These free printable paper lantern templates are such a lovely way to bring the nativity story to life at home or in the classroom. Children can colour these black and white nativity lantern templates with their own designs, cut along the dotted lines and assemble their very own lanterns.
It is a great project for younger kids and older kids alike, supporting fine motor skills and giving them a fun activity to enjoy during the Christmas season. Once the finished lantern is made, you can pop in a little LED candle and it becomes a cute decoration for your shelf or even to take part in a lantern parade.
How to Make These Paper Lanterns
These printable templates are designed to be simple and achievable, even for aged preschool or 1st grade children. Just print onto white paper or white cardstock, colour the lantern design, cut it out, then fold the vertical lines. Use the paste tabs to close it up and you will have your own lanterns ready to display.
To make your diy paper lanterns, start by printing the free printable template onto white paper or white cardstock. Let the kids colour the whole lantern design, including the borders, while the sheet is still flat.
Once the colouring is finished, carefully cut around the outside solid lines of the large rectangle and the side strip marked paste, so they stay attached as one long piece. Gently make a horizontal fold across the middle of the lantern, where it’s marked fold and then unfold it again.
Next, make a cut along every vertical dotted line to create the panels of the lantern.
Gently curl the lantern into a tube shape and bring the straight edge over to meet the side marked paste, then glue or tape this strip on the inside so the lantern holds its shape. Stand your finished lantern over a battery operated LED candle and enjoy the cosy glow shining through your child’s artwork.
Nativity Theme for Kids
Nativity crafts are a great way to talk about the Christmas story while giving children something meaningful to work on. These lanterns include different designs from the birth of Jesus to the visit of the Three Kings. They combine cultural activities with creativity, giving children a gentle introduction to the traditions and characters of the nativity. It is a fun way to share the story with younger children, and they love seeing their coloured artwork transform into diy paper lanterns they can hold and display.
If you’re looking for Christmas activities that keep the birth of Jesus front and center, this is a great project for kids of all ages.
Free Printable Nativity Lanterns to Colour
These free printable template pages come as a digital file in pdf format so you can print them at home quickly and easily. Here is a look at all the different designs included.
Three Kings Lantern
This lantern features the Three Kings holding their gifts. Children can enjoy colouring the robes and crowns with bright colours before folding the lantern into shape. The black lines make it easy for younger kids to stay within the artwork.
Holy Family Lantern
Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus sit at the centre of this design. The gentle outlines make this a calming colouring experience and a great way to introduce the nativity story to little ones.
Angel Lantern
This page shows an angel playing a trumpet among the clouds. It is perfect for children who enjoy adding lots of colour and small details as they personalise their own design.
Baby Jesus in the Manger Lantern
A sweet and peaceful image of Baby Jesus with a little lamb looking over him. A lovely choice for younger kids because of the simple shapes and clean black lines.
Kings Gifts Lantern 1
A close up of the ornate crowns and precious gifts carried by the Three Kings. Older kids may especially enjoy this one as it offers more intricate details to colour.
Kings Gifts Lantern 2
Another variation focusing on the gifts and treasures from the nativity story. A great project for children who enjoy decorative patterns.
Kings Gifts Lantern 3
This version has a rounded crown and a beautifully shaped container for gold or incense. A nice option if your child prefers a less busy lantern design.
Bible and Candle Lantern
A gentle illustration showing an open Bible and a candle surrounded by leaves. It makes a lovely peaceful decoration once the LED candle is inside.
Three Kings on Camels Lantern
The Kings travel on camels following the star. This scene is full of movement and small sparkles to colour, and looks beautiful once the lantern festival style glow comes through.
Dove of Peace Lantern
A dove carrying an olive branch appears in the clouds. This is a simple but meaningful design that works well for both younger children and older kids.
Download the Free Printable Paper Lantern Templates PDF
You can download the full set of free printable paper lantern templates in one easy pdf file. Print as many as you need for personal use and enjoy making your own lanterns at home or in the classroom. These digital products are designed to be simple, accessible and fun for all ages.
Terms of use: Like all of our PDF files, these nativity lantern templates are free for personal use and classroom use.
These nativity lanterns are such a great way to combine creativity, storytelling and seasonal crafting. Children love seeing their colouring become a real lantern, and it is a lovely hands on project for building fine motor skills while enjoying the magic of Christmas. Happy crafting.
More Nativity Crafts and Activities
We have plenty of nativity themed activities that help children connect with the Christmas story in creative ways. From colouring pages to simple crafts, these make great additions to your holiday lessons or family time at home.
- Nativity Coloring Pages
- 20+ Traditional Christmas Nativity Crafts For Kids
- Popsicle Stick Nativity Manger Craft for Kids
- Baby Jesus in a Manger Nativity Craft For Preschool
More Printable Christmas Crafts
If your children enjoy hands on printable templates, take a look at our other free printables for Christmas. They are a great way to keep kids busy with meaningful, creative projects all season long.
- Printable Winter Village Fold Out Craft
- Giant Christmas Tree Collaborative Coloring Pages
- Free Printable Christmas Alphabet Worksheets
- Free Printable Christmas Playdough Mats
More Lantern Crafts
We also share lantern ideas for other celebrations throughout the year, including chinese lantern craft ideas for the chinese new year celebration, simple chinese paper lanterns, ramadan lanterns and more cultural activities. These work beautifully alongside traditional foods, good luck symbols and other holiday traditions.
- Printable Halloween Lantern Craft (14 Lantern Templates!)
- Easy Ramadan Lantern Card Craft
- Paper Plate Chinese Lantern Craft for Chinese New Year
- Paper Cup Diwali Craft for Kids
- 10 Beautiful Lantern Crafts That Kids Can Make
If you enjoyed this post, please share it on social media so more families can enjoy the free download and have fun making their own lanterns.
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.