Mason jars are one of my favorite things to craft with during the holidays. They’re inexpensive, versatile, and you can create so many beautiful Christmas decorations with them. I’ve been making mason jar projects for the past few years, and they always add such a cozy, handmade touch to my holiday decor.
Whether you want to make gifts, decorations, or just add some festive charm to your space, here are some Christmas mason jar ideas that are easy and fun to create.
Snow Globe Jars
These are absolutely magical and easier to make than you’d think. Glue a small Christmas figurine (like a tiny tree, snowman, or reindeer) to the inside of the lid. Fill the jar with water, add glycerin to make the glitter fall slowly, then add white or iridescent glitter for snow. Screw the lid on tight and flip it over.
You can also skip the water and just fill the jar with fake snow and your figurine for a mess-free version that’s perfect if you have kids.
Painted Mason Jar Luminaries
Paint mason jars in festive colors like red, white, green, or gold. Once dry, you can leave them solid or add designs. Try painting snowflakes, stars, or simple Christmas trees on the outside.
Place a battery-operated tea light or string lights inside, and they create the most beautiful warm glow. Group several together in different sizes for a lovely centerpiece.
For an extra special touch, paint them with frosted glass paint to create a frosted winter look, or add some Epsom salt mixed with glue for a snowy texture.
Layered Hot Chocolate or Cookie Mix Jars
These make wonderful gifts. Layer the dry ingredients for hot chocolate or cookies in a mason jar. For hot chocolate, layer cocoa powder, sugar, mini chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows. For cookies, layer flour, baking soda, brown sugar, white sugar, and chocolate chips.
Tie a fabric circle or festive cloth over the lid with twine or ribbon, and attach a tag with the remaining instructions (like what wet ingredients to add). It looks beautiful and gives someone everything they need for a cozy treat.
Mason Jar Vases
Fill mason jars with Christmas greenery like pine branches, holly, or eucalyptus. Add some red berries or small ornaments tucked into the greenery. You can paint the jars first, wrap them with burlap and ribbon, or leave them clear.
Fresh or faux greenery both work beautifully. These make lovely table decorations or gifts for neighbors and teachers.
Christmas Candle Holders
Wrap the outside of a mason jar with lace, burlap, or ribbon in festive patterns. Add embellishments like small pinecones, bells, or faux holly. Place a pillar candle inside (make sure the jar is large enough that nothing catches fire) or use battery-operated candles for safety.
You can also fill the bottom of the jar with Epsom salt, fake snow, or cranberries before adding the candle for extra texture and color.
Advent Calendar Jars
Use 24 small mason jars to create an advent calendar. Number each jar from 1 to 24, then fill them with small treats, activities written on paper, or tiny ornaments. Arrange them on a tray, shelf, or hang them if they have handles.
This is such a fun project if you have kids, and it becomes a special part of your holiday countdown each year.
Mason Jar Terrariums
Create a miniature winter scene inside a mason jar. Layer the bottom with fake snow or white sand, add small bottle brush trees, tiny figurines, and maybe a little house or deer. You can add some glitter for sparkle.
Seal it up and you have a beautiful decoration that captures a whole winter wonderland in a jar.
Candy or Treat Jars
Fill mason jars with holiday candies like peppermints, chocolate kisses, candy canes, or homemade treats. Decorate the lid and jar with ribbon, paint, or fabric. These are perfect for gifting or just having around during holiday gatherings.
You can also use them as treat jars for a hot chocolate bar—one jar with marshmallows, one with peppermint sticks, one with chocolate chips.
Glitter Mason Jars
Coat the inside of a mason jar with a thin layer of glue (Mod Podge works great), then pour in glitter and swirl it around until the inside is completely covered. Pour out the excess and let it dry.
These sparkly jars are gorgeous with tea lights inside, or use them as vases. Gold, silver, red, and green glitter all look festive for Christmas.
Mason Jar Soap Dispensers
If you’re feeling crafty, turn a mason jar into a soap dispenser by drilling a hole in the lid for a pump. Fill it with hand soap and decorate the jar with Christmas ribbon, tags, or paint. These make practical but pretty gifts.
Memory or Gratitude Jars
Decorate a mason jar and keep it out during the holidays. Family members can write down favorite memories, things they’re grateful for, or happy moments on slips of paper and add them to the jar. On New Year’s Eve or another special day, read them together.
Decorate the jar with ribbon and a tag that says “Christmas Memories” or “Grateful Hearts.”
String Light Jars
Fill a mason jar with a string of battery-operated fairy lights. The lights will create a soft, magical glow through the glass. You can leave the jar clear, frost it with spray paint, or add a ribbon around the rim.
These are so simple but create such a cozy atmosphere. Place them on windowsills, mantels, or as table centerpieces.
Tips for Your Mason Jar Projects
Clean your jars thoroughly: Remove any labels and make sure they’re completely dry before starting.
Use the right glue: E6000 or hot glue works well for most projects. Mod Podge is great for glitter projects and decoupage.
Battery-operated is safer: If you’re using lights or candles, battery-operated options are much safer, especially in closed jars or around fabric.
Save jars year-round: Start collecting jars now so you have plenty for next year’s projects.
Get creative with lids: The lids can be painted, covered with fabric, or decorated with ornaments glued on top.
Make It Personal
The beauty of mason jar crafts is that you can customize them to match your style. Go rustic with burlap and twine, elegant with gold and white, or colorful and playful with bright reds and greens. Add personal touches that make each piece special.
These projects are also wonderful to do with family or friends. Set up a crafting afternoon with hot cocoa and holiday music, and make several jars together.