10 December Art Challenges and Prompts 2024: Wrap Up Your Year with Creativity

As the year winds down, your creative spirit is just warming up. December's art challenges are the perfect way to cozy up with your sketchbook and reflect on your artistic journey. Whether you're riding the high of completing Inktober or just looking for a spark to ignite your winter creativity, we've got something for every artist.

an open artist's sketchbook with the text December written artistically and doodles around the text, including a snowflake, bird, and Christmas decorations

We have prepared a list of challenges with prompts to get you started. Some are established art events with official websites, others a fruit of our imagination. From festive birds to icy doodles, let's explore some challenges that'll keep your artistic fire burning brighter than your neighbor's over-the-top holiday light display.

  1. Drawcember
  2. Decembird
  3. Advent of Art
  4. Christmas Creatures & Characters
  5. Digital December
  6. December Doodles
  7. December Drawing Reflections
  8. Elfmas
  9. Winter Painting December
  10. Cozy December

1. Drawcember

Sometimes the simplest challenges bring out our best creativity. Drawcember challenge has been around for a while and it keeps things straightforward: just you, your favorite tools, and daily drawing practice. 

It doesn’t have an official website or prompt list. Instead, look out for prompt suggestions on social media and forums from fellow artists starting November or use our prompts below!

How to participate:

  • Create one drawing each day
  • Use any medium you prefer
  • Share your daily pieces with #drawcember, #drawcember2024

Useful tips and resources:

Drawcember Prompt List:

  1. Frost - Create a scene featuring delicate frost patterns
  2. Candlelight - Draw something illuminated by warm candlelight
  3. Winter Wildlife - Capture an animal in its winter habitat
  4. Hot Cocoa - Illustrate the perfect winter drink
  5. Night Sky - Draw a starry winter night
  6. Mittens - Design a cozy pair of winter mittens
  7. Ice Palace - Create a fantastical structure made of ice
  8. Holiday Market - Sketch a bustling winter marketplace
  9. Snow Globe - Draw what's inside a magical snow globe
  10. Evergreen - Illustrate a majestic winter pine
  11. Hibernate - Show an animal in its winter slumber
  12. Winter Fashion - Design a stylish cold-weather outfit
  13. Northern Lights - Capture the aurora in the night sky
  14. Warm Hearts - Draw what keeps you warm inside
  15. Winter Sports - Illustrate your favorite winter activity
  16. Fireplace - Sketch a cozy hearth scene
  17. Storm - Capture the drama of a winter storm
  18. Traditions - Draw a cherished holiday tradition
  19. Sweets - Illustrate seasonal treats and desserts
  20. Letters - Design a winter-themed letter or card
  21. Solstice - Create art celebrating the shortest day
  22. Gift - Draw something precious wrapped in surprise
  23. Feast - Illustrate a grand holiday meal
  24. Tales - Bring a winter story to life
  25. Joy - Capture a moment of pure happiness
  26. Peace - Draw your interpretation of tranquility
  27. Gathering - Sketch people coming together
  28. Reflection - Show the year's memories
  29. Light - Illustrate hope in the darkness
  30. Magic - Create something enchanting
  31. New Beginnings - Draw what lies ahead

This list is only our suggestion, you don’t have to follow it. Pick a prompt that you like or mix up ideas to create your own. Or try our Random drawing idea generator for endless art suggestions.

2. Decembird

Ever wondered what a penguin would look like in a Santa hat? Decembird is your chance to find out! With this community-led challenge, we invite you to explore the diverse world of our feathered friends with Christmas elements, one day at a time.

How to participate:

  • Choose a different bird each day
  • Experiment with various art styles
  • Share your avian creations using #decembird, #decembird2024

Useful tips and resources:

Decembird Prompt List:

  1. Robin
  2. Snowy owl
  3. Penguin
  4. Cardinal
  5. Blue Jay
  6. Flamingo
  7. Hummingbird
  8. Eagle
  9. Peacock
  10. Toucan
  11. Puffin
  12. Kingfisher
  13. Pelican
  14. Woodpecker
  15. Swan
  16. Parrot
  17. Ostrich
  18. Kiwi
  19. Seagull
  20. Dove
  21. Rooster
  22. Crow
  23. Falcon
  24. Stork
  25. Turkey
  26. Albatross
  27. Macaw
  28. Heron
  29. Sparrow
  30. Owl
  31. Phoenix (let's end with a mythical bird!)

3. Advent of Art

Advent of Art turns your December into a daily unwrapping of creativity. The concept is quite simple - instead of chocolate treats you get to create art every day during the advent period. No official prompt lists exist, so you will have to use your imagination. If you want some guidance, use our Advent prompt list below!

How to Participate:

  • Create art inspired by the holiday season
  • Follow an advent calendar format
  • Use #adventofart, #adventofart2024 to share your festive creations

Advent of Art Prompt List:

  1. Snowflake
  2. Candlelight
  3. Evergreen
  4. Cozy socks
  5. Hot cocoa
  6. Jingle bells
  7. Gingerbread
  8. Icicles
  9. Mittens
  10. Star
  11. Gift wrap
  12. Nutcracker
  13. Candy cane
  14. Fireplace
  15. Sleigh ride
  16. Ornament
  17. Winter sunset
  18. Ice skating
  19. Festive lights
  20. Snowman
  21. Holly and ivy
  22. Reindeer
  23. Sugar plum fairy
  24. Silent night
  25. Celebration

If you're looking for even more holiday-inspired ideas, don't miss our dedicated Christmas Drawing Prompts page. It's packed with festive suggestions to keep your creativity flowing throughout the season.

4. Christmas Creatures & Character Design Challenge

Who says character design can't be festive? This challenge combines the whimsy of holiday creatures with thoughtful character design, inviting you to populate your own magical winter wonderland with unique beings that bring the season to life.

How to Participate:

  • Design a new character or creature each day
  • Blend fantasy elements with holiday themes
  • Consider personality and backstory for each creation
  • Share your characters using #christmascreatures, #christmascreatures2024 or #characterdesignadvent2024

Christmas Creatures Prompt List:

  1. Snow elf guardian
  2. Gingerbread warrior
  3. Candy cane dragon
  4. Ornament sprite
  5. Frost giant
  6. Tinsel phoenix
  7. Toy maker goblin
  8. Mistletoe fairy
  9. Snow globe guardian
  10. Wreath wyrm
  11. Gift wrapping ninja
  12. Cookie decorator troll
  13. Star-crowned unicorn
  14. Polar bear postman
  15. Ribbon serpent
  16. Hot cocoa brewer
  17. Cookie chimera
  18. Frost familiar
  19. Gift box golem
  20. Evergreen elemental
  21. Sleigh mechanic dwarf
  22. Holly berry hippogriff
  23. Ice crystal centaur
  24. Christmas eve entity
  25. Yuletide yeti
  26. Boxing day basilisk
  27. Winter wind wyvern
  28. New year nymph
  29. Party hat designer pixie
  30. Countdown cyclops
  31. Year-end dragon

If you enjoy creating characters, check out our Random character drawing generator for endless ideas!

5. Digital December 

Embrace the digital age with this tech-savvy challenge. It's a board concept art challenge that focuses on utilizing digital tools and media creatively for innovative holiday art. 

How to Participate:

  • Create digital art daily
  • Experiment with different software and tools
  • Use #digitaldecember, #digitaldecember2024 to showcase your pixel-perfect pieces

Digital December Prompt List:

  1. Glitch art
  2. Neon city
  3. Retro game character
  4. Cyberpunk portrait
  5. Digital landscape
  6. Animated GIF
  7. Low poly animal
  8. Futuristic vehicle
  9. AI-Assisted Art
  10. Vaporwave aesthetic
  11. Digital collage
  12. Pixel art
  13. 3D render
  14. Vector illustration
  15. Digital painting
  16. Isometric design
  17. Fractal art
  18. UI design
  19. Digital comic panel
  20. Holographic effect
  21. Emoji design
  22. Digital pattern
  23. Surreal photo manipulation
  24. Generative art
  25. Digital sculpting
  26. Motion graphics
  27. Augmented reality design
  28. Digital graffiti
  29. Glowing effect
  30. Abstract digital art
  31. Future self-portrait

6. December Doodles

Let's take everyday objects and give them a festive twist! The December Doodles challenge is about seeing the holiday spirit in the simplest things around us.

How to Participate:

  • Create a quick doodle each day
  • Keep it simple and fun
  • Share your doodles using #DecemberDoodles, #DecemberDoodles2024, #DoodleDayDecember2024, #DoodleDayDecember

Useful resources:

  • One of the most active artists to follow on Instagram for December Doodles is @ella_vagg 

December Doodles Prompt List:

  1. Chair (maybe with a Santa hat?)
  2. Coffee mug (with festive pattern)
  3. Pencil (as a tiny candy cane)
  4. Book (wrapped in lights)
  5. Spoon (reflecting Christmas scenes)
  6. Light bulb (filled with snow)
  7. Key (as an ornament)
  8. Door (decorated for holidays)
  9. Clock (counting down to Christmas)
  10. Phone (displaying holiday messages)
  11. Glasses (reflecting winter scenes)
  12. Fork (as a tiny Christmas tree)
  13. Umbrella (catching snowflakes)
  14. Shoe (as an elf's boot)
  15. Pillow (with holiday patterns)
  16. Mirror (showing festive reflections)
  17. Bottle (as a snow globe)
  18. Paper clip (as a sleigh runner)
  19. Sock (as a mini stocking)
  20. Bowl (filled with ornaments)
  21. Scissors (cutting snowflakes)
  22. Tape (with holiday patterns)
  23. Brush (painting holiday scenes)
  24. Button (as a tiny wreath)
  25. Box (as a present)
  26. Basket (full of pine cones)
  27. Stapler (decorated with tinsel)
  28. Calendar (counting to new year)
  29. Pen (writing in frost)
  30. Notebook (with holiday doodles)
  31. Watch (striking midnight)

7. December Drawing Reflections

As the year draws to a close, take a moment to pause and reflect through your art. This challenge encourages you to look back at your journey and capture your growth through creative expression. It’s a very personal art challenge, just the perfect thing to tell your story and help you grow your social media following.

How to Participate:

  • Create art that reflects on your year
  • Focus on personal growth and memories
  • Share your reflections with #DecemberReflections, #DecemberReflections2024

December Reflections Prompt List:

  1. Biggest achievement
  2. Favorite memory
  3. Personal growth
  4. Something new learned
  5. Cherished friendship
  6. Proud moment
  7. Life changes
  8. Creative journey
  9. Challenges overcome
  10. Joy found
  11. Lessons learned
  12. Hidden blessings
  13. Small victories
  14. Dreams realized
  15. Helping others
  16. Skills gained
  17. Comfort zone
  18. Personal style
  19. Important choice
  20. Future vision
  21. Self discovery
  22. Creative growth
  23. Memorable places
  24. Special people
  25. Grateful heart
  26. Goals achieved
  27. Looking back
  28. Moving forward
  29. New dreams
  30. Year's story
  31. Fresh start

8. Elfmas

Time to sprinkle some elfin magic into your December! For those who are really serious about their Christmas spirit, they can create their own squad of Santa’s Helpers, one elf a day!

How to Participate:

  • Draw elves and holiday scenes
  • Add your own magical twist
  • Share using #Elfmas2024

Elfmas Prompt List:

  1. Toy workshop
  2. Cookie baker elf
  3. Mailroom helper
  4. Reindeer caretaker
  5. Gift wrapper
  6. Light stringer
  7. Chimney inspector
  8. Snow shoveler
  9. Sleigh mechanic
  10. List checker
  11. Music maker
  12. Tree decorator
  13. Candy maker
  14. Pet trainer
  15. Weather watcher
  16. Star polisher
  17. Magic keeper
  18. Story teller
  19. Hot cocoa server
  20. Dream weaver
  21. Wish granter
  22. Map reader
  23. Time keeper
  24. Santa's assistant
  25. Rest & relax
  26. Party planner
  27. Resolution helper
  28. Joy spreader
  29. New Year prep
  30. Celebration host
  31. Future dreamer

9. Winter Painting December

Transform your sketchbook into a snow-covered paradise with this seasonally inspired challenge. Let's capture the magic of winter, one snowflake at a time.

How to Participate:

  • Create winter-themed artwork daily
  • Focus on snowy scenes and seasonal elements
  • Share using #WinterPaintingDecember, #WinterPaintingDecember2024

Winter Painting Prompt List:

  1. First snowfall
  2. Frozen lake
  3. Winter forest
  4. Snow-Capped mountains
  5. Ice palace
  6. Winter birds
  7. Frost patterns
  8. Snow angels
  9. Icicle garden
  10. Winter sunset
  11. Snow-laden trees
  12. Winter wildlife
  13. Frozen waterfall
  14. Northern lights
  15. Snow globe scene
  16. Winter village
  17. Ice crystals
  18. Snowy path
  19. Winter storm
  20. Frozen flowers
  21. Winter night sky
  22. Snow fort
  23. Ice skating rink
  24. Winter market
  25. Snowy rooftops
  26. Winter moon
  27. Frozen river
  28. Snow sculptures
  29. Winter sunrise
  30. Ice kingdom
  31. Winter dreams

Alternatively, check out our Landscape prompt generator and give all of them a Christmas-y twist! 

10. Cozy December Drawing Challenge

Wrap yourself in the warmth of artistic comfort with this hygge-inspired challenge. It's all about capturing those snug moments that make winter special.

How to Participate:

  • Illustrate cozy scenes and comfortable moments
  • Focus on warm, inviting themes
  • Share your comfort art with #cozydecember, #cozydecember2024

Cozy December Prompt List:

  1. Reading nook
  2. Warm socks
  3. Steaming tea
  4. Fireplace glow
  5. Comfort food
  6. Blanket fort
  7. Window seat
  8. Candlelight
  9. Fuzzy sweater
  10. Hot chocolate
  11. Baking day
  12. Winter sunset
  13. Cozy pets
  14. Warm bath
  15. Movie night
  16. Comfort books
  17. Knitting corner
  18. Sleeping cat
  19. Rain on windows
  20. Comfort music
  21. Fresh cookies
  22. Holiday lights
  23. Family gathering
  24. Festive evening
  25. Christmas morning
  26. Lazy day
  27. Comfort games
  28. Winter stories
  29. Warm memories
  30. Evening ritual
  31. New Year's coziness

These challenges are about exploration and growth, not perfection. Each prompt is a chance to try something new or revisit a favorite subject. Take a moment to reflect on your progress and consider techniques you'd like to explore further.

As you wrap up your artistic year, remember that every stroke, every doodle, every digital masterpiece is a step forward in your creative journey. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, these challenges are your playground. So grab your tools, find a cozy spot, and let's make this December a month of artistic discovery.

Happy creating, and here's to ending your year on a high note – artistically speaking, of course!