3D Print Model Challenge - Christmas Creations

Awards & Prizes

A total of $1,800 in cash prizes will be awarded to the top entries:

1st place: $600

2nd place: $400

3rd place: $300

4th place: $200

5th place: $100

Community Favorite: $200

Winners announced: December 23, 2025

• The Christmas 3D Print Challenge runs from November 19 to December 18, 2025.
• Winners will be announced on December 23, 2025.

Each Valid Submission Must Include:

• An original 3D print-ready model created by the participant.
• At least one photo of the physical printed make.
• A clear Christmas or winter holiday theme (e.g., ornaments, decorations, festive gifts, cozy holiday props).
• The christmas-challenge tag added when uploading the model.
• Optional renderings that are clear and well-presented if included.

Additional Rules

• The printed make image is the most important judging element.
• Only new models uploaded during the contest period and tagged christmas-challenge (November 19 – December 18, 2025) will be considered.
• Previously uploaded models are not eligible, even if modified.
• Branded items are not allowed. Models may be inspired by general Christmas aesthetics, but must not reproduce or reference protected characters, trademarks, logos, or IP.
• Adult or explicit content is not allowed.
• You may submit multiple entries, but each must meet all requirements.
• Models that do not meet the rules (e.g., non-Christmas theme, copyrighted/branded content, not printable, previously published, or lacking a printed make) may be removed without notice.

Participation

• The challenge is free to enter and open worldwide.
• Participants must have a CGTrader account, accept the CGTrader Terms & Conditions, and successfully complete standard KYC (Know Your Customer) verification to receive prize payouts.
• Teams and legal entities may participate.
• Employees and close relatives of CGTrader are not allowed to participate.
• Prize winners are responsible for any taxes or duties required by their local laws. Where required, CGTrader will withhold taxes from prize payments.

General

• By participating, you agree that CGTrader may use your submission images for marketing and promotional purposes, including social media, newsletters, web features, and the CGTrader blog.
• All entries must be original creations and must not infringe on any copyrights, trademarks, or third-party rights.
• Uploading models and participating in the challenge is free of charge.
• CGTrader reserves the right to disqualify entries that violate the challenge rules or contain inappropriate content.

Printability. The model must be fully 3D printable and function as intended.

Creativity & Theme Fit. Originality, imagination, and how well the model captures the Christmas or winter holiday theme.

Quality of the Printed Make. The photo of the actual printed object is the most important element of the entry.

Presentation. Renderings are optional, but if included, they should be clear and visually appealing. Good descriptions and relevant tags also help during the judging process.

In addition to the judged prizes, a Community Favorite Award ($200) will go to the qualifying model that receives the most hearts from the CGTrader community on the model page.

Our panel of judges is comprised of experienced 3D professionals from CGTrader.

1. Do I need to upload files or only images of my 3D design?

You must upload a 3D print-ready file (your printable model) and at least one photo of your physical printed make to participate.

2. Are renderings required?

No. The most important part of your entry is the photo of the printed make. Renderings are optional, but if you include them, make sure they are clear and well-presented.

3. Do I lose copyright to my 3D print file after uploading?

No. You always retain copyright to your 3D print model. CGTrader licenses simply define how buyers may use your file - you maintain full ownership.

4. How can I participate in the challenge?

To participate, create a CGTrader account, accept the Terms & Conditions, upload your original Christmas-themed 3D print–ready model, include at least one photo of the printed make, and tag the model with christmas-challenge when uploading.

5. What if I tag one of my old 3D print models with “christmas-challenge”?

It will not count. Only new 3D print models uploaded between November 19 - December 18, 2025 will be considered valid entries.

6. Do free 3D print models qualify for the challenge?

Yes. Free 3D print files are welcome and judged equally.

7. Can I enter with 3D print models that participated in contests elsewhere?

Yes, as long as the model has never been uploaded to CGTrader before. Only new uploads qualify.

8. Does the price I set for my 3D print file affect judging?

No. Judging is based on creativity, printability, and presentation, not the price.

9. Can I delete an older 3D print model and re-upload it during the challenge?

No. Deleted and re-uploaded models are tracked. Only brand-new models uploaded during the challenge dates are eligible.

10. Can I submit more than one 3D print entry?

Yes. You can upload as many print-ready models as you like, as long as each one meets all rules.

11. What is the Community Favorite award and how is it chosen?

The Community Favorite prize ($200) goes to the 3D print model that receives the most hearts from the CGTrader community on the model page.

12. Are branded or copyrighted characters allowed?

No. Your 3D print model may be inspired by Christmas aesthetics, but branded items, copyrighted characters, logos, or trademarked designs will not compete.

13. Do I need verification to receive prizes?

Yes. Winners must complete standard KYC verification before prize payouts. This ensures secure and compliant reward distribution.