Christmas Window Silhouettes: Printable Stars, Trees and Snowflakes to Cut Out

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There is something magical about a Christmas window at dusk. A few black paper silhouettes, a string of warm lights and the evening sky behind them are enough to make the whole room feel festive. The best part is that you can make this look yourself with paper, scissors and a printer.

Get the Christmas Window Silhouettes on Gumroad

What are window silhouettes?

Window silhouettes are simple shapes, such as stars, trees, snowflakes and bells, cut from black paper and taped to the inside of a window. In the evening, with the lights on inside, they stand out as dark, graceful shapes against the glass. They are cheap, easy to store and safe for renters, because you only need removable tape.

What is inside the printable pack?

• 14 large designs: three stars, two Christmas trees, three snowflakes, a pair of bells, a round ornament, a candy cane, holly and berries, a gift box and a wreath
• 4 sheets of small shapes for garlands and groups
• Solid black versions to print and cut
• Outline versions to trace onto black paper
• A short how-to-use guide

In total there are 39 pages in a PDF, sized for US Letter paper.

Download the silhouettes

Two ways to make them

Option 1: print and cut

Print the solid pages, cut along the edge and tape them up. This is the quickest way. The solid pages use a lot of ink, so try your printer's draft or ink-saver mode.

Option 2: trace onto black paper

Print the outline pages, cut out the shapes and trace around them on black card. This gives a deep black silhouette and uses very little ink. It is also a nice way to make many copies of your favourite shape.

What you need

1. Black construction paper or black cardstock for the tracing method.
2. Sharp small craft scissors for the curves and points.
3. Optional: a craft knife and a cutting mat for the small details. Adults only, please.
4. Removable poster putty or tape to fix the shapes to the glass.

How to put them on your window

Hang the shapes on the inside of the glass. Test a small spot first, and avoid delicate or freshly painted surfaces. Use putty or removable tape on the back and press gently.

Ideas for a beautiful window scene

• Make one large tree the centre of your scene, then fill the space around it with stars and snowflakes at different heights.
• Hang a pair of bells in a corner for balance.
• Mix big and small shapes so the window looks lively rather than neat.
• Add a string of warm white fairy lights along the frame for a glow after dark.
• Use the small shapes on gift tags, cards or a paper garland.

Craft with kids

Children can help with the design: choose the shapes, trace them onto paper and tape the finished silhouettes to the window. Cutting with scissors or a craft knife should be done by an adult or with adult help.

Frequently asked questions

Is this a physical product?

No. It is a digital download in PDF format. You print it at home or at a print shop.

What paper size does it use?

US Letter, 8.5 x 11 inches. You can enlarge the shapes at a print shop for a bigger look.

Can I print it more than once?

Yes, for your own personal use. Please do not resell or share the file.

Will it damage my window?

Use removable tape or poster putty on the inside of the glass and test a small spot first.

Make your window sparkle this Christmas

A few paper shapes, a warm light and a cup of cocoa are all it takes. Print your pages and decorate a window tonight.

Get the Christmas Window Silhouettes