How to Draw a Christmas Tree Using Python Turtle

This article introduces how to create a Christmas tree graphic using Python's turtle library. It presents two independent approaches, each accompanied by complete source code and a brief description of the drawing logic.

Method One builds the tree by stamping circles and squares at calculated coordinates. The script sets up the screen, creates two turtles (one for circles, one for squares), and iterates over a range to position and stamp the shapes, adjusting colors for different tree sections.

import turtle
screen = turtle.Screen()
screen.setup(800, 600)

circle = turtle.Turtle()
circle.shape('circle')
circle.color('red')
circle.speed('fastest')
circle.up()

square = turtle.Turtle()
square.shape('square')
square.color('green')
square.speed('fastest')
square.up()

circle.goto(0, 280)
circle.stamp()
k = 0
for i in range(1, 17):
    y = 30 * i
    for j in range(i - k):
        x = 30 * j
        square.goto(x, -y + 280)
        square.stamp()
        square.goto(-x, -y + 280)
        square.stamp()
    if i % 4 == 0:
        x = 30 * (j + 1)
        circle.color('red')
        circle.goto(-x, -y + 280)
        circle.stamp()
        circle.goto(x, -y + 280)
        circle.stamp()
    if i % 4 == 3:
        x = 30 * (j + 1)
        circle.color('yellow')
        circle.goto(-x, -y + 280)
        circle.stamp()
        circle.goto(x, -y + 280)
        circle.stamp()
    k += 2
square.color('brown')
for i in range(17, 20):
    y = 30 * i
    for j in range(3):
        x = 30 * j
        square.goto(x, -y + 280)
        square.stamp()
        square.goto(-x, -y + 280)
        square.stamp()

turtle.exitonclick()

Method Two creates a more stylized tree using recursive drawing and random decorations. It first draws a triangular foliage, then defines a recursive tree function to add branches, and finally places random colored circles as ornaments.

from turtle import *
import random
import time

n = 80.0
speed('fastest')
screensize(bg='seashell')
left(90)
forward(3 * n)
color('orange', 'yellow')
begin_fill()
left(126)
for i in range(5):
    forward(n / 5)
    right(144)
    forward(n / 5)
    left(72)
end_fill()
right(126)
color('dark green')
backward(n * 4.8)

def tree(d, s):
    if d <= 0:
        return
    forward(s)
    tree(d - 1, s * 0.8)
    right(120)
    tree(d - 3, s * 0.5)
    right(120)
    tree(d - 3, s * 0.5)
    right(120)
    backward(s)

tree(15, n)
backward(n / 2)

for i in range(200):
    a = 200 - 400 * random.random()
    b = 10 - 20 * random.random()
    up()
    forward(b)
    left(90)
    forward(a)
    down()
    if random.randint(0, 1) == 0:
        color('tomato')
    else:
        color('wheat')
    circle(2)
    up()
    backward(a)
    right(90)
    backward(b)
    time.sleep(60)

Both methods conclude with screenshots of the resulting tree and encourage readers to try the code themselves, wishing them a happy holiday season.