10 Festive Mason Jar Ideas That’ll Make Your Home the Coziest Place This Holiday Season!

If you're looking for a simple, stylish, and family-friendly way to deck the halls this holiday season, look no further than the humble mason jar. These versatile glass containers can be transformed into charming centerpieces, candle holders, gift jars, and more — all while keeping your space safe and sparkling with holiday cheer.

Table of Contents

• Why Mason Jars Are Perfect for Family Holiday Decor
• Idea #1: Glittery Candle Holders
• Idea #2: Miniature Snow Globes in a Jar
• Idea #3: Festive Fairy Light Jars
• Idea #4: Christmas Cookie Jars
• Idea #5: Reindeer Food Dispensers
• Idea #6: Ornament Storage Jars
• Idea #7: Scented Spice Jars
• Idea #8: Gingerbread House Jars
• Idea #9: Polar Express Ticket Holders
• Idea #10: Personalized Gift Jars
• Buying Guide: What to Look for When Buying Mason Jars
• Conclusion

Why Mason Jars Are Perfect for Family Holiday Decor

Mason jars are a staple in any home decor enthusiast’s toolkit. They’re affordable, reusable, eco-friendly, and come in a variety of sizes. Whether you're crafting with little ones or prepping your holiday display solo, mason jars offer endless possibilities. Plus, they’re safe for families — unlike fragile ornaments or sharp decorations.

Idea #1: Glittery Candle Holders

Nothing sets the mood like candlelight. For a quick but glamorous look, turn your mason jars into glittery candle holders.

• Use spray adhesive or Mod Podge to coat the outside of the jar.
• Sprinkle fine glitter in holiday colors like red, gold, silver, or white.
• Add a tea light or LED candle inside for a safe glow.

Pro Tip:

To make it kid-safe, opt for flameless LED candles. You can even find battery-operated candles that flicker realistically!

Idea #2: Miniature Snow Globes in a Jar

This one is especially fun for kids! Turn a mason jar into a miniature snow globe using small figurines like Santa, reindeer, or elves.

• Attach a waterproof figurine to the lid with hot glue.
• Fill the jar halfway with water and a few drops of glycerin to slow down the glitter fall.
• Screw the lid on tightly and shake gently for instant magic!

Product Recommendation:

Try the “Christmas in a Jar” DIY Kit from Cratejoy — includes everything you need including figurines, glitter, and step-by-step instructions.

Idea #3: Festive Fairy Light Jars

String lights add sparkle, but when wrapped around a mason jar? Magic happens. Use them as centerpieces, hanging décor, or nightlights for kids’ rooms.

• Wrap LED fairy lights around the inside or outside of the jar.
• Add pine cones, berries, or fake snow inside for extra texture.
• Hang with twine or ribbon from hooks, mantles, or tree branches.

Idea #4: Christmas Cookie Jars

These jars serve double duty — as decoration and a sweet surprise! Create a cookie gift jar filled with layers of dry ingredients so someone can just add wet ingredients and bake.

• Layer brown sugar, flour, oats, chocolate chips, etc.
• Attach a printed recipe tag with baking instructions.
• Decorate the lid with a bow and holiday cardstock label.

Perfect For:

• Teacher gifts
• Neighbor swaps
• Co-worker presents

Idea #5: Reindeer Food Dispensers

Make bedtime magical with a “Reindeer Snack Jar” for the kiddos. Fill it with oats, glitter (to help Rudolph see at night!), and a note from Santa himself.

• Add a cute tag that says, “Sprinkle this on the lawn to guide Santa!”
• Use a wide-mouth jar for easy scooping.
• Kids love helping prepare and scatter it on Christmas Eve!

Idea #6: Ornament Storage Jars

After the holidays, keep those delicate ornaments safe by storing them in mason jars. Label each jar with its contents for next year’s setup!

• Wrap ornaments individually in tissue paper or bubble wrap.
• Place in medium to large-sized jars for compact storage.
• Use chalkboard labels to write which room each set goes in.

Idea #7: Scented Spice Jars

Breathe in holiday warmth with scented spice jars. Cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, orange peel, and nutmeg create a natural, festive aroma.

• Pack the jar loosely to allow scent to escape slightly.
• Tie a ribbon and include a “Homemade Potpourri” tag.
• Great for mantle displays or bathroom counters.

Idea #8: Gingerbread House Jars

Take your cookie jar idea up a notch by turning it into a gingerbread house. Use frosting to attach candy pieces to the outside of the jar for a festive façade.

• Attach gumdrops, licorice, candy canes, and peppermint candies with icing.
• Fill the jar with hot cocoa mix or cookies for a themed gift.
• Best used as centerpiece or party favors during holiday gatherings.

Idea #9: Polar Express Ticket Holders

Create a memory-making moment by giving each child their own “Polar Express Ticket” jar. Inside, place a train ticket and a silver bell (just like in the movie!).

• Print and insert a custom ticket with the child’s name.
• Add a silver bell and maybe a $5 bill for hot cocoa on the trip!
• Decorate with metallic markers and snowflake stickers.

Idea #10: Personalized Gift Jars

Create a custom gift experience with personalized mason jars filled with thoughtful items. Each jar can have a theme like “Relaxation,” “Adventure,” or “Movie Night.”

• Include small gifts like sachets, candles, popcorn packets, or gift cards.
• Add a handwritten note tucked under the lid ring.
• Ideal for grandparents, friends, and coworkers.

Buying Guide: What to Look for When Buying Mason Jars

Choosing the right mason jar depends on your intended use. Below is a detailed breakdown of types, materials, and features to consider before purchasing.

Jar Type	Material	Size Options	Recommended Uses	Pros	Cons
Regular Mouth	Glass	4 oz – 16 oz	Centerpieces, cookie mixes, small crafts	Affordable, standard lids fit most accessories	Limited capacity for larger projects
Wide Mouth	Glass	8 oz – 32 oz	Storage, large crafts, food gifting	Easier to fill and clean	Slightly more expensive than regular mouth jars
Ball® Mason Jars	Glass	4 oz – 64 oz	Canning, preserving, gifting	Brand trusted for durability and quality	Can be harder to find in bulk
Kerr® Classic	Glass	4 oz – 32 oz	Diy projects, holiday crafts	Widely available in grocery stores	May have inconsistent seal quality
Plastic Mason Jars	Plastic	8 oz – 16 oz	Outdoor use, kids’ crafts	Shatterproof, lightweight	Less authentic look, not heat-resistant

Top Recommended Products:

• Ball® Regular Mouth Mason Jars (Set of 12): Perfect for holiday cookie mixes and small crafts. Durable and reusable.
• Kerr Wide Mouth Quart Jar (32 oz): Great for larger projects like ornament storage or sensory jars for toddlers.
• AmazonBasics Plastic Mason Jars (Set of 24): Budget-friendly and safe for outdoor parties or kids’ projects.
• HoneyCanDo Decorative Mason Jar Set: Stylish twist-off lids and frosted glass for immediate holiday-ready decor.

Conclusion

Festive mason jars are more than just kitchen staples — they’re blank canvases for creativity, especially during the holiday season. Whether you're crafting with your kids, decorating your home, or making thoughtful handmade gifts, these 10 festive mason jar ideas will inspire joy, safety, and a touch of whimsy.

From glittery candle holders to personalized gift jars, there’s something here for every style and skill level. And with the buying guide provided, you'll know exactly which type of jar to choose based on your project needs.

So grab your favorite mason jars, gather the kids, and start crafting your way into the holiday spirit — one jar at a time!