Like most families, Christmas crafts are always a favourite in our house, and this little popsicle stick manger is such a lovely one to make together. It’s simple enough for younger kids but still meaningful, giving you a sweet way to talk about the Christmas story while keeping little hands busy. If you like adding a few nativity craft ideas into your December fun, this is an easy manger craft that really does look adorable when finished.

Religious Christmas Crafts for Kids
Religious Christmas crafts can be a lovely way to slow down and focus on the heart of the season. With so much excitement around candy canes, Santa, gifts and everything else, it’s nice to pause and remember the story of baby Jesus in the manger, especially for Christian families or as a classroom activty in church schools.
Simple nativity crafts like this help kids picture the stable, the star, and the moment Jesus was born. Whether you’re crafting at home, in Sunday school, or need a quick activity for a Christmas group, this popsicle stick jesus manger craft fits perfectly.
Materials Needed for your Christmas Manger Craft
You only need a handful of supplies for this manger craft. Popsicle sticks form the structure of the stable, and brown paper makes the dried leaves at the bottom. You’ll also need a little glue, yarn, construction paper and scissors to make the star and finish off the design. It’s all easy to set up and great for crafting with a range of ages.

Kids always love working with popsicle sticks because they can see the shape coming together so quickly, and this craft has that little touch of magic when the star is added at the top. It becomes a really sweet keepsake for families, and it’s the kind of handmade decoration you’ll want to bring out every Christmas. Even the youngest crafters can help with the simple steps, making it a relaxed and enjoyable activity to do alongside siblings or in a group.
How to Make the Popsicle Stick Manger
Here’s the simple step by step so you can make your own baby jesus manger craft with kids. This is a lovely Christmas craft for kindergarteners.
Popsicle Stick Nativity Manger Craft for Christmas
A sweet and simple popsicle stick manger craft that helps kids recreate the nativity story with just a few basic supplies. Easy to make, meaningful to display, and perfect for bringing a little Christmas calm and creativity into your day.
Materials
- Popsicle sticks
- Yellow Construction paper
- Brown Construction paper (light and dark)
- Scissors
- Glue
- Yarn
Tools
- Printer if using the template
Instructions
- Assemble a house using the popsicle sticks as shown in the procedure photo.

- Cut a star from yellow construction paper, you can use the template for the shape if you like.

- Attach it to a piece of cut yarn

- Then attach it at the center of the house.

- Cut strips of light and dark brown paper to make the hay for the manger bed

- Arrange them together nicely

- Then attach it to the bottom part of the popsicle stick house structure.

- Your Christmas manger craft is ready.

Once everything is in place, you’ll have a sweet little manger scene that can hang on the wall, go on the Christmas tree, or be added to your other nativity crafts. Kids love how quickly it comes together, and it’s a nice starting point if you want to talk more about the manger craft ideas, the Christmas story, or even add your own baby Jesus cut out if you want to extend the activity.
For many Christian families, crafts like this are more than just a fun way to keep little hands busy. They open the door to talking about why Christmas matters so much in the first place. The manger reminds us of humility, hope and the idea that something so world-changing began in such a simple place. As children build the stable and place the star, it becomes a natural moment to share the message of Jesus’ birth and how this story has been carried through generations. It’s a quiet, meaningful way to help them connect the celebration with its deeper purpose.
Download Manger Template Printable PDF
You can download the free printable star template to make this manger scene craft even easier. It’s the perfect size for the top of your popsicle stick manger and keeps everything nice and simple for younger kids.
Terms of use: Our manger christmas star template is free for personal use and classroom use.
This easy manger craft is a lovely addition to your December activities, and it only uses basic supplies you likely already have at home. It’s a gentle, hands on way to explore the nativity with children and create something they’ll be proud to display.
Whether you’re doing Christmas crafts as a family, in Sunday school, or just looking for a calm moment during the busy season, this craft is such a sweet choice.
More Nativity Crafts and Activities for Kids
If your kids enjoy this baby jesus in a manger craft, we have lots more nativity crafts, simple bible activities and creative ideas you can try throughout the month.
- Nativity Coloring Pages
- Paper Plate Nativity Craft for Kids
- Rocking Mary, Joseph And Baby Jesus Craft
- Baby Jesus in a Manger Nativity Craft For Preschool
- 20+ Traditional Christmas Nativity Crafts For Kids
More Popsicle Stick Christmas Crafts
We also have plenty of popsicle stick Christmas craft kids projects that are fun, quick, and perfect for adding to your holiday collection.
- Popsicle Stick Christmas Window Craft
- Popsicle Stick Gift Craft
- Easy Popsicle Stick Stars
- Popsicle Stick Santa Sleigh Craft
- Popsicle Stick Christmas Tree Craft
- Christmas Popsicle Stick Crafts For Kids
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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.
