We’ve had a lot of fun today making Christmas versions of a classic optical illusion. What do you think of our Christmas Tree? Just roll the straw between your hands to see the decorations appear on the tree.
![Easy Christmas optical illusion - fun Christmas craft/science activity](https://www.science-sparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Optical-illusion-FB-1024x1024.jpg)
If you don’t want to draw your own my optical illusion template is free!
![template for a Christmas optical illusion](https://www.science-sparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Christmas-Optical-illusion-Template-1024x724.jpg)
You’ll need:
- white cardboard or thick paper
- pencils and colouring pens
- scissors
- glue/sellotape
How to make a Christmas Optical Illusion
Cut out two shapes from a sheet of white cardboard or use my festive optical illusion template.
Draw whatever you want. If you don’t fancy a Christmas tree how about a fireplace on one side and presents on the other, or Santa on one side and a chimney on the other?
Glue or sellotape a pencil between the two pictures.
Hold the pencil between your palms and rub your hands to make the picture spin around.
How optical illusions work
This is the same concept used for making cartoons, still pictures are moved very quickly to create an illusion of movement.
If you design your own optical illusion I would love to see it.
![pieces for making a Christmas optical illusion with cardboard and two straws](https://www.science-sparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Optical-illusion-Bits-1024x958.jpeg)
![a Christmas optical illusion made with a straw and two pieces of cardboard](https://www.science-sparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Optical-Illusion-1024x1022.jpeg)
More Christmas Science for Kids
If you’re looking for more Christmas science experiments, we’ve got lots of great ideas in our Christmas science round up and some fantastic DIY science gift ideas too!
I also have a FREE Christmas eBook you might like!
![fun Christmas craft and science activity for kids. Make a festive optical illusion as a Christmas science investigation or festive STEM challenge](https://www.science-sparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Optical-illusion-PIN-683x1024.jpg)
Last Updated on November 4, 2022 by Emma Vanstone
Leave a Reply