Family-Friendly Paint Class Ideas for December
Here are some family-friendly Pinot's Palette painting activities to try this December, plus a few easy ways to make them feel extra festive.
And while this list is aligned with the various class styles we offer at the studio, we love the idea of ANY TYPE of crafting at home with loved ones this season!
From making cards or ornaments, to writing a Christmas story, cookie-decorating, and more... This is the most creative time of the year!
1) Make a “December Memory Canvas” (One painting, everyone contributes)
This one’s great for families with mixed ages because everyone can participate without the pressure of painting a full canvas alone.
How it works:
Pick one canvas (bigger is better).
Divide it into sections: a snowflake corner, a winter sky corner, a cozy cabin corner, etc.
Each person paints a section in their own style.
Add a unifying detail at the end—white dots for “snow,” a string of painted lights, or a banner with your family name and year.
Why it’s fun: It’s collaborative, low-stress, and it becomes a true time capsule for the season.
2) Holiday “Paint & Personalize” Night at Home
Kids love adding their own twist, and parents love when the final result still looks display-worthy.
Try these easy personalization ideas:
Add names or initials to scarves, ornaments, stockings, or gift tags in the painting
Paint a pet into the scene (even as a tiny silhouette)
Add a family inside joke (a hidden “Where’s Waldo?” style detail)
Turn one painting into a yearly tradition: same concept every year, new version each December
Pro tip: Have everyone sign the back of the canvas with a quick note about their favorite December moment so far.
3) Winter Landscape “Layering” Practice (Perfect for all ages)
Landscapes feel magical in winter—and they’re surprisingly forgiving to paint.
A simple family approach:
Paint a gradient sky (blue to lavender, or dusk pink to navy).
Add a dark horizon line (trees or mountains).
Layer in snowy details: white branches, drift lines, soft highlights.
Why it works: Younger kids can focus on shapes and snow textures while older kids and adults can add detail.
4) Make a Handmade Gift Gallery (Gifts that don’t feel last-minute)
If your family has lots of relatives to shop for, make a “gift wall” night where everyone creates one small piece meant for someone else.
Giftable art ideas:
A mini canvas with winter botanicals (pine boughs, holly, berries)
A simple silhouette scene with a meaningful quote
A “favorite place” painting (a cabin, a beach, a grandparent’s house)
Presentation upgrade: Wrap the finished canvas with ribbon like a present and include a handwritten note about why you made it.
5) Holiday Art Games (Because not every activity needs to be serious)
Make it playful and you’ll keep everyone engaged—especially after dinner.
Family art game ideas:
Pass-the-Painting: Everyone paints for 2 minutes, then passes it to the right.
Mystery Prompt Jar: Write ideas like “snowman DJ,” “reindeer in sunglasses,” “cozy cocoa night,” and pick one at random.
3-Color Challenge: Each person can only use three colors (plus white). Watch the creativity explode.
6) Try a Studio Class Together (The easiest way to actually finish the project)
If you’d rather skip the setup and cleanup, a paint night is a simple way to make it happen—especially during a busy month. At Pinot’s Palette Federal Way, families can share a creative experience where everyone gets to leave with a finished piece they’re proud of. It’s a fun “together” activity that feels festive without being complicated.
7) Turn December into a “Tradition” Month
One of the best parts of family art is how quickly it becomes a tradition. Pick one night each December—hot cocoa, holiday music, and painting—and repeat it every year.
Tradition ideas:
Paint the same winter scene each year and date it
Make a yearly “family canvas” and hang them in a row
Do a “New Year wish” painting where everyone adds one word (joy, courage, peace, adventure)
Make It a Federal Way December Memory
If you’re looking for a family activity that’s cozy, creative, and genuinely fun for all ages, painting together is hard to beat. Whether you create at home or join us in the studio, the best part isn’t perfection—it’s the laughter, the little surprises, and walking away with something made together.
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