The most magical time of the year is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a creative and delicious DIY project? We’re bringing a sprinkle of whimsy and a scoop of sweetness to your holiday festivities by showing you how to create a Christmas tree with your kids out of an unexpected ingredient: ice cream cones!
This is a great holiday activity for the classroom, preschool, daycare, or home. It’s also a great alternative to making tiny gingerbread houses that some classes make during the holidays.
It’s also a great way to use old Halloween candy.
I made this ice cream cone Christmas tree with my 3-year-old, my 12-year-old niece, and her friends. Everyone had a blast, making it the best activity for kids of all ages.
Follow the step-by-step directions below to make your very own ice cream cone Christmas tree.

Materials
- green frosting,
- sugar ice cream cone (1 per person)
- Things to decorate. I used M&M’s and Smarties leftover from Halloween, marshmallows, and sprinkles. You can also use things like coconut and any other small candies.
- Paper Plate
Step 1
Spread a thin layer of your green frosting over the entire ice cream cone. This is really the only step little kids will need help with. Everything else they can do on their own.

Step 2
Start decorating. Place M&M’s, Smarties, and any other small candies on your Christmas tree.
My daughter wanted marshmallows on hers. Her marshmallows kept slipping off her tree, so we decided to put them on the bottom. We also used silver sprinkles to look like snow and yellow sprinkles on top of a star.


My daughter wanted to try hers. I let her take two bites. These trees aren’t really for eating more as decoration. They are super sweet since it’s just frosting, sugar cones, and candy.
Whether you are a teacher, caregiver, parent, or all of the above, we hope you’re eager to try this activity with your little ones.
Making these festive treats with kids is a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories and nurture their creativity. Watch as their eyes light up joyfully while they decorate their edible Christmas tree.
They will have a blast and learn valuable skills like patience, teamwork, and the joy of bringing their imagination to life.
So, gather your little ones, and let the magic of making ice cream cone Christmas trees with kids fill your classroom or home with laughter and love this holiday season.