In my quest for DIY Christmas decor, I couldn’t wait to try and make DIY Reindeer Candle Holders. I thought making candle holders from plastic animals would make a unique Christmas centerpiece or table decor. This Christmas craft was pretty easy with items I found at the craft store or Amazon.

Black background with spray painted plastic reindeer and small candles glued to the top for Christmas candle holders.

Christmas Craft Ideas – DIY Reindeer Candle Holders

If you’re a regular around here, then you know I love making my own holiday decor. I have LOADS of it nestled in the Holidays Category. Reindeer candle holders are a great addition to any festive table decor. I decided to add greens and a few ornaments on a platter to create a quick and easy centerpiece.

How to Make Plastic Animal Candle Holders

These DIY animal candle holders can be made with any animal, for any desired theme. It doesn’t have to be Christmas.

Animal Candle Holder Supplies

Large Plastic Animals – I’ve seen smaller ones used for making birthday candle-sized candle holders. I could have used even larger ones that I had, but finding plastic deer larger than these seemed impossible.
Candle Holder Cups
Spray Paint
Hot Glue Gun and Glue Sticks or E6000 glue

The first step is to spray paint the plastic animals and candle cups the color you want. This can take a few coats. You need to let them dry completely between coats to prevent them from being sticky.
When they are completely dry, place a candle in the candle cup and then figure out the flattest spot on their back to place it. By placing the candle in, it helps you place the candle away from any antlers that may get in the way.
Add glue (use your glue gun or E6000) to the bottom of the candle cup and press into the spot needed. Hold for a few seconds to allow for the glue to set.
Arrange where you want to use them and enjoy!

DIY Animal Candle Holders

Yield: 1

Prep Time: 2 hours

Active Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Estimated Cost: $25

Make candle holders with plastic toy animals, candle cups, and glue. Perfect for a cake topper or making holiday centerpieces.

Materials

Plastic Toy Animals
Candle Cups - buy candle cups to match the candle diameter.
Glue for the Glue Gun or use E6000 Glue
Spray Paint in your desired color

Tools

Glue Gun

Instructions

Gather your supplies. Smaller candles are best. A regular-size taper candle would be too big. The candles I used were 4-in tall and 1/2 in diameter.
Spray paint the animals and candle cups. For best results, spray between 6-8 inches away and only a few passes between coats. Allow to dry completely between coats. They can become sticky if coats are too close together. If your candle cups are a color you don't mind, you may not have to paint them.
Place the candles in the candle cups and find the flattest spot on the animal's back to place the candle and also make sure the candle doesn't hit any antlers.
Heat up your glue gun. Place a dollop of hot glue on the bottom of the candle cup and press it into place. Hold for a few seconds until the glue is set.
Decorate!

Christmas Centerpiece DIY Reindeer Candle Holders

DIY Christmas Table Decor

Creating a stylish but easy Christmas centerpiece doesn’t have to be fussy. It can be as simple as placing some greens on a platter or tray, adding a few holiday elements like pinecones or ornaments, and finishing with candles. Here are a few of my favorite simple ideas for DIY Christmas decor.