Visual Art

Quick and Creative Winter Art Activities for Busy Classrooms

The winter season brings excitement—and chaos—to classrooms. Between the holidays, unpredictable schedules, and post-break transitions, teachers need reliable, low-prep activities that engage students while keeping things calm and productive.

Whether you’re an art teacher or a classroom teacher looking to sprinkle some creativity into your day, these winter-themed drawing activities are here to save the day. They’re fun, flexible, and require only basic materials—perfect for last-minute plans!


1. Winter Art Choice Board

If you’re looking for an activity that sparks creativity while celebrating the winter season, this choice board is a must-have.

  • What It Is: A set of winter and “Christmas”-themed drawing prompts that students can complete independently, in small groups, or as a whole class.
  • Why Teachers Love It: Inclusive prompts ensure that all students, regardless of background, can participate.
  • Extra Bonus: It includes a blank matrix for students to create their own prompts, encouraging deeper engagement and originality.

This resource works beautifully as a warm-up, early finisher activity, or even as part of your long-term plans. It’s also a fantastic option for substitute teachers—just print and go!

📎 Explore it in my Teachers Pay Teachers store.


2. Winter Character Drawing Matrix Challenge

Want to take your students’ imaginations on a snowy adventure? This drawing matrix offers endless combinations of characters and winter themes to inspire unique, creative scenes.

  • How It Works: Students choose a character from one column and a theme from the top row, then draw the two together in a wintery scenario.
  • Perfect For: Independent work, group projects, or even class competitions to see who can create the most imaginative pairing.
  • Why Students Love It: It’s like a winter-themed game—fun and open-ended, but with an artistic twist.

This one-page activity is a lifesaver for busy days, pre-holiday filler time, or easing students back into the routine after a break.

📎 Check it out Winter Character Drawing Matrix Challenge


Why These Activities Work for Any Classroom

Both of these resources are:

  • Low-Prep: All you need are pencils, paper, and coloring supplies.
  • Versatile: Great for art or non-art classrooms, warm-ups, sub plans, or early finishers.
  • Inclusive: Designed to engage all students, no matter their skill level or background.

Even if art isn’t your focus, these activities can spark creative writing, storytelling, or group collaboration. Plus, they’re an excellent way to bring a little winter magic into your classroom while keeping things structured and stress-free.


Add Some Winter Magic to Your Classroom

These quick and creative winter art activities are ready to bring joy, imagination, and calm to your classroom. Perfect for pre-holiday fun or as a relaxing post-break transition, they’re a simple way to keep students engaged without extra prep work.

📎 Ready to get started? Find these and more in my Teachers Pay Teachers store.

Make this winter season memorable—for both you and your students—with these easy, artistic resources!

Looking for more choice boards? Check out my bundle with choice boards for every month of the year!

I'm Sarah, and unlocking imagination, brushstroke by brushstroke, palabra por palabra - where the art of expression meets the joy of learning is what I do.

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