Nativity Activities for Kids: Tell the Christmas Story

Children learn a story best when they can see it, touch it and retell it. These ideas help kids of different ages explore the Christmas story from Luke 2 and Matthew 2 in a hands-on way.

Start by reading the story

Read a short version aloud from your own Bible or a children's storybook. Luke 2:1-20 tells of the journey to Bethlehem, the birth and the shepherds. Matthew 2:1-12 tells of the wise men and the star. After reading, ask what part they liked best.

Color the scenes

Coloring pages of the star, the stable, a lamb or a camel keep hands busy while you talk. Ask children to tell you what is happening in the picture as they color.

Use puzzles for older kids

Word searches with words such as star, manger, shepherd and angel build spelling and focus. Mazes, such as helping a shepherd find the stable, add a bit of challenge.

Play a game

Bingo with Advent pictures and words works with a group. A scavenger hunt through the house for something gold, something soft and a candle gets younger children moving.

Act it out

Give each child a simple costume, such as a blanket or a towel, and let them retell the story. Retelling helps them remember the order of events.

Make something

Paper stars, window decorations, gift tags and kindness cards give children something to give away. Giving is a good way to connect the story to the season.

Add a little math and writing

Counting stars, adding up shapes and tracing words like Bethlehem and shepherd fit into the same pack of activities without feeling like school.

Leave room to draw

Blank pages for drawing a nativity scene or designing a crown for a wise man let children make the story their own.

Start with a ready-made pack

If you would like all of these in one printable file, the Nativity Kids Activity Pack includes coloring pages, puzzles, games, crafts and an Advent activity calendar.