Make It Merry: The Christmas 3D Print Challenge Is Here!

TL;DR

What: Christmas 3D Print Challenge - design, print & share festive and fun creations

When: Nov 19 - Dec 18, 2025 (winners announced Dec 23)

Prizes: $1,800 total (1st place $600, Community Favorite $200 and more)

How to enter: Upload your original 3D printable model to CGTrader marketplace + at least one photo of your make, tag it with christmas-challenge

Judging: Based on creativity, printability and the quality of the printed make

The Christmas 3D Print Challenge is officially live, inviting makers across the world to design and print something festive, clever, cozy, or delightfully surprising.

If you love the magic of Christmas and the joy of 3D printing, this challenge is for you.

Join here or via Publisher.

What This Challenge Is All About

This year’s theme focuses on Christmas and winter holiday creations, but we’re keeping it open-ended on purpose. Whether your style is cute, minimalist, functional, decorative, or inventive, the challenge rewards creativity just as much as technical skill.

Think of it as the perfect excuse to create:

• Ornaments
• Brilliant little gift ideas
• Holiday gadgets
• Winter décor
• Cozy seasonal props
• Whimsical prints inspired by warm holiday nostalgia

If your model captures the holiday spirit and is 3D printable - you’re on the right track.

Why Join? (Beyond the $1,800 Prize Pool)

Sure, there are cash prizes - and they’re nice:

1st place - $600

2nd place - $400

3rd place - $300

And more prizes including the Community Favorite ($200)

But makers join for more than that:

Visibility. Top models will be featured across CGTrader’s channels.

Skill-building. Creating a polished design and a successful printed make is one of the best ways to elevate your portfolio.

Community. You’ll be part of one of the largest and most active 3D print communities online.

Seasonal fun. Sometimes the best reason is the simplest: it’s just a fun challenge!

The Essentials (Quick Reference)

• Challenge dates: Nov 19 - Dec 18, 2025
• Winners announced: Dec 23, 2025
• How to join: Upload a Christmas-themed 3D print model + a photo of your printed make
• Tag:christmas-challenge
• Enter from: The Challenge Page or directly through the CGTrader Publisher
• Key judging criteria: Printability, creativity, theme fit, and the quality of your printed make

(Full rules are listed on the Challenge Page)

3 Tips to Boost Your Chances of Winning

Here’s something not on the challenge page — insider advice that consistently helps entries stand out:

1. Focus on the printed make

A clean, beautiful, well-lit photo of your printed model often makes the difference between “great idea” and “winning entry.”

2. Add value through function or charm

Holiday models that are useful (like small tools or decorations) or emotionally appealing (nostalgic, adorable, clever) tend to resonate strongly with judges and voters.

3. Make it unmistakably festive - without using branded characters

Think textures, shapes, colors, and motifs that evoke Christmas without referencing protected IP.

Ready to Bring Holiday Cheer to Life?

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect challenge to end the year on a creative high - this is it.

Design something magical, print it proudly, and share it with the world.

Enter the Christmas 3D Print Challenge now.

…and let’s fill the season with the most joyful 3D prints of the year.