Nativity Crafts & Activities for All Ages

Looking for creative ways to share the Christmas Story? This Nativity roundup has something for everyone, from play ideas for toddlers to a stable selfie booth for all the family, free printables for your children's corner to Nativity themed outdoor adventures for all ages. Ideal for school, church or to explore at home, each offers a fun & engaging way to explore the Nativity this Christmas.

Nativity Crafts 

 

:: Nativity Story Stones

Here's a super simple way to make your own set of Nativity Story Stones. No need for paint or fancy pens, find our more here: Make your own Story Stones

:: Nativity Spinners - Optical Illusion Toy for Kids to Make

Here's a fun way to explore the Christmas Story with a homemade paper toy! This printable Nativity Spinner (thaumatrope) features the Christmas Stable on one side & Baby Jesus on the other. Perfect to explore during Advent when we're waiting for the arrival of Jesus. Free printable available here: Nativity Spinners

:: Printable Nativity Stick Puppets 

These colour in Nativity Stick Puppets are a great way for children to creatively explore the Christmas Story. Not only do they offer the opportunity to explore key characters, but also encourage imaginative play, language skills & so much more. Free printable puppets can be found here: Nativity Story Stick Puppets.

:: Design a Matchbox Nativity 

This adorable mini Nativity is always a popular craft. Ideal to make with large groups of children & suitable for all ages. Find our more here: Matchbox Nativity

:: Make a Set of Nativity Figures 

You'll find everything you need to create a set of Nativity Figures in this free printable which includes Mary, Joseph, 2 Shepherds, 3 Kings, an Angel, & of course baby Jesus The characters have some elements missing to enable children to take ownership of their design & style the characters as they wish. Find out more here: Printable Nativity Set

:: Make a Nativity Mobile 

This adorable Nativity mobile is another easy craft for all ages to make as they explore the Holy. Free printable figures to make & colour can be found here: Nativity Mobile

:: Create a Nativity Set made from Leaves

Created from natural materials this Nativity set is designed for slightly older children to create. Made from leaves & offcuts of wood, it's a wonderful tactile eco craft to explore. Here's how we made ours: Nature Nativity Set

Printable Activities for your Children's Corner 

 

:: Printable Glowing Nativity Lanterns

Shine the light brightly this Christmas with these beautiful paper lanterns. Designed to be simple enough for children to make independently, they can be decorated & displayed on a Christmas tree or by a window. Free printable can be found here: Glowing Nativity Lantern 

:: Printable Nativity Scene for All Ages to Make & Colour

Looking for a simple Nativity Scene that's quick & simple for children to make? Here's one that all ages can create & colour. Designed on just one sheet of paper, this Nativity Scene makes a great printable to share with families at school or church, or add it to the back sheet of your carol sheet for children to take & make at home. Find the free printable here: Nativity Scene to make & colour

:: Colour Your Way Through The Christmas Story

This free printable is ideal for home, school or church & can be left out as a colouring sheet for children to explore throughout December. Easy to colour & catch up on previous days. Free printable available here: Nativity Advent Colouring

Recipes 

:: 'Rocky Road to Bethlehem' - Simple Recipe telling the Nativity

Tell the Christmas Story with chocolate! This quick & easy no-cook Rocky Road Recipe tells the Nativity Story with each ingredient. A perfect activity for all ages to make before Christmas or in the run up to Epiphany. Find the recipe & free here: Rocky Road to Bethlehem Recipe

Play Ideas & Activities

:: Lolly Stick Stable - Fun STEM Challenge for Christmas

Sure to spark lots of creativity & imagination in all who are set the challenge, this simple activity is ideal for large groups of children or individuals. Once the activity is finished the items can be reused or recycled. Discover some design ideas here: Lolly Stick Stable STEM Challenge

:: Outdoor Nativity Scavenger Hunt 

Explore the Christmas Story outside with this special Nativity themed Scavenger Hunt. Ideal for individual children, families or groups to discover key elements of the narrative whilst appreciating all that nature has to offer at this time of year. Printable sheet can be found here: Outdoor Nativity Scavenger Hunt

:: Build your own Bethlehem from Recycled Items

Build your own Bethlehem to explore the Christmas Story. Made from recycled materials this small world play scene is easy to make & offers oodles of opportunities for open ended play. Find out more here: Bethlehem Small World Play Scene

:: 10 Ways to Explore your Nativity Set 

Just a Nativity Set? Discover how you can get the most out of your Nativity Set with these 10 ideas that invite children to dive into the Christmas Story & interact with it in a new way. Find more here: Get the most out of your Nativity Set

:: Decorate your own Nativity Tree

This child led activity is a simple way for young children to explore the characters from the Christmas Story. Find our more here: Nativity Tree

:: Make a Selfie Stable Selfie Booth with Light up Starry Sky 

Create some seasonal joy with a cardboard box! Make your own Nativity Stable Selfie Booth & invite your community to come & play their part in the Christmas Story! Quick & easy to put together, this simple recycling project offers children & families a fun opportunity to explore the characters from the Nativity, & create some joy-filled family photos in the process. Discover how we created ours here: Nativity Stable Selfie Booth

Children's Trails exploring the Nativity

:: Follow our Dotty the Donkey - Outdoor Nativity Trail

Looking for an interactive Christmas Trail that children & families can explore around your outdoor area? Then this is for you! Follow the fabulous 'Dotty the Donkey' as she retells the Nativity Story in this fun engaging Christmas Trail for children. Trail can be found here: Dotty the Donkey Trail

:: Follow the Christmas Star Trail - Indoor/Outdoor Trail

Here's another fun trail that guides children through the Nativity. With simple text, colourful illustrations, & engaging activities it's ideal for all ages & abilities to explore in an indoor or outdoor setting. Find the Trail here: Christmas Star trail