3D Print Model Challenge - Christmas Creations
Let’s wrap up the year in holiday cheer! We’re thrilled to announce the Christmas 3D Print Challenge on CGTrader.
This festive season, we’re calling on all 3D print artists to design, 3D print and share your most creative, cozy and christmas-y themed models. From ornaments and decorations to unique gift ideas and joyful gadgets – this is your chance to spread Christmas spirit through 3D printing and showcase your talent to the world.
The CGTrader community keeps growing stronger and we love seeing the creativity that comes to life through your printers. Whether you’re a seasoned 3D print designer or a hobbyist who just loves to make things, this challenge is for you.
Prize Pool
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
Timeline
Challenge open: November 19 - December 18, 2025
Winners announced: December 23, 2025
How to Enter
- Create an original 3D print ready model in Christmas theme
- Upload the model to CGTrader Marketplace
- Tag your submission with christmas-challenge
- Add at least one photo of your printed make
Multiple entries are welcome - just make sure each follows the rules!
Terms
- Designs must be original and 3D printable
- Each entry must include a photo of the physical printed make
- Models should reflect a Christmas or winter holiday theme
- Renderings are optional, but if included, they should be clear and well-presented
- The printed result is the most important judging element
- Only models uploaded during the contest period and tagged christmas-challenge will be considered
- Adult content and previously published models are not eligible
- Participants must have a CGTrader account, accept the Terms & Conditions and complete KYC verification to receive prize payouts
- The challenge is free to enter and open worldwide
- Winners will be judged on creativity, printability and presentation, while the Community Favorite will be chosen by public votes (hearts in the model page).
Spread the word and share your entries on social media with #CGTraderChristmas to inspire other creators with your festive designs! Top submissions will be featured on CGTrader’s blog and social media channels.
Entries
Below are the top quality models that were participating in this challenge.
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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
Terms & Conditions
In order to qualify for the prize winnings, you must agree to terms & conditions.
- 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.
Judging
The judging of the challenge is supervised by CGTrader staff. Winners will be chosen following the requirements below:
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please go through these questions before contacting us
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.
