Discovering Christmas activities for kids nativity themed can be a beautiful way to share the real meaning of the season. It’s about more than just presents; it’s a chance to connect with the story of Jesus’ birth in a way that little hearts can understand. These activities are designed to be fun and full of faith.
From simple crafts for tiny hands to engaging games for the whole family, this guide is packed with ideas. Let’s make this holiday a time for creating cherished memories and building a foundation of faith. Get ready to bring the story of that special night in Bethlehem right into your home. 🏡
Easy Nativity Crafts for Little Hands (Preschool & Kindergarten)
1. Paper Plate Nativity Scene 😇
This classic craft is perfect for preschoolers. It uses simple materials you likely already have at home to create a sweet and simple representation of the stable scene.
Kids can paint the paper plate to look like a night sky and add a craft stick stable. Then, they can place cutout figures of Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus inside. It’s a wonderful hands-on way to talk about the story.
2. Handprint & Footprint Manger Keepsakes 👣
This is a truly special craft that captures a moment in time. By using your child’s handprints and footprints, you create a personalized piece of art that you’ll treasure for years. A footprint can form the body of baby Jesus, nestled in a manger made from two crossed handprints.
You can then add a star sticker or a dab of yellow paint above the manger. This not only makes a sweet decoration but also a beautiful gift for grandparents. It’s a tangible reminder of how small they once were and the small beginnings of the greatest story ever told.
3. Nativity Wreath Coloring Craft 🖍️
Combine the fun of coloring with the beauty of a festive wreath. This craft is simple, low-mess, and perfect for a quiet afternoon activity.
You can find printable templates online or draw your own simple nativity figures around a paper plate with the center cut out. Children can color the figures of the holy family, shepherds, and angels before hanging their creation on a door.
4. DIY Nativity Ornaments ✨
Creating ornaments for the Christmas tree is a beloved tradition, and making them nativity-themed adds a layer of meaning. You can use a variety of common craft supplies for this. For example, small wooden discs can be painted with simple figures of the holy family.
Salt dough can be cut into star, angel, or stable shapes, baked, and then painted. Even clear plastic ball ornaments can be filled with hay-like paper and a tiny baby Jesus figure. Each ornament becomes a small reminder of the reason for the season every time you look at the tree.
5. Nativity Finger Puppets Printable 🎭
Bring the nativity story to life with interactive play! Printable finger puppets are an easy and entertaining way for kids to reenact the journey to Bethlehem.
Simply print, cut out the characters, and tape them around your child’s fingers. They can then act out the story as you read it aloud, making it an immersive learning experience.
Engaging Nativity Activities for Elementary Kids (Ages 6-10)
6. Stained Glass Nativity Craft 🎨
This craft looks stunning but is surprisingly simple to make. Kids can create a beautiful “stained glass” effect that catches the light beautifully when hung in a window. You’ll need black construction paper, tissue paper in various colors, and contact paper or wax paper. Start by drawing and cutting out a simple nativity scene silhouette from the black paper.
Then, stick this frame onto a sheet of clear contact paper and have your child fill in the empty spaces with small pieces of colored tissue paper. Seal it with another sheet of contact paper, trim the edges, and you have a gorgeous, light-catching decoration.
7. 3D Nativity Scene Craft 🌟
This project allows older kids to build a more detailed and three-dimensional model of the nativity scene. It’s a great activity for developing fine motor skills and spatial awareness.
Using small cardboard boxes, toilet paper rolls, and fabric scraps, children can construct their own stable and characters. This hands-on project makes the story tangible and personal.
8. Build Your Own Nativity Diorama 📦
Take the 3D scene a step further by creating a full diorama in a shoebox. This allows kids to really get creative with the setting and details of the Bethlehem stable. They can paint the inside of the box to look like a starry night sky. The floor can be covered with sand or straw (craft raffia works well).
Children can use clay, clothespins, or small wooden peg dolls to create the figures of Mary, Joseph, Jesus, the shepherds, and the animals. This project encourages imaginative play and provides a wonderful display piece for the holiday season.
9. Nativity Storytelling with Props 📖
Make storytime more interactive by using simple props to help tell the nativity story. You don’t need anything fancy; everyday household items can work perfectly.
Gather a blue scarf for Mary, a brown bathrobe for Joseph, a doll for baby Jesus, and cotton balls for sheep. As you tell the story, use the props to help your children visualize the events.
10. Simple Nativity Play Script 📜
Putting on a small play is a fantastic way to get the whole family involved in the nativity story. You can find many simple scripts online or even write your own. Assign roles to each family member—no part is too small!
Use blankets and towels for costumes and simple props you have around the house. The performance doesn’t have to be perfect; the goal is to have fun together while reflecting on the story. It’s an activity that builds confidence, teamwork, and lasting Christmas memories.
Fun & Educational Nativity Games for All Ages
11. Nativity Memory Game 🧠
This is a fun and simple game that helps children learn and remember the key characters and symbols of the nativity story.
Create a set of cards with matching pairs of images like Mary, Joseph, a star, a manger, an angel, and shepherds. Place them face down and take turns flipping two at a time to find a match.
12. Christmas Nativity Bingo 🎲
Bingo is a classic game that’s always a hit with kids, and a nativity-themed version is perfect for a family game night or a Sunday school class. You can create your own bingo cards or find free printables online. Instead of numbers, the squares will have pictures or words related to the nativity story (e.g., “Angel,” “Manger,” “Shepherd,” “Star”).
Use small candies, buttons, or coins as markers. The first person to get a line shouts “Bingo!” It’s a great way to reinforce vocabulary and story recognition in a playful way.
13. Nativity Matching Puzzle Activity 🧩
This activity is great for younger children who are learning to recognize shapes and characters. It’s a quiet activity that can help with focus and problem-solving.
Create simple two-piece puzzles where one piece has a character’s image and the other has their name or a related symbol. Kids have to match the correct pieces together.
14. “Journey to Bethlehem” Board Game 🗺️
Create your own simple board game that follows Mary and Joseph on their journey to Bethlehem. Draw a path on a large piece of poster board with a start (Nazareth) and a finish (Bethlehem).
Create spaces along the path with simple instructions like “An angel appeared, move ahead 2 spaces” or “Your donkey is tired, miss a turn.” Players can roll a die to move their game pieces (small nativity figures work great). This game makes learning the narrative of the story an exciting adventure.
15. Nativity Word Search & Crosswords 📝
For kids who enjoy word puzzles, a nativity-themed word search or crossword is a perfect activity. These games help reinforce the spelling and recognition of key names and terms from the Christmas story.
You can easily find dozens of free printable puzzles online suited for different age levels. It’s a great quiet-time activity for a cold December afternoon, and it can spark conversations about the meaning of different words like “myrrh,” “manger,” or “swaddling.”
Free Nativity Printables & Coloring Pages
16. Detailed Nativity Coloring Pages 🎨
Coloring is a calming activity that allows for creative expression. Providing detailed nativity coloring pages gives kids a chance to quietly reflect on the story.
Offer a variety of scenes, from the angel visiting Mary to the shepherds adoring the newborn King. Display the finished artwork around your home as part of your Christmas decor.
17. Nativity Activity Sheets 🧩
Keep kids engaged with a variety of fun and educational activity sheets. These are perfect for moments when you need a quick and easy activity.
Look for printables that include mazes (help the wise men find Jesus!), dot-to-dot pictures of angels, and simple counting sheets with sheep or stars.
18. Bible Story Coloring Pages 📖
Beyond just the stable scene, use coloring pages that depict other key moments of the Christmas story. This can help children understand the full narrative. Find pages showing the angel’s announcement to Mary, the shepherds in the fields seeing the host of angels, or the wise men following the star.
As they color, you can read the corresponding Bible verses aloud. It connects the creative activity directly back to the scripture in a memorable way.
19. Printable Nativity Characters ✂️
Printable nativity characters offer a wide range of creative possibilities. Children can color and cut them out for various projects. They can be glued onto craft sticks to be used as puppets for a play. You could also attach a string to them and use them as ornaments for the Christmas tree.
Another idea is to use them to create a simple diorama or to decorate a Christmas card for family members. These printables are a versatile resource for many different nativity crafts.
Meaningful Family Nativity Experiences
20. Creating a Family Nativity Set 🤲
Instead of buying a nativity set, consider making one together as a family. This can become a treasured heirloom passed down through generations. You can use wood, clay, felt, or even painted rocks to create the figures. Each family member can be responsible for creating a different character.
Working on it a little bit each day during Advent can be a wonderful way to build anticipation and keep the focus on the true meaning of Christmas. The finished set will be a unique and personal symbol of your family’s faith.
21. Reading the Nativity Story Together 👨👩👧👦
Make reading the story of Jesus’ birth a special family tradition. Choose a cozy spot, light a candle, and gather everyone together.
You can read a small portion of the story from a children’s Bible each night leading up to Christmas. This simple act creates a peaceful and reverent atmosphere in your home during a busy season.
22. Nativity-Themed Sensory Bins 🌾
For toddlers and preschoolers, a sensory bin is a fantastic way to engage their senses while they learn. Fill a shallow bin with a base material like hay, shredded paper, or even sand. Add small, durable nativity figures (plastic or wooden sets are great for this), small rocks, and wooden blocks for a stable.
Children can move the figures around, reenact the story, and explore different textures. It’s a wonderful way for the youngest learners to experience the nativity story in a hands-on, playful manner.
23. Visiting a Live Nativity Scene 🌟
Many churches and communities host live nativity scenes during the Christmas season. This is a powerful way to experience the story firsthand.
Seeing real people and animals portraying the scene can make the story feel more real and impactful for children and adults alike. It’s a beautiful outing that creates a lasting memory.
24. Nativity Advent Calendar 🗓️
Create an Advent calendar that focuses on the nativity story. Each day can reveal a small piece of your family’s nativity set.
Start with an empty stable on December 1st. Each day, add a new figure—a sheep, a shepherd, Mary, Joseph—and read the part of the story that corresponds to them, ending with baby Jesus on Christmas Eve.
25. A Nativity Act of Service 💖
This activity beautifully connects the gifts of the wise men to the modern spirit of giving. The Magi brought precious gifts to honor the newborn King, and we can honor Him by giving to others in need. This teaches children that Christmas is about giving from the heart, not just receiving presents. It’s a powerful way to put faith into action.
Start with a simple box or a basket and call it your family’s “manger.” Throughout the Advent season, encourage everyone to fill the manger with donations. This could be non-perishable food items for a local pantry, new socks for a homeless shelter, or new toys for a children’s charity.
On Christmas Eve, or another day before Christmas, make a special trip together as a family to deliver your filled “manger.” This final step makes the act of giving a tangible and memorable experience. It helps children see the direct impact of their generosity and connects the joy of Christmas with helping the community.
26. Host a “Birthday Party for Jesus” 🎂
Shift the focus of your Christmas celebration by hosting a special birthday party for Jesus. This simple and joyful tradition makes the true meaning of the day clear and exciting for even the youngest children.
On Christmas morning or Christmas Eve, gather the family to celebrate. The main event is baking a special birthday cake. Let the kids help decorate it and write “Happy Birthday Jesus” on top. Before anyone opens presents, light the candles, sing “Happy Birthday,” and say a prayer of thanks.
Tips for a Christ-Centered Christmas
Focus on weaving these activities into your existing holiday traditions. It’s not about adding stress but about shifting the focus. Start small, perhaps by choosing one or two new activities to try this year.
Incorporate moments of prayer and reflection. Before starting a craft, say a short prayer together. As you place your nativity set on the mantel, talk about what each character represents and the incredible gift of Jesus.
Cherishing the True Spirit of Christmas
These nativity activities offer more than just a way to pass the time; they are invitations to enter into the wonder of the Christmas story. They help our children connect with their faith in a tangible, joyful way.
By making these traditions a part of your family’s Christmas, you create a legacy of faith and love. You’re not just making crafts; you’re making memories that point back to the little town of Bethlehem and the greatest gift ever given. 💖
