DIY Santa Key to Unlock Holiday Magic (No-Chimney Friendly!)

No fireplace? No problem! Make a DIY Santa magic key with glitter, Mod Podge, and a free printable tag (download below) – perfect for kids in homes without chimneys to keep the Christmas magic alive!

Skills Required: None. Even if you’ve never crafted before, you can make this project. You’ll be using Mod Podge to apply glitter and cutting paper.

One of the most magical parts of Christmas is the excitement of Santa’s arrival. But maybe you live in an apartment or townhome or other situation without a fireplace.

In which case, there’s always that big question: How will Santa get inside?

Enter the Santa magic key! This simple and sparkly craft keeps the holiday magic alive by giving Santa a special way to deliver gifts: no chimney required.

This project is incredibly easy to make, even if you’re not a regular crafter. With a little Mod Podge, some glitter, and a (faux) vintage-style key, you’ll have a beautiful keepsake in no time.

Plus, I’ve created a free printable tag that adds the perfect finishing touch! It reads:

“Dear Santa, we have no chimney, so please use this magic key, to leave a gift under the tree, and fill our hearts with Christmas glee!”

It’s a wonderful way to start a new holiday tradition with your little ones. Hang the key on the front door, place it by the tree, or even leave it out with milk and cookies.

They’re not just keys for your own littles, though. These make adorable gifts for nieces, nephews, students, or anyone who needs a little Christmas magic. You can even turn them into festive ornaments when you’re done.

So grab your supplies, add some sparkle, and let’s make this Christmas extra magical. Santa’s got a key and the presents – now all he needs is your holiday spirit!

Get the printable how to below:

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Santa Key

Learn how to create Santa's magic key for those littles without a chimney! Easy to make and ensures Santa will still be able to drop off gifts this Christmas.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Active Time40 minutes mins

Dry Time2 hours hrs

Total Time2 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Yield: 2 keys

Cost: $2

Equipment

• Paintbrush(es)
• Scissors
• Hole Punch
• Printer

Materials

• 2 Faux skeleton keys metal or plastic
• Cardstock
• Glitter fine
• Mod Podge any formula
• Ribbon or twine
• Clear acrylic spray sealer
• Santa tags large OR
• Santa tags small

Instructions

• Print the Santa tag using one of the two sizes in the materials list. Cut them out using scissors. and use a hole punch for the hole on top.
  
• Apply a thin, even layer of Mod Podge onto the top part of the key, both on the front and the back.
  
• Once you have evenly coated both sides, dip it into a container of fine glitter. Let it dry. After drying, add glitter to any missing spots on the key’s top.
  
• Seal your glittered key with an acrylic spray to reduce and prevent glitter fallout. Let it dry. Thread the key onto the tag to finish.
  

Notes

Step 1: I recommend using thicker paper like 40 lb. so that the tag is thicker, especially if you are gifting.

Step 2: I used gold to compliment the key’s color, but you can use a different color to make it more fun.

Step 4: Technically this is optional, because it’s not as optional when you’re going to keep the key and hang it as an ornament. You can also brush Mod Podge over the top of the glitter but it dulls it slightly (more so than the acrylic spray).

Here’s another fun Christmas craft you might enjoy doing with your kids: salt dough ornaments. They double as gift tags and are so fun to make! I’d also love for you to check out these other ideas:

Coke Bottle Santa and Elves • Countdown Chalkboard • DIY Christmas Necklace • Fabric Christmas Bowl • Gnome Wood Gift Tag • Handprint Ornaments • Hang Stockings Without a Mantel • Holiday Door Hangers • Homemade Wrapping Paper • Santa Mason Jar • Salt Dough Ornaments • Snowman Mason Jar • Snowman Hot Chocolate Jars • Yarn Wrapped Trees