Have you ever wanted to learn how to draw Santa Claus but didn’t know where to start?
I get it — every December, when the Christmas mood kicks in, I find myself craving a cozy creative project. There’s something magical about sketching Santa — his fluffy beard, his jolly belly, that warm red suit — it’s pure holiday happiness on paper.
When I first started drawing Christmas characters for my blog, I was nervous about getting Santa’s proportions right. Would he look too serious? Too simple? But with a few easy steps (and a lot of cocoa), I discovered how relaxing and fun this drawing can be. And trust me — if you love doodling or working digitally in Procreate, you’ll absolutely enjoy this tutorial.
So grab your pencil (or tablet stylus), get comfy, and let’s create your own cute Santa together!
Step 1 – Draw Santa’s Cheerful Face
Let’s start with Santa’s happy face! Draw a small oval for his nose right in the center of your page. Above the nose, add two curved lines for his closed, smiling eyes.
Then, draw another small curve below the nose for his mouth.
These simple shapes will set the friendly tone for your Santa drawing!
Step 2 – Add Santa’s Fluffy Beard
Now it’s time to give Santa his iconic beard! Draw a large, rounded shape around his face, using soft, wavy lines to make it look fluffy and full.
The bottom should have gentle curves to show the beard’s texture.
Make sure it wraps neatly around his face—this will form the base of Santa’s jolly look!
Step 3 – Draw Santa’s Mustache
Let’s give Santa his big, cheerful mustache! Just below his nose, draw two curved shapes that sweep outward to each side, meeting in the center above his mouth.
Make sure the tips of the mustache curve slightly upward to match his joyful expression. Now he’s starting to look like the real Santa!
Step 4 – Add Eyebrows and Face Outline
Next, draw Santa’s eyebrows just above his eyes using two short curved lines — this will make his expression look extra joyful.
Then, add two curved lines along the sides of his face to connect his head to his beard.
These lines complete the round, cheerful shape of Santa’s face!
Step 5 – Draw the Top of Santa’s Hat
Let’s start Santa’s classic red hat! Draw a wide curved line across the top of his head, connecting both sides. Then add another curved line above it to form the rounded top part of the hat.
Keep it soft and slightly puffy — this will give Santa’s hat that cozy, comfy look!
Step 6 – Add the Fluffy Pom-Pom
No Santa hat is complete without its pom-pom! Draw a small circle near the top right corner of his hat to create the soft, fluffy ball at the end.
Keep it slightly spaced from the hat for now — we’ll connect it in the next step. This little detail makes Santa’s hat instantly recognizable!
Step 7 – Complete Santa’s Hat
Now connect the pom-pom to Santa’s hat with a curved line that swoops down from the top. This forms the floppy part of his hat that bends to the side.
Make sure it looks soft and rounded — just like a cozy winter cap Santa would wear on Christmas Eve!
Step 8 – Draw Santa’s Body Shape
Next, let’s sketch Santa’s body! Draw two slightly curved lines going downward from each side of his beard. Then, connect them with a wide curved line at the bottom.
This creates the base shape for Santa’s round, cozy outfit.
Keep the lines soft and smooth — Santa’s belly should look warm and jolly!
Step 9 – Add Santa’s Belt Buckle
Time to draw Santa’s classic belt buckle! In the middle of his body, draw a rounded square shape, then add a smaller square inside it.
This will be the shiny golden buckle that holds his belt in place.
Keep the lines even and centered — this little detail adds to Santa’s signature outfit!
Step 10 – Draw Santa’s Belt
Now let’s complete Santa’s belt! Draw two horizontal lines extending from each side of the buckle to the edges of his body.
Make sure the lines are parallel and curve slightly with the shape of his belly.
This bold belt helps give Santa his classic round look!
Step 11 – Add the Fluffy Trim of the Coat
Now draw a curved line near the bottom of Santa’s coat to create the fluffy white trim. This soft, furry band gives his outfit that cozy winter feel!
Keep the curve smooth and follow the shape of his coat — it’ll make Santa’s suit look warm and festive.
Step 12 – Draw Santa’s Legs and Boots
Next, draw two short legs coming down from the bottom of Santa’s coat. Add small rounded shapes at the bottom for his boots — they should look soft and sturdy, perfect for walking through snow!
Keep the legs short and slightly curved to match Santa’s cute, chubby style.
Step 13 – Add the Boot Tops
Now let’s give Santa’s boots their fluffy trim! Draw a short horizontal line above each boot to separate the top edge. This will be the soft, white part of his boots — matching the trim on his coat.
These small details make Santa’s outfit look extra cozy and complete!
Step 14 – Draw the Fluffy Cuffs for the Gloves
Next, add two short oval shapes on each side of Santa’s body to create the fluffy cuffs of his gloves. These will help connect his hands to the sleeves later.
Make sure they’re positioned evenly and angled slightly outward — this will make it easier to add Santa’s waving arms in the next steps!
Step 15 – Draw Santa’s Mittens
Now let’s give Santa his warm gloves! On each cuff, draw a mitten shape — one arm should curve upward as if he’s waving, and the other can rest by his side.
Use soft, rounded lines to make the mittens look cozy and padded.
These friendly hands will bring Santa’s cheerful pose to life!
Step 16 – Connect the Arms
Now connect Santa’s mittens to his body by drawing two curved lines for his arms. The right arm should bend upward as he waves, while the left arm angles slightly downward.
Keep the lines smooth and rounded to match Santa’s soft, friendly style — he’s almost ready to spread some Christmas cheer!
Step 17 – Add Festive Sparkles
To make your Santa drawing extra magical, draw a few twinkling stars around him! You can add simple diamond-shaped sparkles on each side — this will give your picture a joyful Christmas glow.
These little details make Santa look like he’s spreading holiday cheer everywhere he goes!
Step 18 – Color Your Santa Claus!
Now it’s time to bring your Santa to life with color! Fill in his hat, coat, and pants with bright red, color his gloves and boots brown, and make his belt dark with a golden buckle.
Add a soft peach tone for his face and a touch of pink on his nose for warmth.
Don’t forget the white areas for his beard and trim — and there you have it, a cheerful Santa ready to spread Christmas joy!
Coloring and Final Touches
Once you’ve finished your line art, add color to make your Santa truly shine!
Use a bright, warm red for the hat and coat, a touch of brown for his gloves and boots, and a golden belt buckle to tie it all together.
Don’t forget those twinkling stars — they’ll make your drawing look extra magical.
My Personal Tips for a Cozy Drawing Session
Over the years, I’ve learned that creativity flows best when you make the process enjoyable.
Here are a few little habits that always make my Christmas drawing sessions better:
- Light a candle or play soft Christmas music while you draw — instant mood boost.
- Don’t worry about perfection; every Santa has his own charm (mine sometimes have slightly uneven beards — and I love them!).
- Try digital coloring if you haven’t before — it’s a game changer for festive art.
And if you’d like to explore more Christmas drawing ideas, check out some of my other step-by-step tutorials:
🎄 How to Draw a Christmas Tree – Easy Christmas Tree Drawing Tutorial
☃️ How to Draw a Snowman – Cute Snowman Drawing Tutorial
🦌 How to Draw a Deer – Cute Deer Drawing Tutorial
Join My Creative Community
If you try this drawing, I’d love to see your version!
Share it on Pinterest and tag me — @digitaldrawingideas — or post it on Instagram to show your Santa to the world.
Let’s fill the internet with cozy, cheerful art this holiday season!
Final Thoughts
Learning how to draw Santa Claus isn’t just about sketching a holiday icon — it’s about slowing down, creating something joyful, and feeling that nostalgic Christmas spirit.
Whether you draw for relaxation, practice, or pure fun, I hope this tutorial brings you a little peace (and maybe a few giggles) during the busy season.
Now grab your favorite red pencil — your Santa is waiting to come to life!
