Christmas Pictures to Color

Coloring Contests

Many holidays prompt coloring contests, and Christmas is no exception. As the season starts to approach, you can expect holiday pictures to color for fun and prizes. Even if your child chooses not to enter the contest, you can usually still obtain a coloring page. Places to check for Christmas coloring contests include:

• Local libraries
• Newspapers
• Grocery, drug, and departments stores
• Community and recreation centers
• Banks
• Restaurants
• Other businesses in your community

Sometimes groups and organizations also sponsor coloring contests and leave the coloring pages at public establishments such as post offices.

Libraries

Check you local library for coloring pages -- many offer bookmarks that can be colored and coloring sheets for their little patrons around holidays.

Free Christmas Pictures to Color Online

If you're looking for free coloring pages, the Internet offers a variety of sites with free printable Christmas pages to color. Many of these pages are advertiser supported, however, so you may want to put your pop-up blocker on before clicking on any printable coloring sheets. Sites offering free Christmas and holiday coloring sheets include:

• Coloring Page.net
• Kids Domain
• The Kidz Page
• A Little Christmas Magic
• Coloring book Fun
• Davey and Goliath
• ABC Teach
• Family Fun Magazine
• Bible Kidz Fun Zone

For most free printable coloring pages, you will simply have to click on the picture you desire, and it will open up in a separate window. Follow the printing directions, and you'll soon have an array of great holiday pictures. Be wary of any site that asks you to download unfamiliar programs -- these shouldn't be necessary and could perhaps be an unethical attempt to invade your computer with ad programs or spyware.

Printable Subscriptions

For great, original Christmas pictures to color, some parents turn to printable subscription services. For a nominal (usually yearly) fee, you can obtain access to a number of printable pictures for everyday and holidays. Some sites, such as Enchanted Learning, offer free printables, but also offer the option of purchasing a subscription to obtain more print-friendly pages without banner or other ads.

Inexpensive Coloring Books

Another affordable option for obtaining Christmas pictures is inexpensive coloring books. These can be found at discount, dollar, and department stores cheaply around the holidays. If you stock up after Christmas when these coloring books are discounted for the coming year, you'll have a substantial supply at a fraction of the cost.

If you are looking for pictures for a classroom or large group, you can peruse the pictures in the coloring books and simply make copies or scan and print your desired pictures onto copy or other paper. Be sure, however, not to violate the copyrights of individual artists when reproducing the pictures.

Drawing Your Own

If you find yourself in short supply, or just for the fun of it, you can also draw your own Christmas pictures to color. Try a simple Christmas tree or stocking, and print or copy (drawing outlines in bold black marker is very effective). Children can have fun adding their own decorations and stocking stuffers from their imagination.

For older children, give them a theme and have them create their own Christmas pictures. Urge them to get creative with their details, and you may be surprised at what they create. Ideas include:

• Nativity scenes
• Jesus in the manger
• Mary, Joseph, the Wise Men, or the Little Drummer Boy
• Frosty the Snow Man
• Rudolph the Reindeer
• Winter Animals
• Ornaments
• Presents
• Stockings
• Santa's Workshop
• Santa and Elves
• Santa and Mrs. Claus
• Wreaths or Christmas Decorations
• Winter Scenes

Whether they’re used for a school project, fun family craft, or to create homemade cards, coloring Christmas pictures can be a great holiday activity children of all ages will enjoy.