How to Draw a Christmas Gnome - Digital Drawing Ideas

If you’ve ever wondered how to draw a Christmas gnome, you’re in the right cozy corner of the internet.
Every December, I find myself gravitating toward whimsical, heartwarming drawings—the kind that instantly make you feel like you’re sipping hot cocoa under a warm blanket. And Christmas gnomes? They’ve absolutely stolen my heart over the years.

I still remember the very first time I drew one. My sketch looked a little… wonky (let’s call it charmingly uneven), but I loved every second of the process. Something about that oversized hat and fluffy beard just makes me smile. And based on the messages I get from you all, I know many of you feel the same way.

how to draw a christmas gnome - christmas gnome drawing tutorial

That’s why today, I’m sharing this step-by-step christmas gnome drawing tutorial—so you can create your own adorable little holiday companion.
Whether you’re sketching in your journal, creating Christmas cards, or simply looking for a relaxing creative moment during a hectic season, this guide is for you.

Before we jump in, if you enjoy cute holiday drawings, you might also love these tutorials:

And of course, come hang out with me on Pinterest for daily drawing inspiration:
👉 Pinterest – Digital Drawing Ideas

You can also catch full video tutorials on my YouTube channel:
👉 Digital Drawing Ideas on YouTube

Step 1: Draw the Hat Trim

Start by sketching a long, rounded shape near the top of your page. This will form the soft, fluffy trim at the bottom of the gnome’s hat.

Keep the curve gentle and smooth to set up the cozy look of the hat.

Step 2: Add the Hat’s Pom-Pom

Above the trim, draw a small circle to mark the fluffy pom-pom at the end of the gnome’s hat.

Keep it simple and round—this little detail will help give the hat its classic festive look.

Step 3: Shape the Hat

Now connect the pom-pom to the hat trim by drawing a long, curved line that swoops downward.

This flowing line creates the tall, bendy shape of the gnome’s festive hat.

Step 4: Complete the Hat Outline

Add another long curved line on the right side to finish shaping the hat. Let it meet the trim smoothly so the hat looks full and rounded. This completes the cozy holiday hat silhouette.

Step 5: Add the Nose and Eyes

Just below the hat trim, draw a small oval to form the gnome’s nose.

Then add two tiny circles on each side of the nose to create the simple dot-style eyes.

This gives your gnome a sweet and friendly expression.

Step 6: Outline the Top of the Beard

Under the nose and eyes, draw two curved lines that sweep downward on each side. These curves form the upper edge of the gnome’s fluffy beard and start shaping his face.

Step 7: Complete the Beard Shape

Extend the beard by adding a series of rounded curves that connect beneath the face.

Let the lines flow smoothly to create a big, fluffy beard that gives your gnome his classic cozy look.

Step 8: Draw the Body Shape

Below the beard, sketch a wide, rounded shape that gently angles outward on both sides.

This will form the gnome’s simple, chunky body and set the base for his outfit.

Step 9: Add the Feet

Below the body, draw two short oval shapes to create the gnome’s little feet. Space them evenly so he looks balanced and sturdy.

These simple shapes finish off the base of your gnome.

Step 10: Add the Coat’s Bottom Stripe

Draw a gently curved horizontal line across the lower part of the body.

This creates the bottom stripe of the gnome’s coat, adding a nice decorative detail to his outfit.

Step 11: Draw the First Glove

On the right side of the body, sketch a small curved shape to form the gnome’s glove.

Give it a simple mitten-like outline so it looks soft and cute, as if he’s ready for chilly winter weather.

Step 12: Add the Arm

Extend a simple curved line upward from the glove to connect it to the body.

This forms the gnome’s arm, giving him a cute little sleeve peeking out from behind his beard.

Step 13: Draw the Other Glove

On the left side of the gnome, add a small circle to show his second glove.

Only part of it is visible, since he’ll be holding something in his hand later.

Keep it simple and round for a clean, cute look.

Step 14: Connect the Arm to the Glove

Add two short curved lines extending from the body to the small circle you just drew.

These lines form the gnome’s other arm, showing how it reaches outward to hold the object we’ll add next.

Step 15: Draw the Christmas Tree Shape

Next to the glove, sketch a simple stylized Christmas tree. Use a few zigzagging lines to form the branches and connect them with a straight base.

This creates the festive little tree the gnome will be holding.

Step 16: Add the Tree Trunk

Draw two short vertical lines beneath the tree to create its trunk. Position them so they connect neatly to the glove, making it look like the gnome is holding the little Christmas tree.

Step 17: Add Fun Background Details

Around the gnome, sketch a few simple shapes like small circles and a star to bring a cheerful, festive atmosphere to the scene.

These little background elements make your drawing feel lively and full of holiday spirit.

Step 18: Add Color to Complete Your Gnome

Finish your drawing by coloring in the gnome and the background elements.

Use bright, festive shades—like reds, greens, and yellows—to bring out the holiday feel.

Once everything is filled in, your cheerful Christmas gnome is ready to spread some winter joy!

Final Thoughts – Your Christmas Gnome Is Ready to Spread Holiday Cheer

And just like that—you’ve learned how to draw a Christmas gnome from start to finish! I hope this little character brought as much joy to your sketchbook as it brought to mine while drawing it. There’s something magical about simple, cute illustrations… they don’t ask you to be perfect; they just invite you to play.

Remember, every drawing is a step forward. Some gnomes come out perfectly round and adorable, and others… well, they have extra personality. But that’s the charm of creative work—we learn, experiment, and have fun along the way.

If you want even more holiday drawing ideas, don’t forget to check out:

I’d absolutely love to see your finished gnome!

Share it with me on Pinterest or tag me on Instagram @digitaldrawingideas so I can cheer you on.
You have no idea how much joy it brings me to see your creations.

Before you go, tell me:

What other Christmas drawings would you like to learn next? A reindeer? A gingerbread house? A holiday mug?
Let me know—I’m always excited to create with you.

Happy drawing, friend! 🎄✨