With the twinkling lights and the scent of pine in the air, Christmas is the perfect time to gather the family for some festive crafting! This DIY paper plate nativity scene is not just a fun activity to get everyone into the holiday spirit, but it’s also a wonderful opportunity to engage with the heartwarming story of the birth of Jesus—the true reason for the season.
This paper plate nativity craft is a fantastic way to blend creative play with learning. As little hands paint, cut, and assemble, they’re not only improving their fine motor skills but also absorbing the valuable lessons the nativity story offers.
By incorporating the nativity scene into craft time, children can learn about compassion, humility, and joy—values that are at the core of Christmas.
It’s also a fun way to tie in sharing the gospel with kids at this time of year, and this activity works perfectly for festive Sunday school sessions as well as at home.
To help kids refresh themselves with the nativity story before making this craft, use these nativity sequencing pictures as a fun starter activity.
As a parenting blog, we know you’re always on the lookout for activities that are both educational and enjoyable. This nativity craft ticks all the boxes!
It’s affordable—using simple materials like paper plates, popsicle sticks, and paint—it’s accessible, and it’s a wonderful way to spend quality time together.
Plus, this activity isn’t just for Christmas; it’s a fantastic way for Christian children to connect with their faith and heritage all year round.
Paper Plate Nativity Scene
This charming DIY paper plate nativity craft brings to life the serene beauty of the Christmas story through simple materials like colorful construction paper, paint, and a popsicle stick.
Kids can enjoy painting a starry night background, assembling the nativity figures, and creating a moving scene that celebrates the birth of Jesus, all with just a few paper plates and a dash of creativity.
It's a festive, hands-on way to connect with the nativity story and add a homemade touch to your holiday decor.
Materials
- 2 Paper plates
- Popsicle stick / Craft Stick
- Paint in Black blue yellow and brown
- Paint brush
- Cardboard
- Construction paper in green pink and light green
- Double sided tape
- Pencil
- Marker
- Free printable template (download below)
Tools
- Printer for template
- Scissors
Instructions
- Paint the background of the first paper plate. Use the front side for this one. Paint two mountains like two triangles using the black paint. Let it dry.
Paint the sky using the blue paint. Paint along the mountains then a straight line in the half of the aper plate. Let it dry. - Mix a blend of little brown paint to the yellow and paint the remaining paper plate with it. Let it dry.
- Splatter some white paint across the sky to create a starry night
- On your second paper plate, cut a house shape inside using scissors.
Leaving just the border outside the plate, and a window that you can see through. This will be the outside layer of our craft. - Then paint this cut paper plate with the colors you used at the other paper plate. Make sure the lines are the same with the other paper plate. Let it dry.
- To make the nativity family you can use our free printable template, which is available to download at the end of this blog post
print and cut then trace the template to the corresponding papers. 
You may want to refer to the photo for this one. 
- Then draw the details of the face using a marker.
Assemble the templates once you're done. 
- Attach Mary and Joseph to the paper plate background
- Next up is attaching the baby Jesus to the popsicle stick.
- Attach the star at the top of the upper paper plate where you cut a house shape.
- Lastly, attach the paper plates together using a glue stick and leave space for the popsicle stick to be inserted.
- Then insert the popsicle stick where the baby Jesus is attached
and you will be able to move him around within the nativity scene .
Notes
Download free printable template at the end of this blog post
Our delightful paper plate nativity craft is perfect for every setting. At home, it can become a beloved holiday tradition for your family, creating and recounting the Christmas story together.
In school classrooms or preschools, it’s an excellent way for children to learn through interactive play, enhancing their understanding of the festive season’s history and significance.
Church groups and Sunday school classes will find it a heartwarming addition to their lessons, helping to bring the story of Jesus’ birth to life.
It’s an engaging, educational, and reverent activity that can help foster a sense of community and shared celebration—wherever you choose to craft.
Download the Free Printable Template for the Nativity Craft
Don’t miss out on the chance to make this adorable nativity craft even easier—download our free printable template! It’s designed to simplify the process, so you can focus on the fun parts.
Click the link, print the template, and you’re ready to start this joyful Christmas craft
Terms of use: Free for personal use and classroom use, for non-commercial use.
As you finish attaching the last piece of double-sided tape and insert the popsicle stick with baby Jesus, you’ll feel the pride of creating something beautiful and meaningful. This DIY nativity craft is more than just an ornament; it’s a keepsake that your family will cherish for years to come.
So this Christmas, make some hot cocoa, put on your favorite carols, and create a memory that captures the essence of the holiday—a celebration of love, family, and the birth of hope.
Remember, the best gifts don’t come from a store; they’re the moments we create with love and laughter. Merry crafting and a heartwarming festive season to you and yours!
More Christmas Crafts for Kids
You’ll find a treasure trove of merry-making activities right here. From the whimsy of paper plate snow globes to the sparkle of homemade ornaments, each craft is designed with love, using affordable and easy-to-find materials.
Perfect for those snowy afternoons or cozy evenings, these crafts are your go-to for making this holiday season truly special. So grab some paper plates, gather the glitter, and let’s turn this Christmas into a handmade wonderland!
- Paper Plate Snow Globe Craft
- Easy Paper Plate Christmas Tree Craft
- Red Nose Reindeer Craft With Free Printable Template
- Paper Plate Gingerbread House Craft With Printable Template
- Moving Polar Bear Paper Plate Craft
- Easy Glitter Popsicle Stick Snowflake Craft for Kids
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.