Want to do something creative and funny this Christmas? Why not host a Santa hat contest? I have 25 Santa hat decorating contest ideas that will add great fun and laughter to your holiday season.
25 Easy & Funny Santa Hat Decorating Contest Ideas for Christmas
Santa hats are a staple in every Christmas celebration. So, it is also known as a Christmas hat, that symbolizes joy, generosity, and the spirit of giving.
But who said Santa hats have to be traditional and boring? You can make it fun and interactive by having a Santa hat decorating contest at your home, school, or office.
But how to decorate a Santa’s hat? From tons of glitter to a Christmas countdown, check out these super easy and fun ideas to decorate your Santa hat. They’re sure to unleash your creative side!
#1. Glitter Galore
Why not start with some sparkle? Cover your Santa hat in glitter. Choose a color scheme like gold and silver, and go wild with the glitter.
Imagine the hats shimmering under the Christmas lights – it’s a surefire way to brighten up the party. Plus, it’s super easy; just a bit of glue, glitter, and voilà! You’ve got yourself a dazzling masterpiece.
#2. Candy Cane Lane
Transform your Santa hat into a candy cane wonder! Use red and white stripes, maybe some fabric paint or ribbons. You could even attach actual mini candy canes.
It’s a sweet twist on the classic look, and who doesn’t love candy canes at Christmas? This idea is both yummy to look at and super festive.
#3. Winter Wonderland
Think snowflakes, ice crystals, and everything frosty. Decorate your Santa hat with white and silver embellishments to mimic a snowy scene. Maybe add some faux fur around the brim for that extra cozy touch.
It’s like bringing a piece of the magical winter landscape right to your head!
#4. Santa’s Workshop
Create your hat into a mini version of Santa’s workshop. Use miniature tools, tiny elves, and maybe a small reindeer or two. It’s a playful and imaginative way to celebrate the hardworking spirit of Christmas. Also, it’s a great conversation starter!
#5. Jingle Bell Rock
Why not make your Santa hat musical? Attach jingle bells so that you create a delightful jingling sound every time you move. It’s fun and brings the joyful sounds of Christmas wherever you go.
Just imagine a room full of jingle bell hats, creating a symphony of holiday cheer!
#6. Light Up the Night
Incorporate tiny LED lights into your Santa hat. You could outline the brim or create patterns with the lights. It’s like wearing your very own Christmas light display.
Not only is it visually stunning, but it also literally brightens up any room you walk into.
#7. Pom-Pom Party
Cover your Santa hat in colorful pom-poms. Mix and match colors, or go with a Christmas theme. It’s a playful and easy way to add a burst of color and texture. The pom-poms give a fun, tactile element everyone wants to touch!
#8. Santa Goes Tropical
Ever wondered what Santa would wear on a beach? Decorate your hat with tropical themes – think sun, sand, and palm trees. Maybe add a mini-sun umbrella or some plastic flamingos.
It’s a humorous twist, perfect for those dreaming of a warm Christmas.
#9. Rudolph’s Antlers
Transform your Santa hat into Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Attach a pair of antlers and a bright red nose to the front. It’s a nod to everyone’s favorite reindeer and adds a whimsical touch to the traditional Santa hat.
#10. Christmas Carol Karaoke
Inspire some Christmas caroling with your hat. Attach lyrics of popular Christmas songs or images of carolers. It’s a great way to spread the holiday spirit and maybe encourage some spontaneous singing!
#11. Snow Globe Scene
Create a mini snow globe on your hat. Clear plastic forms a dome and creates a tiny winter scene inside. It’s like wearing a little piece of Christmas magic on your head!
#12. Santa’s Sleigh
Decorate your hat to resemble Santa’s sleigh. Use miniature reindeer, a tiny sleigh, and maybe even a small Santa Claus figure. It’s a creative way to pay homage to the iconic Christmas Eve journey.
#13. Frosty the Snow-Hat
Turn your Santa hat into a Frosty the Snowman tribute. Add a carrot nose, button eyes, and a cheerful smile. It’s a charming and heartwarming way to bring Frosty to life.
#14. Christmas Cookie Cap
Adorn your hat with decorations that resemble Christmas cookies. Think gingerbread men, stars, and Christmas trees made from felt or fabric. It’s a tasty-looking twist that’s calorie-free!
#15. Ugly Sweater Hat
Take inspiration from the ugly Christmas sweater trend. Decorate your hat with the same kitschy, over-the-top style. The more outrageous, the better. It’s a humorous take on a beloved Christmas tradition.
#16. Santa’s Elves
Turn your hat into a tribute to Santa’s helpers. Use green and red decorations, tiny elf ears, and maybe even a small belt around the brim. It’s a cute way to recognize the unsung heroes of Christmas.
#17. Mistletoe Magic
Attach a sprig of mistletoe to the top of your hat. It’s a fun way to bring a bit of holiday romance to the party. Who knows, it might even encourage some festive kisses!
#18. Christmas Puzzle Hat
Decorate your hat with pieces of a Christmas puzzle. Once all the hats are together, they could form a complete picture. It’s an interactive and engaging way to connect everyone at the party.
#19. Gift-Wrapped Hat
Make your hat look like a Christmas gift. Use ribbons, bows, and gift wrap patterns. It’s like turning your head into a beautifully wrapped present – who wouldn’t be delighted by that?
#20. Christmas Tree Topper
Transform your Santa hat into a Christmas tree topper. Decorate it with miniature ornaments, tinsel, and maybe even a small star on top. It’s a unique twist that brings the joy of Christmas trees to your outfit.
#21. Winter Wildlife
Decorate your hat with elements inspired by winter wildlife – think owls, deer, and foxes. It’s a nod to the season’s natural beauty and adds an enchanting touch to your festive attire.
#22. Santa’s Sack
Turn your hat into a mini version of Santa’s sack. Decorate it to look like it’s filled with gifts, complete with tiny presents and a drawstring top. It’s a creative and playful way to carry the spirit of giving right on your head.
#23. Nutcracker Soldier
Style your hat after the classic Nutcracker soldier. Use bold colors, faux fur for the hat brim, and maybe a tiny mustache. It’s a stylish and classy way to pay homage to a beloved Christmas tale.
#24. Holiday Movie Montage
Decorate your hat with scenes or quotes from your favorite holiday movies. It’s a great way to celebrate the films that make the season special and might spark conversations about beloved Christmas classics.
#25. Christmas Countdown
Turn your hat into a live countdown to Christmas. Attach numbers that can be changed daily. It’s a fun and interactive way to build anticipation for the big day.
Read also: Christmas contest ideas
How Do You Choose a Theme for the Santa Hat Decorating Contest?
Choosing a theme for a Santa hat decorating contest can be a fun and exciting task. Here are some tips to help you decide on the perfect theme:
- Consider the occasion: Is the contest taking place at a holiday party, school event, or workplace gathering? The theme should align with the tone and purpose of the event.
- Get inspiration from popular holiday trends: Look at current fashion trends, popular decorations, and themes from recent holiday seasons for inspiration.
- Think about your audience: Who will be participating in the contest? Consider their interests and preferences when choosing a theme.
- Go traditional or think outside the box: You can stick with classic Christmas themes or get creative and try something unexpected. You can go with a traditional holiday theme, such as “Winter Wonderland” or “Christmas Classics,” or get more creative with themes like “Ugly Sweater” or “Beachy Christmas.” Make sure it’s appropriate for the event and audience.
- Choose by color scheme or design: You can also choose a specific color scheme or design elements, such as polka dots or stripes. Just ensure to clearly communicate the theme and any rules for the contest to participants beforehand.
- Incorporate a charitable aspect: If the contest is part of a charity event, consider making the theme related to giving or supporting a specific cause.
- Keep it inclusive: Choose a theme that everyone can participate in, regardless of age, gender, or skill level. Make sure everyone feels included and has fun.
Read also: Christmas tree contest ideas
How to Host a Santa Hat Decorating Contest?
If you want to spread some holiday cheer and have a contest to see who can create the most creative Santa hat, here are some steps to follow:
Step 1: Planning Your Event
The first step to hosting a Santa hat decorating contest is to plan your event. This involves deciding on the contest’s date, time, and location.
Be sure to select a convenient date and time for most of your potential participants. The location should be spacious enough to accommodate all participants and their hats and have an area to display the hats.
Remember, the more detailed your plan, the smoother your event will run.
Step 2: Setting the Rules
Once your event is planned, the next step is to set the rules for the contest. Here are some rules you may apply-
- Who can participate (age limits or specific groups)?
- What materials can be used?
- How much time will participants have to decorate their hats?
- Are there any specific themes or guidelines to follow?
- How will hats be judged?
- What is the prize for the winner?
Clearly stated rules ensure fairness and transparency in the competition. It’s also important to decide on the prize for the winner – this could be anything from a small gift to bragging rights.
Step 3: Gather materials:
Make sure you have enough basic Santa hats for all participants. You can purchase them at a craft store, dollar store, or online. Additionally, gather a variety of decorative materials such as pom-poms, ribbons, beads, sequins, felt, fabric, and any other supplies you think would be fun to use.
Also, make sure to have enough scissors, glue, and other crafting supplies for everyone to use.
Step 4: Promoting Your Event
Promoting your event is crucial to ensure a good turnout. You can use various methods to spread the word, such as social media, email invites, or word of mouth. You can make flyers or posters to promote your event and hang them up in your community, at schools, or local businesses.
You must clearly state your event details, including date, time, location, and rules. Be sure to mention the fun and creativity involved in decorating a Santa hat and the friendly competition aspect of the contest.
Remember, the goal is to get as many people as possible excited about participating.
Step 4: Set up a decorating station:
Designate an area for participants to decorate their hats. Make sure there is enough space for everyone to work comfortably. Lay out all the materials on a table or in baskets so they are easily accessible. You may also want to provide some inspirational materials, such as pictures or examples of decorated Santa hats.
Step 5: Hosting the Contest
On the day of the contest, set a festive mood with holiday music and decorations. Welcome the participants and remind them of the rules before they start.
When the contest is running, make sure to walk around to see each participant’s progress. This will also allow you to offer assistance if anyone needs it.
Once time is up, ask all participants to display their completed hats in a designated area. Be sure to celebrate everyone’s efforts and creativity before finally announcing the winner.
Step 6: Voting or Judging
You can either have the participants vote for their favorite hat or appoint a panel of judges to select the winner. If you choose to have participants vote, ensure they know the voting procedure beforehand.
If using a panel of judges, ensure that they are impartial and follow the criteria set in the rules for judging. Consider factors such as originality, creativity, adherence to the theme, and overall appearance when evaluating the hats.
Step 7: Announce the Winner and Award the Prize
Finally, announce the winner and award the prize! You can also give out certificates or small prizes to all participants as a token of appreciation for their efforts.
Here I have ten prize ideas for your Santa hat decorating contest:
- A gift card to a craft store
- A holiday-themed basket filled with goodies
- Customized ornaments or holiday decorations
- A mug or tumbler with a festive design
- Movie tickets for a Christmas movie marathon night
- A personalized Santa hat trophy
- Homemade baked goods in a decorative jar or tin
- A holiday-themed board game or puzzle
- A DIY gift basket with all the materials needed to make a Santa hat at home
- A donation made in the winner’s name to a charity of their choice.
Step 8: Post-Event Follow Up
After the contest, sending a follow-up message to all participants is a nice gesture. You could share photos of the event, thank everyone for participating, and congratulate the winner again. This helps to create positive memories of the event and may encourage participation in future contests.
FAQs on Santa Hat Decorating Contest Ideas
What is the Santa hat game?
The Santa hat game is a popular holiday party game, enjoyable for all ages. Participants wear Santa hats and choose someone to be “Santa.” The game’s goal is to pass the Santa hat secretly from one person to another without being noticed.
The game begins with a player holding the Santa hat. As the group decides, they pass it to the person on their left or right. The person who gets the hat must pass it to another player discreetly without attracting attention.
The game goes on in two ways. It continues until each person has had a turn or the hat returns to the first player. Everyone guesses who was the last to hold the Santa hat when the game ends.
This game is a fantastic icebreaker for holiday parties. It gets everyone into the festive spirit and boosts teamwork and communication since players need to pass the hat quietly.
You can modify the Santa hat game differently, like playing music or adding more rules for a challenge. This game is versatile and engaging, keeping players entertained for hours. It’s perfect for any holiday celebration.
Can I host a Santa hat decorating contest online?
Yes, you can host a Santa hat decorating contest online. You can use video conferencing platforms or social media to connect with participants and provide them with instructions and materials for decorating their hats at home.
You may also choose to have participants submit photos of their completed hats for voting or create an online poll for people to vote on their favorite design.
Can I hold a Santa hat decorating contest at work?
Absolutely! A Santa hat decorating contest can be a fun team-building activity for coworkers during the holiday season. It’s a great way to get everyone in the office involved and create a festive atmosphere.
Just make sure to check with HR or management beforehand to ensure that it aligns with company policies and guidelines. You may also want to consider offering prizes or incentives for participation, such as a half-day off or a gift card.
Is there an age limit for participating in a Santa hat decorating contest?
There is no specific age limit for participating in a Santa hat decorating contest. It can be a fun activity for children and adults alike. However, it’s important to have rules and guidelines in place to ensure that all participants feel included and safe during the event.
Consider having separate categories or divisions for different age groups or provide additional assistance for younger participants if needed. Having parental consent for minors participating in the contest is also a good idea.
How to make a Christmas cone hat?
To make a Christmas cone hat, first, you will need Red or green construction paper, Scissors, Tape or glue, and Decoration items such as pom poms, sequins, glitter, etc. Let’s make it now-
- Cut the construction paper into a large triangle shape.
- Roll the triangle into a cone shape and secure it with tape or glue.
- Cut a smaller triangle out of white paper and glue or tape it to the bottom of the cone to create a brim.
- Decorate the hat with any festive materials you have on hand, such as pom poms, sequins, or glitter.
- Allow the hat to dry completely before wearing it.
Check out the below video content on how to craft a DIY Christmas tree cone hat.
Conclusion:
In this blog post, I have discussed some unique Santa hat decorating contest ideas, including the steps to hosting a contest.
Whether you are a participant or host, these tips will help you create a fun and memorable event. So gather your family, friends, or community members and get creative with your Santa hats this holiday season!
Remember, planning and promotion are key to hosting a successful event. Set clear rules, gather materials, and make sure everyone has fun while showcasing their creativity. And don’t forget to spread some holiday cheer by announcing the winner and awarding prizes!
