A magical set of free printable Christmas house luminaries that use only a single sheet of plain computer paper each to create a village that dances and sparkles at night.
I had a little idea pop in my head during the last Christmas season to make a Christmas village of luminaries and I couldn't wait until this year to make them! I have always loved luminaries. Whenever I see them at weddings and special events, I always think they are so magical. They are just so inviting and warm and special feeling.
At first, I thought I planned to make them out of paper bags, but the more I thought about it, I decided it would be fun to try to make them easily printable on just a sheet of computer paper. And I love how they turned out! I think they are so sweet.
I knew my littles would love to make them with me, and we had so much fun putting them together.
What is a Luminary?
A luminary is technically anything that gives off light. For our purposes, we are making luminaries that are similar to the ones at weddings and special events- paper lanterns with a light source, or candle, inside to illuminate the paper.
Luminary Uses
There are hundreds of different uses for luminaries, but they are mostly used to give off light or to add warmth and ambiance. Some of my favorite uses are as centerpieces, lining walkways, or dotted around someone's home for special occasions. I plan to use mine for tablescapes and holiday entertaining as well.
Supplies
- download and Print the houses and trees (linked below)
- exacto knife (I have this one)
- votive candles or battery operated votives (these are my favorite)
- tape (I use this one)
Step One: Print Houses and Trees
I printed my houses and trees onto plain white computer paper- nothing fancy or exciting. You could certainly use thicker paper if you want to, but it won't be as translucent and glow-y as the thinner paper. The houses are already centered on the printables, so all you need to do is go to the file below and download/print!
Please remember that these are for personal use only. They are not to be altered or sold in any form.
Free printable Christmas village lumaries:
Step Two (optional): Cut out windows
After printing off my houses, I used an exact0 knife to cut out my windows. This step isn't completely necessary- it is still cute without doing it- but I love the way it lets out a little extra light and adds a little more dimension to the end result. It is totally worth the extra few minutes it takes.
Step Three: Tape together luminaries
I added 3 pieces of tape along one side of the paper and rolled the paper back around on itself to form a circular tube, securing one side to the other. I overlapped the sides just slightly, maybe 1/2" (just enough to cover the words printed on the edge), which made the tube more structurally sound. I linked the tape I like to use up above (it is less noticeable than other tapes) but really, any clear tape will do.
Step Four: Add a light source
I used regular glass votive candles in mine (these are my favorite), with constant supervision of course. It you don't want to have to keep a close eye on them, you could use a strand of fairy lights or battery operated votives. If you purchase the ones that flicker, it will look more like a real candle.
I hope you enjoy these fun luminaries! We are addicted to making them now, so I will have a few other designs for you this week! They are so much fun!
Angela Green
Thank you for sharing these. I downloaded both sets. I can't wait to get them printed and cut out. Awesome 👌
Laura
Thank you so much for this! Our season was super hectic this year due to moving, but I still managed to print these out and my son LOVED them! We will do them every year I think...
Kristen Whitby
That makes me so happy! I am so glad you loved them.
Gaylin
This is beautiful as well as amazingly simple even I can do it!!
Ordered battery operated timer candles. look forward to making this my dinner table center piece.
Thank you!
Annelies
Would this work if you began with a glass cylinder.....and wrapped the paper around it???? Thinking it would be safer if you were using an actual candle
Kristen Whitby
Great Idea!
Christine Salek
Those are sweet. Thanks for sharing
Kathleen
Do u place the paper on a cutting board to cut open windows?
Kristen Whitby
Yes, I use a cutting board!