During the Christmas season it’s easy to get caught up in presents, baking, and busy schedules. These 22 engaging nativity activities help children understand that Jesus is the heart of the holiday.
These ideas work well for homeschooling, Sunday School, children’s church, classroom units, or family time at home. Most activities are aimed at preschool and early elementary ages, with a few suitable for toddlers (for example, the play-dough mat and matching game).
22 of the Best Nativity Activities for Kids
Use these nativity activities to teach children the true meaning of the Christmas season.
Montessori Nativity 3-Part Cards from Christian Montessori Network – Real artwork from artists across history illustrates the Christmas story in a simple, educational format perfect for older preschoolers and early elementary students.
Shemakers’ Shepherd Costume from Jennifer’s Little World – A quick, low-cost shepherd costume made from a pillowcase lets kids role-play the shepherds in the nativity story.
Free Nativity Play-Dough Printable from Life Over C’s – An adorable play-dough mat that encourages fine motor skills and imaginative retelling of the nativity for little hands.
Godly Play at Christmas from Living Montessori Now – Practical ideas for integrating nativity play into everyday family routines and classroom time during Advent and Christmas.
Christmas Story Bracelet and Poems from Adventures in Mommydom – A simple bead necklace activity that represents parts of the Christmas story; a great hands-on Sunday School project.
Goodnight, Manger: Nativity Story Activity for Preschoolers from Sunny Day Family – Activities paired with the children’s book Goodnight, Manger to reinforce the story in a gentle, memorable way.
Christ-Centered Advent for Preschoolers from Tales of Beauty for Ashes – A packed list of daily activities for December that help families focus on the birth of Jesus throughout Advent.
Story Sequencing: The Nativity from Rainy Day Mum – Use simple stencils or illustrations to sequence the events of the Christmas story, building comprehension and narrative skills.
Little Drummer Boy Activities from Every Star is Different – A variety of themed activities and printables connecting the Little Drummer Boy song and story to nativity learning.
Decorating a Nativity Tree from Sun Hats and Wellie Boots – Count down to Christmas by decorating a tree with nativity-themed cutouts and ornaments that highlight the story’s characters and moments.
Nativity Sensory Bin from Growing Hands on Kids – Create a tactile nativity sensory bin where children can explore textures and act out scenes from the Christmas story.
Nativity Small-World Play Scene: Bethlehem from Sun Hats and Wellie Boots – Build a DIY Bethlehem play scene so children can retell the Christmas story with figurines and props.
Jelly Baby Jesus Cakes from The Mad House – A simple and fun baking activity where kids make small “baby Jesus” jelly cakes, combining creativity with a gentle reminder of the reason for the season.
Birthday Party for Jesus from Spell Out Loud – Host a joyful birthday celebration for Jesus to help children remember that Christmas is a celebration of His birth.
Clothespin Nativity Set from All Play on Sunday – Craft a charming nativity set using clothespins and simple supplies for hands-on storytelling and display.
Nativity Scavenger Hunt from No Time for Flash Cards – Organize a scavenger hunt using a small nativity set or figurines to guide children through finding and identifying characters and elements of the story.
DIY Recycled Nativity Scene from Little Worlds Big Adventures – Encourage creativity and stewardship by making a nativity scene from recycled materials found around the home.
Nativity Song and Puppet Show from Let’s Play Kids Music – Combine music and drama with nativity-themed songs and felt puppets for a short puppet show that children can perform.
Nativity Matching Game for Toddlers from Simple Fun for Kids – A printable matching game featuring nativity characters to practice memory, matching, and vocabulary with toddlers.
Nativity Preschool Printable Pack from Mary Martha Mama – A helpful download bundle with tracing, matching, and early writing activities focused on nativity themes for preschoolers.
Suggested props and books often mentioned with these activities include small nativity figurines, play-dough, and children’s picture books about the manger story—items that support interactive, tactile learning and help kids remember the real meaning of Christmas.
More Posts You Will Love
Kirk Cameron’s Saving Christmas
7 Items to Create a Christ-Centered Home This Christmas
What is Advent?