How to Draw a Christmas Lantern (Easy Step by Step)
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A Christmas lantern is a glowing, cozy thing to draw, and it is built from simple shapes. You will use rounded rectangles, tall straight lines, a curved roof, and a few loops for the bow. Once the frame is done, the little candle inside makes it feel like it is really lit.
- Easy
- 12 minutes
- 8 steps
You need: paper, a pencil, an eraser, and crayons or markers for coloring.
Start drawing
In this article (7 sections)
How to draw a Christmas lantern step by step
How to Draw a Christmas Lantern · tinyhandscreate.com
Step 1: Base and stand
Near the bottom, draw a long, flat rounded rectangle for the lantern floor. Then draw a short trapezoid hanging under it, wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, for the little stand.
Step 2: The top rim
High up, draw another long, flat rounded rectangle the same width as the bottom one. This is the ledge where the roof will sit.
Step 3: Four tall bars
Draw four straight, tall lines going down from the top rim to the base. Space them out with a wide gap in the middle for the candle.
Step 4: The domed roof
Start at the left end of the top rim and draw a curved line up and in, like part of a circle. Do the same from the right end, leaving a wide gap at the top.
Step 5: The candle
Between the two middle bars, draw a short, tall rectangle sitting on the base. Add a tiny short line on top for the wick.
Step 6: The flame
Above the wick, draw a pointy leaf shape, like a lemon standing on its end. Draw a smaller leaf shape inside it.
Step 7: Holly and greenery
On each side of the roof's top, draw a bumpy patch of greenery. Add a small round knot at the top for the bow to sit on.
Step 8: The bow
Around the small round knot, draw a loopy teardrop on each side, like bunny ears lying flat.
All done!
Go over your lines with a marker, then color it in.
Finished your Christmas lantern? Keep the pencils out and learn how to draw a Christmas gift tag or how to draw a reindeer antlers headband next.
Tips for drawing a Christmas lantern
- Draw the top rim and the base the same width, so the four bars can go straight up and down between them.
- Space the two middle bars far enough apart that the candle fits easily between them. Sketch the candle first with a light pencil if you are not sure.
- The bow loops are the trickiest part. Think of two sideways teardrops touching a small circle, and draw one loop at a time.
Free Christmas lantern coloring page
Want to go straight to coloring? Open this Christmas lantern coloring page at full size and print it. It is the same drawing you just learned, with clean lines ready for crayons or markers.
How to color your Christmas lantern drawing
Try warm gold or red for the frame, a yellow and orange flame, and a white or cream candle. Use green for the greenery on the roof and red for the bow. For a creative twist, color the background deep blue.
Christmas lantern fun fact for kids
Lanterns were used long before electric lights. People put a candle inside a frame with panels of horn, glass or paper so the wind could not blow the flame out.
Questions about drawing a Christmas lantern
What shapes do I need to draw a Christmas lantern?
You need long rounded rectangles for the top and bottom, straight lines for the bars, curved lines for the roof, a rectangle for the candle and a leaf shape for the flame.
How do I make my lantern look like it is glowing?
Color the flame bright yellow with orange around the edges. Then color the candle a pale cream so it stands out against the dark bars.
How do I draw the bow on top?
Draw a small circle first, then add one teardrop loop on each side. Keep both loops about the same size so the bow looks balanced.
