20+ Free Christmas Knitting Patterns: Santas, Reindeer, and More

Can you say "photo op?" There's no better way to commemmorate baby's first Christmas than with an adorable Santa-themed photoshoot. Bonus points if you can get your dog to dress up as a reindeer!

These little gnomes are too adorable to not knit! Hide these santa-like gnomes around your house during the holidays, or hang them from the tree for a bit of knitterly cheer.

Tired of the elf on the shelf? So are we. That's why we love this alternative idea, which can do you one better than just a lowly working elf: Santa himself! Stick him in a cabinet and watch as the kids in your family gleefully discover your new houseguest.

One of the best traditions is to give a Santa hat to the person who's helping to hand out gifts! Whether or not you participate in this, an easy-to-knit Santa hat is a great way to get in the holiday spirit.

These easy little Santa gifts are a great way to bring some holiday joy, even if the only gifts you gave out were gift cards. (Hey, Nancy is impossible to shop for, and your mother always returns any gifts you get her, anyway.)

You knit a santa hat for yourself, now knit one for the little one! After all, the baby and Santa have a lot in common: both chubby, both jolly, and both lacking in the hair department.

If you don't want to dress the baby up in full-on Santa gear but still want to give his or her Christmas outfit a bit of pizzazz, this is the perfect Santa-inspired sweater for your sweetie.

Everyone loves minions, and if they say they don't, they're lying. This Santa minion is a great way to inject minions into every corner of your life.

That's right: your dog couldn't even escape the Santification process. Fit your perfect li'l pooch with the most adorable santa beard and hat that he almost certainly will not try to shake off... almost certainly.

These jolly snowmen are sure to put a bit of winter on your tree! We love these snowmen for those who both do and don't celebrate Christmas, so knit these as gifts and never worry about offending anyone again.

These would be the cutest little ornaments for the family! Knit the big one for the dad, the middle-sized one for the mom, and as many smaller ones as you want for the kids.

Step aside, Santa! If you strongly believe Rudolph is cuter and you're ready to show it to the world, knit a Rudolph Hat and wear it all season long.

Sometimes holiday decor at your typical home goods and craft stores are just sort of blasé. If you knit up your own snowman pillow, you'll never be caught in that embarrassing moment when you and Karen have the same exact throw again.

Why knit a normal cup cozy when you can stick a reindeer on it? After all, you want to make sure that everyone in your family, office, and friend group knows how holly-jolly holiday obsessed you are.

Let's not stop at the mug! After all, you probably use your phone a lot more often. Stick a snowman on your phone and not only will you spread some holiday cheer, but you'll literally never lose your phone again.

This little guy has so many uses. He can help you lift hot pots and pans, scrub dishes, or just look adorable in your holiday-themed kitchen. The best part? You can keep him out long after Christmas is over!

Yes, gift card cozies are very much a thing, and you're not limited to just Santa ones. If you're more into frozen friends, knit up every member of your family a Snow Man Gift Card Cozy this season.

You know why this is a keepsake stocking? Because after all the work you put into it, the idea of ever throwing it away will just make you angry. This cute homemade keepsake is a great way to personalize your mantel.

You're not seeing things. It's another pillow to join your Smiley Snowman Pillow! Here's a fun game idea: knit a few of these and put them under the tree. Watch and laugh at the children's disappointed faces as they pick these out instead of the real gifts!

Stockings are some of the best parts of Christmas knitting because you can also put your knit stocking stuffers inside of them! Overwhelm your family with yarn.

Okay, you knitting fiend, so you finished your pillows, gift card holders, and Santa hats, and it's only July. It's time to tackle your white whale: a holiday afghan. After all, you probably have the time.

Okay, it's not Grandma's actual holiday afghan, because she never let me have the pattern. Still, this one's pretty dang close, and you can never have too many Christmas blankets.