Arctic Animal Snow Globe Ornaments: Winter Photo Craft for Kids

Finished penguin photo snow globe ornament reading Let It Snow held by a child

Arctic Animal Snow Globe Ornaments: Winter Photo Craft for Kids

Not every winter craft has to be red and green — these arctic animal snow globe ornaments are the cool-blue alternative we reach for all winter long. A penguin in a bobble hat, a polar bear in earmuffs, and a fluffy arctic fox, each holding a child's photo inside a clear snow-filled ornament. They work for Christmas, for January winter units, and for anyone whose classroom palette runs more "let it snow" than "merry and bright."

This is the arctic animals design from our photo snow globe ornament collection — it also comes in pink gingerbread and reindeer & Santa. Same easy method for all three.

What You'll Need

  • Printable arctic animals snow globe kit (also on Etsy) — 12 arctic animal photo cutouts plus "Let It Snow" collar wraps
  • Clear plastic fillable ornaments, 3–4 inch
  • Faux snow, white foam beads, or mini pom-poms in white and icy blue
  • Small printed photos of each child (about 2x2 inches)
  • Ribbon — icy blue or silver
  • Scissors and clear tape

Step 1: Print the Kit

Print the arctic animals PDF — page 1 has 12 photo cutouts (penguin, polar bear, and arctic fox), pages 2–3 have the blue "Let It Snow" collar wraps with snowflakes. Cardstock recommended; these get handled a lot.

Step 2: Cut Out the Animals

Cut along the outlines. Kids inevitably have strong opinions about which animal they get — consider letting them choose, or assign one animal per table for a coordinated set.

Step 3: Add Each Child's Photo

Trim each photo to the round cutout and tape it behind the animal. The penguin's bobble hat and the bear's earmuffs frame faces so cutely — winter-craft gold.

Step 4: Fill the Ornament with "Snow"

Spoon in faux snow or foam beads, about a third full. White mixed with icy-blue pom-poms gives the loveliest winter-sky effect inside the globe.

Step 5: Tuck the Animal Inside

Stand the animal in the snow and snap the ornament closed. Tape the back if it leans.

Step 6: Wrap the Collar and Tie the Ribbon

Curl a "Let It Snow" collar around the base, tie an icy-blue ribbon bow, and you're done. These look beautiful grouped on a windowsill where the light catches the "snow."

Why Teachers Love This One

  • It stretches past Christmas. Use it for December gifts AND January polar-animals units — two crafts in one kit.
  • Non-denominational. Snowflakes and penguins work for every classroom in December.
  • Pairs with books. Read a penguin or polar bear story first, then craft — instant lesson plan.
  • Blue palette photographs beautifully for classroom newsletters and Instagram.
  • Fine motor practice: cutting, taping, and spooning the snow all build little-hand strength.

Get the Printable Kit

The arctic animals snow globe kit is $5 and includes all 12 photo cutouts plus the collar wraps. Get it in the Goodnight Fox shop or on Etsy. See the full snow globe collection here.

Made them with your class? Tag @goodnightfox — show us your penguin parade! 💛

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