Christmas Dot-to-Dot for Kids: Free Printable Pictures

Download the free printable cards

Christmas dot-to-dot ideas to try today

Start with the printable, then stretch the fun with these simple add-ons. Each idea uses what you already have at home.

Before you join the dots

1. Point to number 1 and ask your child to find it first
2. Count the dots out loud together before starting
3. Guess what the finished picture might be
4. Trace the number shapes in the air with a finger
5. Find the biggest and smallest numbers on the page
6. Warm up by drawing a few wobbly lines on scrap paper
7. Choose which picture to do first of the three
8. Hunt for any numbers that look the same
9. Say the numbers in a silly festive voice

While joining the dots

1. Join 1 to 2 to 3 and pause to check the shape so far
2. Whisper each number as you draw towards it
3. Keep the pencil on the paper to make one long line
4. Spot when the line starts to look like something
5. Take turns, one dot each, with a grown up
6. Count backwards from the last dot once finished
7. Stop halfway and guess the picture again
8. Use a ruler for older children who want neat lines
9. Cheer when the final dot joins up

After the picture appears

1. Name the three festive figures you revealed
2. Colour each picture in Christmas colours
3. Add your own background like snow or stars
4. Write the picture's name underneath
5. Cut the pictures out with safety scissors and help
6. Make them into gift tags or a card for a relative
7. Count how many dots each picture needed
8. Draw your own simple dot-to-dot for a grown up to solve
9. Stick finished pictures on the fridge or a window

How to do Christmas dot-to-dot, step by step

1. Print the Christmas dot-to-dot sheet.
2. Find number 1 and start there.
3. Draw a line from each number to the next in order.
4. Keep going until the festive picture appears.
5. Colour it in and name what you made.

Ways to use Christmas dot-to-dot

• Quiet Christmas Eve activity Hand out a sheet each while dinner cooks or guests arrive. It keeps small hands busy and calm in the middle of a busy day.
• Travel and car journeys Pop a few sheets and some crayons in a bag for long drives to see family. For more on the go fun, pair it with a boxed set like the Scavenger Hunt Game.
• Classroom advent corner Add a new sheet to a festive activity table each week of December. Children can collect their finished pictures in a folder.
• Homemade cards and tags Colour and cut the finished figures, then glue them onto folded card. A lovely gift from child to grandparent.
• Number practice without worksheets Children count in order without realising it is maths. Follow up with a hands on counting toy like the Let's Learn to Count Game.

Games and gifts for festive family time

Dot-to-dot is a gentle starter, and these toys and games carry the fun on through the Christmas holidays. Each one suits family time around the table or quiet play on your own.

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Maths Game - Number CountingShop nowCounting Caterpillar - Number PuzzleShop nowAbacus for Kids - Wooden Counting ToyShop nowArt Set - Sketch Drawing PencilsShop nowKids Art Set - Water Colouring PencilsShop nowPaint PensShop nowAnimal Travel Art Set - Doodle BookShop nowRainbow Scratch Paper - Scratch Art PadShop nowScavenger Hunt GameShop nowSnakes and Ladders with Ludo - Family Board GameShop nowWooden Family Games SetShop nowEarly Years Letters - Kids Alphabet GameShop nowGiant Playing CardsShop nowFour in a Row - Counting Game for KidsShop now

Christmas dot-to-dot by age and key stage

What children learn from Christmas dot-to-dot

• Number order. Joining dots from 1 upwards reinforces counting in sequence in a natural, playful way.
• Pencil control. Drawing careful lines between dots builds the fine motor skills needed for writing.
• Concentration. Following dots to the end teaches children to stick with a task and finish it.
• Shape recognition. Watching a picture appear helps children connect lines, shapes and whole images.
• Confidence. Revealing a hidden Christmas figure gives a real sense of achievement they can show off.

More free Christmas printables

Every one is free to print, and each has its own guide.

Swipe or scroll sideways to see more

Christmas Kindness and Gratitude CardsFree printableChristmas Story Starter CardsFree printableChristmas Charades CardsFree printableChristmas Maths MysteryFree printableChristmas Eve Box PlannerFree printableColour-In Christmas Gift TagsFree printableElf Mischief IdeasFree printableReindeer Food RecipeFree printableChristmas BingoFree printableChristmas Scavenger HuntFree printable

Make it a Christmas tradition

Dot-to-dot is one of those easy habits that fits neatly into a busy December. Keep a little folder of printed sheets by the kitchen table so there is always something calm to reach for. In a classroom, a weekly festive sheet makes a gentle advent ritual that children look forward to. Over the years it becomes part of the run up to Christmas, like putting up the tree or writing cards.

Frequently asked questions

What age is Christmas dot-to-dot for?

It suits children from about 3 to 7. Younger children do well with simple sheets and a helping hand, while older ones can manage higher numbers on their own.

How many pictures are on the printable?

There are three festive figures to reveal. Children can do one at a sitting or work through all three.

What do I need to do it?

Just the printed sheet and a pencil. Colouring pens or crayons make the finished pictures more fun.

Can my child use scissors with it?

Yes, to turn pictures into cards or tags. Use safety scissors and stay close to supervise younger children.

How long does it take?

Around 10 to 20 minutes per picture, depending on your child's age and how long they spend colouring.

How does it help with learning?

It supports counting in order, pencil control and concentration, all in a relaxed way that does not feel like schoolwork.

My child cannot count that high yet. What can I do?

Count the numbers out loud together and point to each one. You can also start with sheets that have fewer dots.

What can we do once we finish?

Colour the pictures, make cards, or try the toys and games in our gift ideas above for more festive play.

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Jaques of London is Britain's oldest toy and games company, founded in 1795. We have spent over 230 years making games families play together, from chess and croquet to wooden toys for the very young.

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Written by the Jaques of London team. Last updated 1 November 2026.