The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by carving your very own Santa figures? Whether you’re looking for a unique, handmade gift or just want to add some extra cheer to your home, we’ve got 30 Santa carving designs that will get your creative juices flowing. Each one has its own personality, charm, and festive spirit, perfect for the seasoned carver or someone just starting out. So, grab your tools and a cup of hot cocoa—let’s dive into the magical world of Santa carving!
1. Rustic Minimalist Santa
This first design is perfect for those who appreciate simplicity and the raw beauty of wood. With just a few precise cuts, this Santa comes to life with a charming, understated expression. His small, pointed hat and calm demeanor make him a subtle but heartwarming addition to your holiday décor.
2. Jolly Old St. Nick
If you’re looking for more detail and personality, this second Santa design has it all. From his finely carved beard to his welcoming eyes, this Santa seems to capture the joy of the season. The textured red hat and flushed cheeks bring warmth, making this piece an instant holiday favorite.
These Santas are great for both beginner and advanced carvers, giving you options that range from minimal effort to detailed craftsmanship.
3. Classic Victorian Santa
This detailed Santa design is a nod to the Victorian era, exuding elegance and old-world charm. Standing tall with a long red coat trimmed in white, this Santa’s presence feels regal. His rosy cheeks, full white beard, and gentle expression bring to life the warmth of the holiday season. The green vest beneath his coat, adorned with gold buttons, adds a festive pop of color, making him the perfect centerpiece for your holiday décor.
His stately appearance and intricate details, from the folds in his coat to the carefully textured beard, make this design ideal for those seeking a traditional, yet impressive, Santa carving project. This one is sure to stand out on your mantel or as a thoughtful handmade gift.
4. Woodland Santa with a Twist
This charming Santa carving takes a whimsical departure from the traditional red and white outfit, featuring a bold navy blue hat with a golden trim. His flowing beard is expertly carved with soft, sweeping lines that give the impression of a gentle breeze running through it. Santa’s warm smile and twinkling blue eyes add to his friendly, approachable look, making him a delightful addition to any Christmas collection.
This design is perfect for carvers who want to experiment with color and bring a fresh take on the classic Santa. Display him outdoors or indoors for a nature-inspired holiday vibe that’s sure to make everyone smile!
5. Playful Winking Santa
This delightful Santa carving is full of personality and festive cheer! With his mischievous wink and hearty smile, he instantly brings joy and laughter. His red hat, with its whimsical curve, adds to the playful look, while the finely textured beard and fur trim show a level of craftsmanship that truly shines.
Perfect for those who want to add a little humor and warmth to their Christmas décor, this Santa will bring smiles wherever he’s placed. Whether as a holiday gift or a standout piece in your own collection, he’s sure to be a conversation starter!
6. Sleepy Santa After a Long Night
This carving captures a side of Santa we rarely see—worn out after a night of delivering gifts! With his eyes closed and mouth slightly open in exhaustion, this Santa looks ready for a long winter’s nap. The textured hat and beard bring depth to the piece, while the gray tones in his beard add a touch of realism.
This fun, quirky Santa is perfect for those who want to bring some humor into their holiday decorations. It’s a lighthearted reminder that even Santa needs a break after all his hard work!
7. Classic Santa with Hands Clasped
This adorable Santa carving shows the jolly figure in a humble stance, with hands clasped together in front of him as if preparing for a holiday greeting. His bright blue eyes and full beard give him a welcoming, gentle expression, while the red suit and white trim stay true to the classic Santa look. The simplicity of his pose makes this piece feel calm and peaceful, perfect for creating a sense of holiday serenity.
This design is great for beginners, offering a straightforward but rewarding project. Whether placed on a shelf or as part of a holiday display, this Santa’s quiet charm is sure to warm any room.
8. The Laughing Trio of Santas
These three Santa carvings are full of life and laughter! Each one has a unique expression, with wide, joyful smiles that capture the essence of holiday cheer. Their bright red hats, decorated with festive holly, add an extra touch of Christmas spirit. From the slightly mischievous grin on the left to the hearty, full-bellied laugh in the center, and the jolly wink on the right, this trio embodies the warmth and happiness of the season.
Perfect for bringing fun and energy to your holiday décor, these Santas are sure to be conversation starters and spread joy wherever they’re displayed. Their lively expressions make them great gifts or cheerful decorations for your own home.
9. Old-World Santa in Brown
This beautifully carved Santa has a vintage, old-world charm with his rich brown robe and classic stance. His flowing beard and warm, content smile give him a peaceful, wise appearance, while the textured detailing on his coat adds a touch of elegance. He holds a small gift in his hands, symbolizing the generosity and kindness of the holiday season.
This Santa design is perfect for those who appreciate a more traditional and refined look. His earth-toned colors and calm demeanor make him a stunning piece for rustic holiday décor, bringing a sense of history and warmth to your home.
10. Santa’s Little Trio
These three adorable mini Santas bring double the charm and triple the fun! With their chunky beards, rosy cheeks, and oversized red hats, they seem ready to spread some holiday cheer. Each Santa has its own slight variation, giving them individuality while still working perfectly as a set. Their compact size makes them ideal for small spaces or as delightful stocking stuffers.
These little Santas are perfect for anyone looking to add a playful and heartwarming touch to their holiday décor. Whether lined up on a shelf or scattered around your home, they’re sure to bring smiles all season long!
11. Santa with the Cozy Hat
This Santa carving, with his snug red and gray winter hat, captures a sense of coziness and warmth. His kind eyes and soft smile make him seem approachable, like a Santa who just stepped out of a snowstorm to share a cup of hot cocoa. The textured details on the hat and his bushy beard add depth and character to the carving.
This design is perfect for anyone who loves a classic, wholesome Santa that feels like a comforting part of the holiday season. Whether used as an ornament or a small decoration, this Santa is sure to bring a touch of holiday cheer to any space!
12. Miniature Santa with a Big Personality
This small but mighty Santa carving is packed with charm! Despite its petite size, the rosy cheeks, bushy beard, and classic red outfit ensure that this Santa makes a big impact. His friendly smile and bright colors capture the festive spirit perfectly, while the simple lines and clean design make him an ideal project for carvers of all skill levels.
This miniature Santa is perfect for creating a collection of holiday figurines, or even for using as a unique ornament. Easy to display and sure to bring a smile, he’s the perfect little addition to your Christmas cheer!
13. Santa in the Shavings
This delightful Santa carving, nestled in a bed of wood shavings, captures the essence of handcrafted holiday décor. With a simple, rustic style, his closed eyes and rosy cheeks make him look like he’s deep in thought or perhaps catching a quick nap before his big night. The natural texture of the wood is celebrated here, from the hat’s soft curve to the gentle lines in his beard.
Perfect for those who enjoy a more minimalistic and organic approach to carving, this Santa feels like a true celebration of the craft itself. Display him proudly as a testament to the beauty of handmade art!
14. Tall Santa with a Big Smile
This tall, minimalist Santa carving brings a warm and whimsical vibe, perfectly matched by the smile of the proud carver holding him. With a simple, rounded design and earthy tones, this Santa focuses on the charm of simplicity. The big, round nose and bushy beard give him a lovable character, while the long, slender form adds a unique twist to the classic figure.
This design is perfect for those who enjoy creating charming, folk-art-style pieces that bring a personal touch to holiday décor. Whether displayed on a shelf or given as a thoughtful gift, this tall Santa is sure to bring a smile to anyone who sees him!
15. Expressive Santa with Bright Blue Eyes
This stunning Santa carving is full of expression, from the wide, sparkling blue eyes to the slightly open mouth, as if he’s about to speak. The rosy cheeks and detailed beard add to his lifelike charm, while the bright red, textured hat gives a playful and festive touch. The carving is intricately detailed, making this Santa feel like he’s brimming with holiday magic.
This piece is perfect for those who appreciate intricate carvings with plenty of personality. Whether used as a unique ornament or a conversation-starting centerpiece, this Santa is sure to be a standout addition to any Christmas collection!
16. Running Santa with a Twist
This whimsical Santa carving breaks away from the traditional, showing Santa in full sprint! With exaggerated, elongated limbs and a playful pose, this design adds a touch of humor and energy to the holiday season. His long, flowing beard and bright red suit make him instantly recognizable, but his posture—mid-run with one hand behind him—adds a fun and unexpected twist.
This Santa carving is perfect for those who love quirky, animated designs. It brings a sense of movement and adventure, as if Santa’s off on a secret holiday mission. Ideal for display in a lively, creative home, this unique take on Santa is sure to catch the eye and spark conversation!
17. Jolly Santa with a Golden Pom-Pom
This Santa carving stands out with its vibrant personality and classic holiday colors. His cheerful expression and full beard are expertly detailed, making him the perfect embodiment of Christmas joy. The addition of a golden pom-pom on his hat adds a playful and unique touch, while the large, prominent belt buckle completes his festive look.
This piece is ideal for anyone looking for a traditional Santa with a hint of whimsy. The bold colors and joyful expression make him a standout in any holiday display, ready to spread cheer to all who see him!
Recommended readings
The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Carving a Face in 14 Simple Steps: This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of carving facial features, such as cheeks, brows, and the mouth—ideal for those looking to bring personality and expression to their Santa carvings
Carving vs Whittling: Understanding Your Craft Better: This article explains the difference between carving and whittling, highlighting how you can choose the right tools and methods depending on your design goals. For Santa carvings, both techniques can be used, depending on the detail level and style
Complete Beginner’s Guide to Relief Carving: Although focused on relief carving, the techniques discussed in this guide can be applied to detailed elements like Santa’s beard or intricate coat patterns
Is Pine a Good Choice for Carvers?: This article explores the pros and cons of using pine wood for carving. Pine’s soft grain and availability make it a good material for beginners carving Santas, though it requires care to avoid splintering