If you’re looking for a festive, budget-friendly holiday craft that instantly transforms any room, holiday paper chains are the perfect DIY. They’re nostalgic, colorful, and incredibly easy to customize. This year, I made mine in a mix of soft holiday colors—light green, dark green, light pink, dark pink, white, and light blue—using a multi-pack of construction paper. I hung them across the two entryways to my living room, added tinsel garland, and finished the look with oversized bows made from plastic tablecloths. It was the perfect cozy touch!

Below is exactly how you can recreate them.

Supplies You’ll Need

• Construction paper in multiple colors I used: light green, dark green, light pink, dark pink, white, and light blue.
• Cutting board + rotary cutter or scissors (scissors work, but take longer)
• Stapler + plenty of staples
• Optional for hanging: string/twine, wall hooks, gold tinsel garland, plastic tablecloths (for bows), double-sided tape

How to Make Large Paper Chains

1. Prep your paper

Lay a sheet of construction paper horizontally (landscape).

Cut it into four strips, each measuring 2.75 inches wide. These will be your large chain links.

2. Create your first loop

Take one strip, bend it into a circle, and staple the ends together.

3. Add your next color

Slide the next paper strip through the first loop, bend into a circle, and staple.

Repeat with alternating colors until your chain reaches the desired length.

How to Make Small Paper Chains

These are great for layered looks or smaller spaces.

1. Start with the 2.75-inch strips

Take each of the strips from the large-chain step and cut them down the middle lengthwise.

2. Cut again for mini links

Turn each piece “hot dog style” (lengthwise) and cut down the middle again.

This gives you thin strips perfect for dainty chains.

3. Assemble your chain

Create loops the same way—staple, thread the next strip through, staple again—repeating until you’ve built your mini chain.

Hanging & Styling

Once your chains are finished, you can decorate your home in so many creative ways.

Here’s how I hung mine:

I draped the chains across two entryways leading into my living room. I used string and small wall hooks to secure them without damaging the paint.

To add a little sparkle, I layered gold tinsel garland on top of the paper chains.

For an oversized festive touch, I created large bows using plastic tablecloths and attached them with double-sided tape.

You can also hang your paper chains on:

• Christmas tree
• Staircase banisters
• Along mantels
• Kids’ bedrooms
• Playrooms
• Around windows
• On shelving or bookcases

The possibilities are endless—and the best part is that the whole project is kid-friendly, inexpensive, and totally customizable.

Final Thoughts

Holiday paper chains are the perfect low-stress DIY: simple supplies, endless color options, and a huge visual impact. Whether you want a nostalgic look or modern holiday palette, this craft adds instant charm to any space.

Let me know if you want a printable template, social caption, or Pinterest description to go with this!