A homemade snow globe is a childhood classic. We’ve made several DIY snow globes at Smart School House, and we’re excited to share this new version: a Solar North Pole Snow Globe for Christmas. We found small solar candles at the Dollar Store and turned one into a glowing North Pole that charges in daylight and glows at night. Kids adore the magical effect. A printable North Pole sign is included in the instructions below.
Solar North Pole Snow Globe
A snow globe is one of the most beloved pieces of winter holiday décor. These timeless scenes work beautifully on a mantel, as part of a Christmas centerpiece, or as a handmade gift. Making them at home is affordable and fun — and this glowing solar version adds extra charm without much extra effort.
Most supplies for this project came from the dollar store: a solar candle, a large plastic ornament, white ribbon, fake snow, and hot glue. I also used white duct tape and red acrylic paint — the tape can be any thicker tape you have on hand, and red acrylic paint is inexpensive at any craft store. The small solar candle provides the glowing effect after a day in the sun.
Start by removing the plastic flame from the solar candle; once removed, the candle becomes the perfect North Pole post. Paint the candle body with red acrylic paint — two quick-drying coats worked well for us. While paint dries, prepare the ribbon and sign.
More Snow Globe Crafts by Smart School House:
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Mason Jar Lid Snow Globe
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Snow Globe Gum Ball Machine
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Paper Plate Snow Globe
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Lantern Snow Globe
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Apple Juice Jar Snow Globe
To create the candy-cane look, put a small dot of hot glue at the top of the candle and secure the end of a thin white ribbon. Wrap the ribbon downward around the candle in a spiral and glue the end at the base. For the North Pole sign, print a sign on paper, then back it with white duct tape so it’s sturdier. Leave a small tape border around the sign; dip the taped edge into fake snow so the border picks up some snow texture, then glue the sign to the painted candle.
When the candle and sign are ready, remove the metal cap from the plastic ornament. Using a funnel makes it easy to add fake snow into the ornament. Gently insert the candle with the attached sign into the ornament and secure the ornament to the base of the solar candle with hot glue. Add extra ribbon or holiday trim around the base if you like. Place your finished Solar North Pole Snow Globe in a sunny spot during the day so it will glow at night.
More Christmas Crafts by Smart School House
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Hanger Snowflake
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Giant Christmas Ornaments
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DIY Ornaments Made with a Ball
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Fish Bowl Snowman
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Paper Plate Lollipops
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Cardboard Box Snowman
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Christmas Soap Bottles
These snow globes also make a festive centerpiece or a thoughtful homemade gift. As long as the solar candle receives sunlight during the day, your North Pole will glow after dark — a simple, kid-friendly craft with a delightful result.
Christmas Recipes to Make with the Solar North Pole Snow Globes:
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Snowball Cookies
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Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread
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Marshmallow Polar Bear Paws
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Cheese Wreath
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Grinch Skewers
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Strawberry Santas
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Pretzel Christmas Trees
How to Make a Solar North Pole Snow Globe
DIY Solar North Pole Snow Globe
Print Here
You Will Need
- Solar candle
- Large plastic ornament
- Hot glue
- Fake snow
- White duct tape (or any thick tape)
- Red acrylic paint
- Thin white ribbon
- North Pole sign (printable)
Other Supplies Needed
- Paint brush
- Scissors
- Funnel
- Garland or other optional decor for the base
Directions
- Remove the plastic flame tip from the solar candle.
- Paint the candle body red; apply two coats and let dry.
- Glue a thin white ribbon around the painted candle in a spiral to resemble a candy cane.
- Print a North Pole sign and place it onto the sticky side of white duct tape for durability.
- Trim the tape around the sign, leaving a small sticky border on the top and sides.
- Dip the sticky edges of the sign into fake snow so the border looks snowy.
- Hot glue the North Pole sign onto the painted candle body.
- Remove the metal lid from the plastic ornament.
- Using a funnel, add fake snow into the ornament.
- Carefully insert the candle with the sign into the ornament.
- Hot glue the ornament to the base of the solar candle and add optional trim around the base.