Ideas For Decorating Glass Jars For Christmas

Get over 40 ideas for mason jar Christmas crafts – perfect for holiday decorating or gifting! These are inexpensive and easy for beginners.

This Christmas, give your loved ones a gift they'll appreciate for years to come: holiday crafts made with mason jars! If you've never tried mason jar Christmas crafts, I'm excited to share tons of project ideas with you. From decorations to candy dishes, there are plenty of ideas that will make any home merry and bright!

Mason jar crafts are the perfect way to bring some holiday cheer into your home. I'll be honest, they are perfect for gifts as well, especially when you don't know what to get someone (it happens!). With so many different options from which to choose, you're sure find something perfect for anyone on your list.

Christmas Mason Jars

Before we jump into the craft ideas, I wanted to walk you through the three steps of mason jar Christmas crafts. This is why I love these types of projects so much – they're easy! You'll prepare the jars, decorate them, and then fill them up.

Prepare the Jars

No matter what paint you decide to use, you're going to need to begin by cleaning your glass jars. Now, I've used mild soap and water and that works fine. BUT I find that the best chance of getting your paint stick comes with using rubbing alcohol.

You'll want to take a cotton swab or pad and clean the outside of the jar.This step is crucial if you want the paint to stick.

You are removing oils from fingers – oils that repel paint. That is why you are cleaning the jars in this manner. Get more information in my post about how to paint mason jars.

Paint and Decorate

After you clean the jars, you're going to paint them. There are a few types of paint you can use, but my favorites are chalk and glass paints. Here's more about them (I also have a complete guide to painting on glass):

Chalk paint – what I love about chalk paint is that you can paint it directly on glass without a primer. You'll still need to clean the jars, but then you can paint the chalk paint right on the glass. It's perfect for distressing and layering. Just let the first layer dry completely before adding the second layer.

Glass paint – made specifically for glass. Once you paint it on, you'll likely bake it to cure. This usually involves baking for 20 – 30 minutes at 350ºF. Make sure to read the label for curing instructions.

Of course some jars are decorated with Mod Podge, and others aren't decorated at all and just filled. But usually there is some kind of frills, even if it's just wrapping around the top band of the jar!

Fill the Jars

The last thing you need to do is put whatever it is in the jar you're going to, which are most commonly candy or baked goods. But you can add just about anything depending on the size of the jar. I've seen people add socks, nail polish, makeup, slime, gift cards, small alcohol bottles, small tools, tea/coffee, and more. Get creative!

Are you ready to check out the ideas? Keep on scrolling to get them, and then let me know your favorite in the comments!

Farmhouse Mason Jar Christmas Vase

Learn how to make a mason jar Christmas vase by painting on glass! This is way easier than you think – and we've included a free pattern too.

Snowman Hot Chocolate Jars

Learn how to make these cute hot cocoa snowman jars for Christmas gifts! Great for neighbors, hostesses, or even teacher appreciation.

Stamped Snowflake Mason Jar Luminary

Photo Credit: kastyles.co

Mason jars are a great way to decorate your home this holiday season. This project is going to get you in the festive mood - all you need is some chalk paint, stamps, and a few other simple supplies.

Mason Jar Christmas Tree Planter

Photo Credit: weekendcraft.com

Learn how to make a mason jar holder for a small flocked Christmas tree. This is the perfect container to gift a tree - it looks great in your home or office!

Peppermint Brownies Mason Jar Gift

Photo Credit: Crystal Owens

These peppermint brownie jars are perfect for giving as gifts this season. They are easy enough to be a last minute idea! Crystal gives you the recipe to make the brownies as well.

Christmas Sweater Mason Jars

Photo Credit: www.itallstartedwithpaint.com

I love these little Christmas mason jars with a painted "sweater" theme. They are so festive and fun! These would be perfect for gift giving filled with candy.

Gold Glittered Mason Jar Vases

Photo Credit: classyclutter.net

These glittered mason jar vases are an inexpensive way to dress up your Christmas tablescape without breaking the bank. The best part about this DIY is you can use these mason jar vases year round - not just during the holidays!

Santa Handprint Mason Jars

Photo Credit: plaidonline.com

I love these Santa handprint jars for decor or gifts! Though I have to say, these kids' handprints make a great teacher appreciation gift for the holidays. Fill them with a teacher's favorite goodies.

Nutcracker Jar Toppers

Photo Credit: Lexy Ward

I love the holidays because nutcrackers can be found everywhere you turn. Big. Small. Traditional. Modern. They're all perfect. Mini nutcrackers make the perfect jar toppers for your holiday treats!

Hot Cocoa Mason Jar Gift

Photo Credit: Crystal Owens

This hot cocoa mason jar gift with a silver doily and die cut snowflakes makes a great last minute neighbor or teacher gift. It's really to assemble and you can make several at once.

Painted Mason Jar Snowman Craft

Photo Credit: Christine Bell

The problem with making this cutie is that you won't want to give him away once he's done! This snowman mason jar is perfect for gifts or decor.

Anthropologie Mason Jar Snow Globes

Photo Credit: Ashley Centola

This snow globe made with a mason jar reminds me of a frosty winter morning! If you like peaceful, snowy scenes, you're going to love this Christmas craft - perfect for your holiday decor.

Christmas Jar Mulling Spices

Photo Credit: nestofposies-blog.com

Add Christmas cheer to your gifts this year with these mason jar mulling spices. All you need is a clear jar and some cranberries, rosemary twigs, dried orange slices, and a few other simple supplies. Kellie also provides a free printable!

Cinnamon Honey Butter Jar Gift

Photo Credit: Cheryl Sousan

Food based Christmas gifts are always a favorite of mine. These cinnamon honey butter jars make a pretty presentation when you add a little bling to the jars, and pair with homemade bread, pound cake, biscuit mix, or even bagels!

Christmas Gnome Mason Jars

Photo Credit: Sarah Nenni-Daher

These Christmas gnome mason jars are a quick and easy craft to bring the holiday season home. Grab some scraps and get started on this cute decor!

Red Striped Christmas Mason Jars

Photo Credit: Kierste Wade

I absolutely love striped mason jars! Kierste shows you how to make two versions for gifts - one as a soap dispenser and the other as a candy holder. She also offers free tags for you to download and print.

Christmas Mason Jar Luminaries

Photo Credit: maisondepax.com

Decorate your home this holiday season with these simple Christmas mason jar luminaries. Such an easy, charming touch to your holiday decor. Great with farmhouse and vintage styles.

Holiday Gift Card Holder with Slime

Photo Credit: karacreates.com

Some say gift cards are impersonal, but sometimes they perfectly fit the occasion! This is a way to make your gift card gift a little more personalized. Just fill a mason jar with homemade Christmas slime, add a gift card, and print out the free printable labels for an easy gift that every child will love!

Mason Jar Christmas Centerpiece

Photo Credit: ourcraftymom.com

This mason jar centerpiece is perfect for a holiday kitchen or dining room tablescape. You could also use it for a kitchen sill or mantel! This idea is easy to customize for various holidays, too.

DIY Elf Mason Jars

Photo Credit: polkadotchair.com

I don't think elves get nearly enough crafting attention at Christmas! That's why I love Melissa's idea for an elfish mason jar gift! You can customize the color of your elf with the candy you use inside.

Make a Mason Jar Oil Candle Lamp

Photo Credit: hearthandvine.com

This mason jar oil candle lamp is created with beautiful pine cones, evergreens, and cinnamon sticks, combined with essential oils. These pretty lamps make great gifts for the holidays.

Christmas Luminaries

Learn how to make these easy Christmas luminaries from glass mason jars! All you need is some Mod Podge, epsom salt, and a few embellishments.

Farmhouse Red Truck Snow Globe

Photo Credit: Emily Hunsaker

If you love decorating in rustic or farmhouse style, making your own red truck snow globe is a fun way to add some Fixer Upper charm without having to go searching for the perfect holiday decorations in the store.

Snowflake Mason Jar DIY

Photo Credit: Trisha Haas

Create mason jar Christmas crafts that look beautiful on your table for a holiday centerpiece. Easily customize your colors and designs, but I just absolutely love the shades of blue in this project! You can use these all winter.

Snowy Pinecone Candle Jars

Photo Credit: Amanda Formaro

Make pretty winter luminaries that appear to be covered with freshly fallen snow! Oh so gorgeous and perfect for the holidays, they are very easy to make

Santa Painted Mason Jar Gift

Photo Credit: Christine Bell

This Santa jar craft will leave you feeling merry and bright this holiday season, especially after adding the striped ribbon and buttons! Perfect for the beginning crafter who wants to make a cheery gift or decoration.

Christmas Treat Jars for Kids

Photo Credit: crazylittleprojects.com

It's time to get festive with these cute Christmas mason jars! They're perfect for kids of all ages. It's a great family project this holiday season, and you can choose between Amber's Santa, reindeer, and snowman designs.

Candy Cane Mason Jars

Photo Credit: cherishedbliss.com

Of all the mason jar Christmas crafts I've listed, this has to be the most straightforward one of them all! The assembly of the candy canes and tree clippings is about as easy as it gets - and really beautiful!

Juniper and Cranberry Mason Jar Centerpieces

Photo Credit: yellowblissroad.com

Not every mason jar Christmas craft needs to involve paint or Mod Podge. These jars are so easy to put together - with three ingredients they make a beautiful holiday table centerpieces.

Gingerbread Cookie Dough Jars

Photo Credit: thedecoratedcookie.com

Looking for an awesome homemade food gift idea? Skip the traditional Christmas cookies and try this gingerbread edible cookie dough in cute-as-can be mini mason jars.

Christmas Gift Card Holders

Photo Credit: Stephanie Ackerman

Mason jars are useful for holding a variety of things - including gift cards! The recipient will think they got candy or a food item until they pick it up and unscrew the lid. Then they can reuse the jar too!

Mason Jar Christmas Candles

Photo Credit: Angie Holden

I love the beautiful glow of candles at Christmas! Angie made this pretty version of holiday candles using a Cricut, but you can use any sort of stickers to get the same effect.

Christmas Drip Painting Mason Jars

Photo Credit: Trisha Haas

If you're a beginning crafter, this is a perfect painted Christmas jar to tackle. All you'll be doing is dripping paint! The end result is perfect for decor or gifting.

Christmas Joy Lanterns

Photo Credit: Soapbox Creations

If you have a die cutter, it's so easy to make these silhouette stickers that add a window to mason jars - and turn them into beautiful luminaries that decorate your home! I love the addition of beans as a base for the candle.

Peppermint Mason Jar Candle Holders

Photo Credit: livelaughrowe.com

This is a great way to use those peppermint candies that never seem to get eaten each Christmas! Use them to make the cutest candles ever, perfect for decorating or the holiday table.

Hanging Mason Jar Christmas Lanterns

Photo Credit: www.finchrest.com

Nothing feels more festive to me than lanterns in the snow! I absolutely love this Christmas craft, perfect for outdoor decor with the cheery lights and pretty garland.

Snowman Mason Jar Topper

Photo Credit: thecottagemarket.com

Sometimes when you're giving a gift you're just looking for a cute seasonal topper - so that the recipient can still see what's in the jar. This snowman is so cute I can hardly stand it. I'd love to do a Santa version too!

Mason Jar Christmas Tree

Photo Credit: Malia Karlinsky

Malia took mason jar Christmas crafts to a whole new level with her faux "tree!" Perfect for using the large mason jars that come in green. I love how she added lights and sprayed them with snowy spray paint.

Shake and Pour Pancakes in a Jar Gift

Photo Credit: Cindy Hopper

If you need a super last minute gift that will give the recipient a hassle free morning, these shake and pour pancakes are perfect! Cindy even has a free printable label! Just head to the grocery store and you'll find everything you need.

Wire Wrapped Christmas Mason Jar

Photo Credit: cherishedbliss.com

As far as I'm concerned, plaid works from fall all the way through the end of the year! That's what I love about this jar . . . you can make a few of these for your home and you'll have pretty decorations for several months.

Mason Jar Grinch Craft

Photo Credit: Heather Painchaud

One of my favorite symbols of Christmas - the Grinch! I love that Heather turned this classic character into mason jar decor. Also perfect for parties or gifts.

Santa and Elf Hat Candy Jars

Photo Credit: club.chicacircle.com

If you've ever seen those small cones at the grocery store, they are perfect for crafting! They make great hats for elf and Santa themed mason jars. I just love their darling little lids!

If you love crafting with mason jars for the holidays, you're going to love these other Christmas ideas – check them out: