Free Nativity Script for Schools: “The Star of Bethlehem”
Exciting News for Schools and Parents!
We’re thrilled to announce that our specially crafted nativity play script, “The Star of Bethlehem,” is now available for free download!
This heartwarming script is perfect for infant schools and promises to bring the true spirit of Christmas to your school’s festivities.
Table of Contents
- Free Nativity Script for Schools: “The Star of Bethlehem”
- About this Nativity Play
- Free to Download
- Read the Nativity Script Below
About this Nativity Play
“The Star of Bethlehem” is a delightful rendition of the traditional nativity story, tailored specifically for children aged 3-7 years.
The play is designed to be inclusive and adaptable, ideal for a group of roughly 30 children, with the flexibility to accommodate more participants by doubling up roles.
Storyline
Narrated by a guiding star, the play takes the audience through the events leading up to the birth of Jesus. It emphasizes themes of hope, joy, kindness, and sharing, making it not just a play but a heartwarming experience for all involved.
Run Time and Adaptability
The play runs for approximately 30 minutes, a perfect length to keep the young audience engaged. Moreover, the script is highly adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your school’s specific needs.
Songs are suggested in between each scene, which can be adjusted according to your school’s preferences.
Whether you have a large group of children or want to involve everyone in some capacity, this script has you covered.
Free to Download
We believe in sharing the joy of Christmas, which is why this script is completely free to download and use for your school’s Christmas celebration. It’s our little gift to the community!
Click below for your free PDF download of the script file.
Terms of use: totally free, for school use, community use, or personal use. Not for redistribution or re-sale
We’d Love to See Your Performances!
If you decide to use “The Star of Bethlehem” for your school’s nativity play, we would be overjoyed to see how it turns out!
If you’re comfortable, please do share pictures or videos of your rendition. It’s always a pleasure to see how different schools bring their unique touch to this timeless story.
Download and Share the Joy
Get your free copy of “The Star of Bethlehem” now and start planning an unforgettable Christmas play for your school.
We can’t wait to see your performances and wish you all a very merry and theatrical Christmas season!
Read the Nativity Script Below
If you want to have a quick read through before downloading, to see if it’s suitable for you… then we have included the full text below
Concept Summary: “The Star of Bethlehem”
Title: The Star of Bethlehem
Age Group: 3-7 years old
Duration: Approximately 30-45 minutes
Theme: A heartwarming, child-friendly adaptation of the nativity story, highlighting the values of kindness, sharing, and the true spirit of Christmas.
Overview:
- The play follows the traditional nativity story but through the eyes of a guiding star, making it engaging and relatable for young children.
- The star (played by a child or a group of children) narrates the story, guiding the audience through the events leading up to the birth of Jesus.
- The narrative emphasizes the themes of hope, joy, and the importance of kindness and sharing during the Christmas season.
- The story includes gentle humor and simple, memorable lines suitable for young children.
- The play incorporates Christmas carols and songs, allowing for audience participation and inclusion of children with varying speaking abilities.
Setting:
- The setting is a simple stable in Bethlehem, with minimal props to ensure ease of staging and focus on the story and characters.
Characters:
- Main characters include Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, the Three Wise Men, Shepherds, Angels, and the Stars.
- Additional roles include dancing animals in the stable, additional angels, shepherds, and stars, allowing flexibility for more children to participate.
Special Elements:
- The play can include simple handmade costumes and props, encouraging creativity and involvement from the children in preparing for the performance.
- Incorporate audience interaction, such as singing along to carols or simple actions during certain scenes.
Message:
- Narrators (the stars) share heartfelt messages about the meaning of Christmas, focusing on love, sharing, and being kind to one another.
Roles and Descriptions
- The Guiding Star(s):
- Role: Narrator(s) of the story.
- Description: Can be one child or a small group, telling the story and guiding the audience through the scenes. They speak in rhymes or simple lines.
- Mary:
- Role: Mother of Jesus.
- Description: Gentle and kind, Mary has a few lines
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- Joseph:
- Role: Mary’s husband.
- Description: Kind-hearted, with a few lines, helping Mary on their journey to Bethlehem.
- Baby Jesus:
- Role: The central figure of the nativity.
- Description: Typically a doll for ease.
- Three Wise Men:
- Role: Visitors who bring gifts.
- Description: Each wise man has a few lines, presenting their gifts to Baby Jesus.
- Shepherds:
- Role: The first to hear of Jesus’ birth.
- Description: Several children can play shepherds, with a few lines each, expressing wonder and joy.
- Angels:
- Role: Heavenly messengers.
- Description: A group of children, possibly with one having a speaking line announcing Jesus’ birth. Others can sing or do simple choreographed movements.
- Animals in the Stable:
- Role: Witnesses to the birth.
- Description: Dancing, Non-speaking roles, children can dress as various animals and react non-verbally to the events.
- Additional Stars:
- Role: Companions to the Guiding Star.
- Description: Non-speaking, they can be part of the background, adding sparkle to the scenery.
- Chorus of Children:
- Role: Singers of Christmas carols.
- Description: Children who may not have speaking roles but participate in the songs.
- Additional Shepherds/Angels:
- Role: Extensions of the primary groups.
- Description: Allow for more children to be included, either as part of the chorus or in the background scenes.
Adaptability for More Children:
- Roles like shepherds, angels, and stars can easily be expanded to include more children.
- Some roles can be split into smaller parts and split the lines between them
- This layout ensures that each child has a moment to shine, whether through speaking, singing, or simply being part of the visual story.
“The Star of Bethlehem” – Script Outline
Scene 1: Introduction
Setting: A starry night background.
The Guiding Star(s): (Narration 1) “Welcome, everyone, to a night so bright, Where stars twinkle above with gentle light.
The Guiding Star(s): (Narration 2) “Tonight we tell a story old and true, Of a baby named Jesus, born for me and you.”
(Children dressed as stars can be part of the backdrop, shimmering with handmade star props.)
The Guiding Star(s): (Narration 3) “And now our story begins in a land so far, Where Mary and Joseph travel under the guiding star.”
Transition Song: “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” (A gentle start, fitting with the starry theme.)
Scene 2: Mary and Joseph’s Journey
Setting: A simple path leading to Bethlehem.
Mary: (Speaking softly) “Joseph, the night grows cold, and Bethlehem is still far.”
Joseph: (Comforting) “Do not worry, Mary. We will find a place, guided by yonder star.”
The Guiding Star(s): (Narration 1) “The journey is long, but their hearts are strong”
The Guiding Star(s): (Narration 2) “soon we will welcome the baby Jesus with love and song.”
Transition Song: “Little Donkey” (Suitable for depicting the journey to Bethlehem.)
(Children dressed as animals can be seen in the background. A simple donkey prop can be used for Mary to ride.)
Scene 3: No Room at the Inn
Setting: The outskirts of Bethlehem.
Innkeeper 1: (Shaking head) “Sorry we don’t have any room in the inn”
Innkeeper2 : (Shaking head) “I’m sorry, there’s no room here for you to stay.”
Innkeeper 3: “I wish I could help, for your need is clear, But perhaps in the stable, you’ll find some cheer.”
Joseph: (Looking worried) “Please, kind sir, anywhere will do, even a stable if you may.”
(The Innkeeper nods and points them towards the stable.)
Transition Song: “Away in a Manger” (Setting the mood for the humble stable setting.)
Scene 4: In the Stable
Setting: A stable with animals around.
Joseph: “In this simple stable, under star so bright, We welcome our child on this holy night.”
Mary: (Smiling at Baby Jesus) “Here in this humble place, our baby is born, a king without crown.”
(Angels appear behind standing on something high.)
Angel: (Announcing) “Fear not, for born today in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”
Transition Song: “Silent Night” (Reflecting the peace and serenity of the stable scene.)
(Shepherds enter the scene.)
Shepherds: (In unison) “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing which has come to pass.”
The Guiding Star(s): (Narration 1) “But wait, there’s more in this tale so bright
The Guiding Star(s): (Narration 2) Let’s peek at the animals on this holy night.”
Scene 4: The Dancing Animals
Setting: The same stable, but with a focus on the animals.
Scene Description:
- The animals in the stable, excited by the miraculous event, start a joyful dance.
- Each child dressed as an animal performs a simple, funny dance move.
Narrator Line During the Scene: “Look at the sheep, the cows, and even the dove, Dancing and prancing in their stable of love!”
Transition Song: “Jingle Bell Rock” (A fun, upbeat song for the animals to ‘dance’ to.)
Narrator Line After the Scene: “With dancing complete and hearts filled with cheer, Our story continues with wise men drawing near.”
Scene 5: The Wise Men Arrive
Setting: The stable, now with the Wise Men entering.
All Wise Men: “Our journey was long, through deserts and hills, But we followed the star to find the baby king”
Wise Man 1: (Holding a prop gift) “We followed the star to find the king, and bring gifts from lands afar.”
(Each Wise Man presents their gift.)
Transition Song: “We Three Kings”
Scene 6: Conclusion
The Guiding Star(s): (Narration) 1 “As we end our play, remember this night”
The Guiding Star(s): (Narration) 2 “The story of Christmas, of love and light”
The Guiding Star(s): (Narration) 3 “Be kind, be giving, just like the star”
The Guiding Star(s): (Narration) 4 “Merry Christmas to all, near and far!”
The Guiding Star(s): (Narration) 5 “So remember the story of this special birth, And spread joy and kindness all over the Earth.”
(All characters come forward and bow/curtsy. The play can conclude with a final Christmas carol involving the audience.)
Final Song: “Joy to the World” (A joyful and uplifting conclusion to the play.)
Additional Narrator Lines: “As our story comes to an end, under the star’s bright gleam, We thank you for joining us in this magical Christmas dream.
Christmas is more than just a day in December, it’s a way of life, About loving, giving, and lessening strife.
So, let’s carry this joy, this love and this light, And make every day a Christmas delight.
Thank you, dear audience, for your smiles and cheer, We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!”
Final Song: “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”
- This upbeat song invites all the children to dance and celebrate on stage.
- Encourage the children to freely express their joy and enthusiasm as they dance.
- Teachers and helpers can join in to add to the festive spirit.
Execution Tips for the Final Scene:
- The narrator(s) can deliver these lines with warmth and expressiveness, making the audience feel appreciated and part of the celebration.
- After the narration, start the music for “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” signaling all children to gather and dance.
- The dance can be unchoreographed, allowing the children to enjoy the moment in their own way, showcasing their personalities.
- It’s a great opportunity for a final, memorable moment where parents can take photos and videos.
This conclusion ensures that the play ends on a high note, filled with joy and the true spirit of Christmas. It’s a perfect way to involve everyone and leave the audience with a lasting impression of the children’s performance.
Execution Tips for the Dancing Animals Scene:
- Choreograph simple, humorous dance moves for the children dressed as animals. It should be something easy and fun, allowing even the youngest participants to join in.
- Use props like animal ears or tails to add to the charm of the scene.
- The background music should be kept at a level where it’s enjoyable but doesn’t overpower the children’s performance.
- Encourage the children to express joy and excitement in their dance to convey the celebratory mood of the scene.
This additional scene provides a light-hearted break in the narrative, offering entertainment and a chance for the children to show off their creativity and enjoy the performance.
Terms of use:
This nativity script was created by the team at intheplayroom.co.uk and is available for schools or community groups to use or adapt.
Not for redistribution or re-sale.
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.
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