10 Things to 3D Print for the Holidays

Merry Christmas Eve! It’s the most holiday-filled time of the year – the whole month has been filled with celebrations of one kind or another, and celebrations mean decorations. Decorations, for many of us, mean 3D printing. Anyone can buy some decor, but 3D printing it is a lot more satisfying – and it’s something to keep you busy inside on these cold winter nights. There are plenty of holiday-themed printables across the vast network of 3D printing platforms on the web, but sometimes you have to dig to find the good ones. So we did the digging for you. If you’re up for some last-minute 3D printing, here are some fun holiday-themed designs for your 3D printing pleasure.

Spinning Christmas Star

This fun spinning star by Thingiverse user muzz64 is both Christmas ornament and cat – or human – toy. Three or four stars spin on a central shaft, and while it looks like it could be tricky to make, it’s actually an easy one-piece print. There’s both a hanging version and a tree topper version, but whichever you choose, it’s an easy way to make your Christmas tree kinetic this year.

Yule Goat

Before there were Santa’s reindeer, there was the Yule Goat. Stories vary on its origins and role, but this goat goes back to ancient pagan traditions and has survived until today, mainly as a Christmas ornament in Nordic countries. If you’d like one on your own tree, you can 3D print this one via Cults and Creative Tools. As Yule goats are typically made of straw – or, in the past, corn sheaves – a wood filament might be nice.

BMW Ornaments 

If  you’re an automotive fan, BMW has designed a bunch of its own Christmas ornaments this year. There’s a BMW logo, a wheel, the BMW Welt, and the central headquarters. If you’re a BMW nut, this is a good way to show it.

Santa’s Sleigh Ride – Christmas Dice GameThis 3D printed die from Thingiverse user gt8678a brings a new twist to white elephant gift exchanges. The die’s many sides contain incidents Santa may encounter on his sleigh ride, such as blizzards, nice elves or naughty elves, as well as instructions to follow regarding opening or passing gifts. There’s even a “snowball fight” option that requires you to directly battle another player. You can paint this die in any fun and colorful way you like, and it will definitely liven up your usual gift exchange.

Tea Light Menorah

Yes, I know Hanukkah is over, but this is a nice idea for next year. There are several 3D printed menorahs online, and several of them warn not to burn the candles too low, because fire plus plastic equals not good. This one, however, seems to do just fine even with the tea lights liquefied, as the metal base provides insulation between the flame and the plastic. Thingiverse user brackett27 assures that there has been no problem, and this is a lovely little variation on the menorah that can be 3D printed easily.

Snowflake LED Lamp

This snowflake lamp from sparkvark is dazzling yet simple to make. 3D print it in translucent PLA, then put some LED string lights and glue on the lid. It’ll be an attention-getter at any party, as well as a bright spot on quiet nights at home.

Krampus Ornament 

It wouldn’t be Christmas without the Krampus, Santa’s evil (or just misunderstood?) counterpart. I have to admit, I had a tough time choosing between this and a Krampus action figure called KRAMPAGE just because…Krampage. A demonic figure that punishes naughty children, 3D print this guy, by MyMiniFactory user Ricardo Salomao, and stick him on your Christmas tree to remind your kids to be good. Or put him on your front door to remind your party guests to be good.

Holiday Lantern with Swappable Panels

This 3D printable lantern comes with multiple panels that you can slide in and out, so you can make it a Christmas lantern, a Hannukah lantern, even a Thanksgiving lantern. Thingiverse user dehart007 has since gone further and created whole sets of non-holiday panels, so if you like variety, you can change this lantern’s look all the time. It works with an LED tea light to create a nice flickering glow.

Holo-day Hanukkah Menorah

This is more than a 3D printing project, but there’s a full tutorial to instruct you in how to turn this Hologram-enabled menorah by Thingiverse user miberkleid into an IoT device that lets you connect to friends across the world. Set it up according to the instructions, and your friends will be able to light the candles with SMS messages.

Killer Tomato Ornament

Sometimes you have to highlight something just because it’s weird, and this killer tomato ornament from Thingiverse user Cadmium48 falls into that category. It’s a definite “Why not?” kind of decoration. Be careful reaching into the branches of your Christmas tree.

You can find even more ornament and decor ideas here, and check out holiday makes and nerdy pieces, too.

Whatever holiday you celebrate at this time of year, we hope it’s full of joy. Be safe, be happy, and keep having fun 3D printing.

Have you 3D printed anything for the holidays? Let us know at 3DPrintBoard.com or below.