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There is something magical about a tiny winter scene tucked inside a glass jar. The miniature trees, soft blanket of snow, and little Christmas characters make these DIY waterless snow globes feel like a whole holiday world in your hands.
The best part? There is no water, glycerin, or complicated sealing involved. These homemade snow globes are simple enough to make during a family craft afternoon, yet pretty enough to display on a mantel, use as a holiday centerpiece, or give as a handmade Christmas gift.
If you have empty jars waiting to be reused, this is the perfect project for them. Gather a few miniature decorations, turn on your favorite Christmas music, and let everyone create a snowy scene of their own.
Why You’ll Love These Waterless Snow Globes
Traditional homemade snow globes can be beautiful, but they often require distilled water, glycerin, waterproof glue, and a perfectly sealed lid. A waterless version gives you the same cozy winter look with much less fuss.
- No leaking or cloudy water
- Easy to customize with inexpensive miniatures
- A lovely way to reuse clean glass jars
- Quick enough for a Christmas craft night
- Easy to store and display year after year
- Fun for children to design with adult help
Because the snow stays dry, you can use more types of decorations inside the jar without worrying about how they will hold up in liquid.
Supplies You’ll Need
- Clean glass jars with secure lids
- Mini bottle-brush Christmas trees
- Mini snowmen, deer, houses, Santa figures, or other holiday miniatures
- Artificial snow
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- White, silver, or gold spray paint for the lids (optional)
- Spray adhesive and fine glitter (optional)
- Ribbon, baker’s twine, bells, or greenery for decorating the outside (optional)
Shop supplies on amazon: glass jars, mini trees, artificial snow, miniature figures, glue gun, spray paint, ribbons
Before You Begin
Wash and completely dry the jars. Any moisture left inside can make the artificial snow clump or stick to the glass. Remove labels and adhesive residue so your finished snow globes look clean and polished.
Before gluing anything, turn each empty jar upside down over its lid. This helps you understand how much room you have for the winter scene. Make sure your tallest tree or figure fits comfortably without pressing against the glass.
How to Make DIY Waterless Snow Globes
1. Prepare the jar lids
If you like the color of your lids, you can leave them as they are. For a more finished holiday look, paint the outside of each lid white, silver, gold, or another color that matches your Christmas decor.
Apply paint outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, following the product instructions. Let the lids dry completely before moving to the next step.
2. Plan your miniature winter scene
Arrange your mini trees and figures on the inside of the lid before adding glue. Try a few combinations until the scene looks balanced.
A taller tree with a tiny snowman works well in a medium jar. For a wider jar, you might create a little woodland scene with two trees and a deer. Leave a small amount of space around the edges so the jar can still screw onto the lid properly.
3. Glue the decorations to the lid
Use hot glue to secure each miniature to the inside of the lid. Hold every piece in place for a few seconds, then allow the glue to cool completely.
If you are using a two-piece canning lid, glue the flat insert securely to the outer ring first so the pieces stay together when the globe is turned upside down.
Safety note: An adult should handle the hot glue gun. Keep hot glue, spray paint, spray adhesive, and small decorations away from young children.
4. Add a little extra sparkle
This step is optional, but it can make the miniature scene look beautifully frosted. Lightly coat the trees or figures with spray adhesive, then sprinkle on a small amount of fine glitter. Shake off the excess and let everything dry.
Use glitter on the decorations rather than pouring loose fine glitter into the jar. Fine glitter can cling to the glass and make the scene harder to see.
5. Add artificial snow to the jar
Spoon a shallow layer of artificial snow into the jar. Start with less than you think you need. Too much snow can bury the miniatures once the jar is turned over.
For most jars, you only need enough to lightly cover the bottom after the globe is assembled. You can always open the jar and add a little more later.
6. Assemble the snow globe
Keeping the jar upright, carefully place the lid—with the decorations attached—onto the opening. Screw the lid on tightly, then slowly turn the jar upside down.
Gently shake or tilt the jar to spread the snow around your miniature scene. Your waterless snow globe is now ready to display.
7. Add the finishing touches
Tie ribbon or baker’s twine around the base of the lid. You can also attach a small bell, name tag, sprig of faux greenery, or tiny ornament.
For a simple farmhouse look, use neutral ribbon and twine. For a playful kids’ craft, try bright ribbon, pom-poms, or a personalized name tag.
Tips for the Best Results
Use less snow than you think
The most common mistake is adding too much artificial snow. Begin with a thin layer so the trees and characters stay visible.
Choose lightweight artificial snow
Fluffy snow flakes create a soft winter look and move when the jar is gently shaken. Avoid wet snow products, pastes, or anything that needs time to cure inside the jar.
Test the height before gluing
Place the jar over the unglued decorations first. This prevents you from creating a beautiful scene that is too tall to fit.
Keep the inside of the glass clean
Wipe away dust and fingerprints before assembling the globe. If loose glitter sticks to the glass, use a soft dry cloth or clean makeup brush to remove it.
Create a collection with different jar sizes
A group of three or five globes in varying heights makes a beautiful mantel or tabletop display. Keep the colors similar so the collection feels coordinated.
Waterless Snow Globe Ideas to Try
Once you know the basic method, you can create a snow globe for nearly any Christmas style.
Classic Christmas village
Use bottle-brush trees, a miniature house, and a tiny snowman for a nostalgic holiday scene.
Woodland snow globe
Combine snowy trees with miniature deer, rabbits, or woodland animals. This version looks especially pretty with natural twine around the lid.
Santa’s North Pole
Add a tiny Santa, a red mailbox, wrapped presents, or a miniature North Pole sign.
Vintage car with a Christmas tree
Use a miniature red truck or vintage car carrying a tiny tree. This makes a cute farmhouse-style decoration.
Personalized family snow globe
Choose miniature figures that represent your family or add a small laminated family photo. Make sure any printed photo is completely dry before placing it inside the jar.
Nativity snow globe
Create a simple nativity scene with miniature figures and a small star attached above them.
Snow globe ornament
Use a very small lightweight plastic jar instead of glass, add a secure hanging loop, and turn the idea into a Christmas tree ornament.
How to Display Your Homemade Snow Globes
- Group several together on a mantel
- Add them to a Christmas coffee-table tray
- Use one at each place setting for a holiday dinner
- Place them on a child’s bedroom shelf
- Add battery-operated fairy lights around a collection
- Use larger globes as a holiday centerpiece
- Give them to teachers, grandparents, neighbors, or friends
If you are gifting a snow globe, tie on a small tag with the recipient’s name and the year. It becomes a keepsake they can bring out every Christmas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use plastic jars instead of glass?
Yes. Clear plastic jars are a smart option when crafting with children because they are lightweight and less likely to break. Choose plastic with good clarity so the scene remains easy to see.
What can I use instead of artificial snow?
You can try small white foam flakes, shredded white paper, or tiny white pom-poms. Avoid food products such as sugar, salt, or rice because they may attract moisture or pests during storage.
Why is the snow sticking to the inside of my jar?
The jar may have a small amount of moisture, static, or adhesive residue inside. Make sure it is completely clean and dry. Fine glitter is especially likely to cling to glass, so use larger artificial snow flakes inside the jar and keep fine glitter on the miniatures.
Do I need to glue the jar shut?
For display, a tightly screwed lid is usually enough. If young children will handle the globe, an adult can add a strong bead of appropriate glue around the lid to help keep it closed. The finished craft contains small pieces and is for decoration, not unsupervised play.
Can children make this Christmas craft?
Children can choose and arrange the miniatures and help add the artificial snow. Adults should handle the hot glue gun, spray products, and any glass jars.
How should I store waterless snow globes?
Wrap glass jars individually and store them upright in a sturdy box. Keep them in a dry, temperature-controlled place so moisture does not get inside and cause the snow to clump.
A Simple Christmas Craft You’ll Want to Make Every Year
DIY waterless snow globes are proof that a beautiful Christmas craft does not have to be complicated. With a jar, a handful of miniatures, and a little artificial snow, your family can create a tiny winter wonderland that feels completely personal.
Make one for your mantel, let the kids design their own, or create a whole collection to give as handmade gifts. However you decorate them, these sweet little snow globes are sure to add extra magic to your holiday season.
Save this idea for later: Pin this tutorial to your Christmas Crafts or Holiday Decor board so it is easy to find when you are ready for a cozy family craft day.
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