jar.
- Wrap tissue paper or cellophane around the jar and smooth.
- Add another coat of Mod Podge.
- Pop in a tea candle and let it glow.
Pro tip: Use red, gold, or green for classic Christmas vibes.
13. Mason Jar Christmas Wreath
This is a bit more involved, but so worth it.
Materials: 6–8 small mason jars, greenery, pinecones, ribbon, hot glue gun, wire wreath frame.
Steps:
- Attach jars to the frame with hot glue.
- Fill jars with small sprigs, pinecones, or tiny lights.
- Wrap ribbon around the frame and add a bow.
- Hang on your door or wall.
14. Mason Jar Candle Sconces
These look stunning in window sills or along staircases.
Materials: Small mason jars, wire (for hangers), tea lights, faux snow or moss.
Steps:
- Wrap wire around the neck to make a hanger.
- Fill jars with snow or moss.
- Insert a candle and hang outside or in a window.
Safety tip: Use battery-operated lights outdoors.
15. Mason Jar Photo Memories
A sentimental decor piece.
Materials: Mason jar, ribbon, printed small photos (black and white looks classic), glitter or fake snow.
Steps:
- Roll up your photos and place inside the jar.
- Add a sprinkle of glitter.
- Tie with ribbon and display.
Pro tip: Each year, swap in new photos—great for marking Christmas traditions.
Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
- Mistake: Painting the inside of jars—this can make them unusable for food later, and paint may not hold up.
- Solution: Stick to painting the outside whenever possible.
- Mistake: Using cheap glue or not letting glue dry fully before handling.
- Solution: Always use a quality hot glue gun and give projects time to set.
- Mistake: Overstuffing jars—overfilled jars look messy and can spill easily.
- Solution: Opt for a single, bold element in each jar.
- Mistake: Forgetting about safety with candles.
- Solution: Use battery-operated lights in high-traffic areas or around kids and pets.
FAQs (Questions Homeowners Actually Ask)
Q: Can I use old food jars, or do I need real mason jars?
A: Absolutely use old jam, pickle, or sauce jars! Just make sure they’re clean and the lids aren’t rusted. The classic “mason jar” look is optional—function matters most.
Q: How do I prevent candles from blackening the jars?
A: A quick trick is to rub a tiny bit of oil on the inside of the jar. Not foolproof, but it helps. Or, use battery-powered lights.
Q: Do these projects work for outdoor displays?
A: Most are best indoors, especially those with candles. For outdoors, stick to fairy lights, and make sure everything is water-resistant.
Q: How can I personalize these for kids?
A: Swap in Lego minifigs, tiny toy animals, or even hand-painted rocks. Let kids pick the fillers—they love being involved.
Q: Can I mix and match these ideas?
A: Please do! Half the fun is blending styles and seeing what fits your home.
Q: What if I’m not crafty?
A: Start with the simplest ideas—lanterns, glitter jars, or cookie jars. You’ll build confidence fast.
Final Thoughts: Make It Yours
What I’ve learned through years of decorating is that your space should feel like you—not a magazine spread or a Pinterest board. The best holiday homes are the ones with laughter, twinkling lights, and a few handmade touches. Don’t stress about perfection. One glittery jar, one little handmade ornament, one flickering candle in a repurposed jar—they all add up to something truly special.
So, grab some jars, gather the family, and have fun. Christmas is about warmth, joy, and making memories—not about flawless decor. That’s the secret: let your home tell your story.