How to draw a christmas tree

Step 1 of 6

Draw the small top tier

Draw a small triangle with gently rounded corners and a curved bottom edge. Leave room above it for the star and below it for the rest of the tree.

Step 2 of 6

Add a wider middle tier

Draw a wider branch tier beneath the first one. Let its top sit behind the small tier and join the sides with a curved bottom edge.

Step 3 of 6

Add the wide bottom tier and trunk

Add the widest branch tier beneath the middle one. Draw a small rectangular trunk at the bottom, centered under the tree.

Step 4 of 6

Place a star on top

Draw a small five-point star directly above the tip of the tree. Keep the star simple with one clean outline.

Step 5 of 6

Add two curved garlands

Draw one gently curved line across the middle tier and another across the bottom tier. These simple curves form the garlands.

Step 6 of 6

Finish with five round ornaments

Add five small circles across the branches: two near the top, one in the middle and two near the bottom. Leave space around the garlands so each decoration stays clear.

Step 1 of 6

Map the height and branch tiers

Draw a light vertical center line and a ground line. Add gently curved guides that widen toward the base to place the evergreen's branch tiers.

Beginner tip: Leave space above the tree for a star and below the branches for gifts.

Step 2 of 6

Shape overlapping evergreen boughs

Follow the guides with irregular, pointed branch contours. Overlap each tier over the next and add a short trunk beneath the lowest branches.

Step 3 of 6

Add a star and draped garlands

Draw a five-point star at the top. Sweep paired curved lines across the tree for ribbon garlands, letting the ribbons disappear behind the branches at the edges.

Step 4 of 6

Hang ornaments and place two gifts

Hang round baubles from the branches with small caps and loops. Place two gift boxes beside the trunk, adding side faces, ribbons and bows.

Beginner tip: Keep the ornaments spaced apart so the branches and garlands remain clear.

Step 5 of 6

Add needles, folds and light shading

Use short directional strokes for evergreen needles. Add folds to the ribbons, curved hatching to the ornaments and small details to the gift wrapping.

Step 6 of 6

Refine contours and ground shadows

Remove unused guides and strengthen a few overlapping branch contours. Add selective hatching beneath the boughs and contact shadows below the gifts to ground the finished tree.