How To Make Adorable Christmas Gnome Painted Rocks

Bring a little holiday magic to your home with these Christmas Gnome Painted Rocks that are simple, charming, and fun for all ages.

Every December, my house turns into a full-blown gnome village. I never plan it. Somehow, another cute little Christmas gnome sneaks home with me every single year. At this point, it’s become a family tradition.

The moment the boxes come down from the attic, my kids take off running through the house counting every gnome they can find.

They race around the living room, peek behind plants, open cabinet doors, and squeal when they spot a new one I forgot to mention. Honestly, it’s the best part of the season for me.

So it probably won’t surprise you that Christmas gnome painted rocks have become one of our favorite holiday crafts. They’re simple, cheerful, and packed with personality. And just like the gnomes around my home, no two ever look the same.

This little project is a great way to slow down during the busy holiday season. Kids love it. Adults love it.

Even the family members who swear they’re “not crafty” end up joining in. It’s a craft that brings everyone together, whether around the table or by the fire.

And yes… I gnome you’re going to love it too.

(Prepare yourself. There will be more puns. It’s a holiday craft tradition around here.)

Before we begin, don’t forget: you can print or email these instructions using the button icons at the top of the blog post.

And if you love gnomes as much as I do, be sure to grab my FREE Christmas Gnome Coloring Pages. They double as inspiration for painting your next set of Christmas gnome painted rocks.

Supplies You’ll Need

Here’s everything we used for our cute little gnomes:

• Smooth rocks
• Acrylic craft paint
• Paintbrushes (small detail brushes work best)
• Paint markers (optional)
• Paper plate or palette
• Cup of water for rinsing brushes
• Paper towels
• Clear sealer

How to Make Christmas Gnome Painted Rocks

This is where the fun happens. Set the kids up with a few rocks and paint, put on your favorite Christmas music, and watch the creativity unfold.

Step 1: pAINT A BASE COAT

Start by painting the entire rock with a solid color. Turquoise or soft winter blue always looks festive and snowy. Let it dry fully before moving to the next step.

Step 2. Start with the nose

Paint a little round circle. This tiny nose helps you place the rest of the gnome’s features. It’s also adorable on its own.

Step 3: Add the beard

Under the nose, paint a rounded white beard. Keep it soft, fluffy, and simple. Don’t overthink it. Gnomes prefer low-maintenance grooming.

Step 4: Paint the body

Add a small rounded body shape under the beard. Classic Christmas colors like red or forest green work beautifully. Then paint two little circles at the bottom for shoes, then add mitten shapes on the sides. This is where the gnome really starts to come to life.

Step 5: create a tall hat

Paint a tall, narrow triangle above the nose. Stretch it high and playful. The taller the hat, the more whimsy your gnome brings to the holidays.

Step 6: Decorate the gnome hat

Now the fun begins. Turn your hat into a tiny Christmas tree with garland and ornaments, or try:

• Candy cane stripes
• Polka dots
• Stars
• Patchwork patterns
• Snowflakes
• Tiny hearts

This is a great place to let kids experiment. And let’s be honest, adults get pretty competitive with this part too.

Step 7: Add snowy details

Dot white snowflakes all around the gnome for a winter wonderland look. Once everything dries, seal it with a clear coat if you plan to display your Christmas Gnome Painted Rocks outside.

Why This Craft Is So Special

These little painted gnomes make the sweetest gifts, stocking stuffers, or dining table place markers. You can hide them around the house for a Christmas scavenger hunt, leave them at friends’ doorsteps as a surprise, or keep them all for yourself. I won’t judge. Gnome hoarding happens to the best of us.

They’re also a wonderful way to slow down and connect with your kids. A rock, a brush, and a little time together… those are the moments you remember, long after the tree comes down.

And if you want even more ideas, don’t forget to download your FREE Christmas Gnome Coloring Pages. They’re perfect for coloring or for inspiring new patterns, hats, and beards for your future Christmas Gnome Painted Rocks.

Let’s just say these little guys get around!