December sparkles with lights, traditions and moments of reflection. Whether your days are filled with snowflakes and evergreens or mild evenings and twinkling porches, there’s a sense of magic in the air. Families gather to celebrate a variety of holidays, communities share joy through music and art, and we prepare to welcome a new year. These prompts capture the wonder, warmth and variety of December. Let them inspire you to tell your own stories through drawing and end the year on a creative high.
✏️ Tips Before Starting
Before you begin, gather your favorite supplies and revisit the Drawing Prompt Guide and Choosing Your Artist Tools Guide if you’d like some extra guidance. Those resources will help you make the most of your daily drawing habit. With your toolkit ready and a festive mindset, you’re set to explore December’s themes!
Drawing Prompt #1 – Frosted Windowpanes (Day 1)
Imagine waking up to delicate frost patterns covering the windows. The icy swirls catch the morning light, and the world outside looks softly muted. Capture the intricate designs and the view beyond, perhaps a snowy yard or a quiet street.
Drawing Prompt #2 – Decorating the Holiday Tree (Day 2)
Visualize a family gathered around a tree, untangling lights, hanging ornaments and topping it with a star or angel. Focus on the glow of the string lights, the shiny baubles and the shared smiles as memories are rediscovered in each ornament.
Drawing Prompt #3 – Building a Snowman (Day 3)
Picture people rolling large snowballs across a snowy yard, stacking them into a cheerful snowman. Scarves, hats and a carrot nose are added, and children clap their mittened hands in delight. Capture the playful activity and the crisp air.
Drawing Prompt #4 – Lighting the Menorah (Day 4)
Envision a family gathered to light the first candle of the menorah. The soft flames flicker as blessings are recited, and the room fills with warmth and reflection. Capture the glow on faces and the meaningful simplicity of the ritual.
Drawing Prompt #5 – Wrapping Gifts (Day 5)
Picture a table covered in wrapping paper, ribbons, scissors and tape. Someone measures paper, cuts carefully and ties a perfect bow. Show the bright colors and patterns, the concentration on their face and the anticipation of giving.
Drawing Prompt #6 – Baking Gingerbread Cookies (Day 6)
Visualize rolling out gingerbread dough and cutting it into shapes. Stars, men, hearts, etc. The kitchen smells of cinnamon and cloves. Icing tubes and candy decorations wait nearby. Capture the textures and colors, and maybe a few cookies cooling on a rack.
Drawing Prompt #7 – Ice Skating on a Frozen Pond (Day 7)
Imagine friends skating gracefully or clumsily across a frozen pond, scarves trailing behind them. Trees encircle the pond, their branches dusted with snow. Show the reflections on the ice and the movement of skaters.
Drawing Prompt #8 – Hanging Stockings (Day 8)
Picture a fireplace mantle lined with stockings of various sizes and patterns. Someone adds a final stocking and steps back to admire the scene. Capture the cozy room, the flicker of the fire and the personal touches on each stocking.
Drawing Prompt #9 – Holiday Lights Tour (Day 9)
Visualize a neighborhood aglow with lights and decorations. Houses sparkle with strings of color, inflatable characters dance on lawns, and cars slowly cruise by. Focus on the glow, reflections in windows and the joyful atmosphere.
Drawing Prompt #10 – Candlelight Reading (Day 10)
Imagine someone curled up in an armchair by a single lit candle, reading a classic holiday story. The room is dark except for the warm candle glow. Highlight the contrast between light and shadow and the sense of peace.
Drawing Prompt #11 – Making Snow Angels (Day 11)
Envision children or adults lying on their backs in fresh snow, waving arms and legs to create angels. Their hats and scarves stand out against the white. Capture the overhead view of the wing shapes and the laughter in their eyes.
Drawing Prompt #12 – Winter Wildlife (Day 12)
Visualize a scene of winter animals. Perhaps a deer with a dusting of snow on its back, a cardinal perched on a bare branch, or a rabbit leaving tracks. Focus on the contrast between the animals’ fur or feathers and the snowy background.
Drawing Prompt #13 – Carolers at the Door (Day 13)
Picture a group bundled in coats and hats singing joyfully outside a neighbor’s door. Their breath forms little clouds in the cold air, and sheet music is clutched in gloved hands. Capture the energy of song and the open door welcoming them.
Drawing Prompt #14 – Snow Globe (Day 14)
Draw a detailed snow globe containing a mini winter village, swirling snow and a tiny decorated tree. Outside the globe, soft hands hold it gently. Focus on the curvature of the glass and the magical scene within.
Drawing Prompt #15 – Sledding Down a Hill (Day 15)
Visualize children or adults speeding down a snowy hill on sleds or toboggans, cheeks rosy from the cold. Scarves trail behind them, and powdery snow flies up. Capture the motion and thrill of the ride.
Drawing Prompt #16 – Hot Cocoa by the Fire (Day 16)
Imagine mugs filled with steaming hot chocolate topped with whipped cream or marshmallows, held close to a roaring fire. A blanket covers laps, and slippers peek out. Focus on the rich tones, the warmth and the sense of indulgence.
Drawing Prompt #17 – Tracks in the Snowy Forest (Day 17)
Envision a quiet forest path blanketed with fresh snow, marked only by a single set of footprints or animal tracks. Tall trees surround the path, their branches heavy with snow. Capture the stillness and the mystery of who made the tracks.
Drawing Prompt #18 – Crafting Handmade Ornaments (Day 18)
Picture a table full of craft supplies. Paint, glitter, clay and ribbon. Someone shapes clay into stars, paints wooden ornaments or strings dried orange slices. Show the creativity and the personal touch of homemade décor.
Drawing Prompt #19 – Festive Family Dinner (Day 19)
Visualize a long table laden with dishes. Roast, vegetables, casseroles, pies. Family members pass plates and toast to being together. Capture the abundance, the clinking glasses and the warmth of shared food.
Drawing Prompt #20 – Lighting the Kinara (Day 20)
Imagine a family celebrating Kwanzaa by lighting the kinara. The seven candles cast a beautiful glow, and symbols of African heritage decorate the table. Capture the dignity and pride of the celebration.
Drawing Prompt #21 – Winter Solstice Bonfire (Day 21)
Envision people gathered outside on the longest night, warming themselves around a bonfire. They tell stories, drum or sing as they welcome the return of the light. Show the sparks flying up to the starry sky and the communal spirit.
Drawing Prompt #22 – Bundling Up (Day 22)
Draw a collection of winter clothing. Fluffy hats, wool mittens, chunky scarves, and thick socks. Perhaps tossed on a chair or hung by the door. Focus on textures and patterns that invite viewers to feel cozy.
Drawing Prompt #23 – Holiday Market (Day 23)
Visualize a bustling outdoor market with stalls selling handmade crafts, ornaments, warm drinks and seasonal treats. String lights crisscross overhead, and shoppers browse in festive attire. Capture the lively atmosphere and the richness of colors.
Drawing Prompt #24 – Peaceful Winter Walk (Day 24)
Picture someone walking alone along a snow‑covered path lined with bare trees. They pause to breathe deeply, cheeks flushed from the cold. Show the footprints they leave behind and the contemplative mood.
Drawing Prompt #25 – Opening Gifts (Day 25)
Imagine a joyful scene of children and adults gathered around a tree, tearing wrapping paper and exclaiming with delight. Bits of paper and ribbons litter the floor. Focus on the expressions and the shared excitement.
Drawing Prompt #26 – Board Games and Laughter (Day 26)
Visualize friends or family gathered around a table playing classic board games or cards in the days between holidays. Snacks and drinks are close at hand, and laughter fills the room. Capture gestures, eye contact and the messiness of the game pieces.
Drawing Prompt #27 – Winter Sunset Over Snow (Day 27)
Imagine the sun setting early, painting the sky with pastel pinks and oranges that reflect off the snow. Trees cast long shadows, and a single figure gazes at the horizon. Capture the tranquil beauty and the cool quiet.
Drawing Prompt #28 – New Year’s Eve Fireworks (Day 28)
Visualize fireworks exploding in brilliant colors against a night sky, reflected on a river or lake. People watch from a bridge or rooftop, bundled up against the cold. Show the dynamic light and the sense of collective celebration.
Drawing Prompt #29 – Writing New Year’s Resolutions (Day 29)
Picture someone sitting at a desk by a window, writing down hopes and goals for the coming year. A cup of tea steams nearby, and a calendar lies open. Capture the thoughtful expression and the quiet anticipation of fresh beginnings.
Drawing Prompt #30 – Snow‑Covered Cabin (Day 30)
Envision a small wooden cabin nestled in a snowy landscape. Smoke curls from the chimney, and light glows warmly from the windows. Perhaps a pathway leads through deep snow to the front door. Emphasize the contrast between the cold outdoors and the warmth inside.
Drawing Prompt #31 – New Year’s Day Brunch (Day 31)
To close the year, imagine a relaxed brunch on New Year’s Day. Pancakes, fruit, mimosas and coffee cover the table. Friends or family linger, chatting and laughing about the night before. Capture the sense of renewal and contentment as a new year begins.
Conclusion
December encourages us to savor traditions, spend time with loved ones and look back on the journey of the past year. These prompts invite you to explore the season’s joys and quiet moments through art. Draw daily, pick your favorites or adapt them to fit your experiences. Embrace your creativity, celebrate your progress and step into the new year inspired. Happy drawing and happy holidays!
