3D Nativity Coloring Page for Kids
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Ages: 5+
Time: 15 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Supplies: Printer, White Cardstock Paper, Colored Pencils, Glue & Scissors
Celebrate the true meaning of Christmas with this 3D Nativity Coloring Page for Kids – Printable Christmas Paper Craft! This hands-on Christmas activity brings the story of Jesus' birth to life as kids color, cut, fold, and assemble their very own 3D paper Nativity scene. Featuring Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus resting in a manger beneath the shining Star of Bethlehem, this printable craft transforms an ordinary coloring page into a beautiful, freestanding Christmas display. It's a wonderful way to combine creativity, faith, and the joy of the Christmas season into one meaningful art project.
What makes this printable Nativity craft for kids extra special is its three-dimensional design. Instead of simply coloring a flat picture, children get to watch their artwork transform into a little Nativity scene that stands upright on its own! Kids can use crayons, markers, or colored pencils to bring Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, and the stable to life before carefully cutting, folding, and assembling the paper pieces. This easy Christmas Bible craft is perfect for Sunday School lessons, Christian classrooms, homeschool activities, church Christmas celebrations, or a quiet afternoon of holiday crafting at home. It's also a creative way to help children learn about the birth of Jesus while practicing fine motor skills, scissor skills, and following directions.
Once your 3D Nativity Coloring Page is complete, kids can proudly display their handmade creation on a bookshelf, mantel, windowsill, or alongside the family's Christmas decorations. It's a sweet reminder of the Christmas story and a wonderful opportunity to talk about Mary, Joseph, the journey to Bethlehem, and the birth of Jesus. Whether you're looking for a religious Christmas coloring page, printable Nativity scene, Sunday School Christmas craft, or easy paper Nativity activity for kids, this project is a meaningful way to celebrate the season. So grab your coloring supplies, scissors, glue, and printable template, and get ready to create a little Christmas scene that tells a very special story!
3D Nativity Coloring Page for Kids – Printable Christmas Paper Craft
Step 1: Download and Print
Begin by downloading the 3D Paper Nativity Template. For best results, print the template on 8.5 x 11-inch white cardstock. Cardstock is sturdier than regular printer paper, helping the Nativity characters stand upright and hold their shape once assembled.
Step 2: Color the 3D Paper Nativity
Use colored pencils to bring the Nativity characters to life. Colored pencils work especially well because their fine tips make it easier to color small details, but crayons or markers will also work. Kids can choose traditional colors for Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, the wise men, shepherds, angels, and animals—or use their own imaginative color combinations.
As children color, build their artistic confidence with specific, positive compliments. Try saying, “I love the colors you chose for Mary’s clothing,” or “The pattern you added to the wise man’s robe is so creative!” Focus on their ideas and effort instead of whether they stay perfectly inside the lines. This helps children feel proud of their artwork and encourages them to continue creating.
Step 3: Cut Out the Nativity Pieces
Carefully cut around the outside edge of each Nativity character and piece. Remind children to sit while cutting, keep their fingers away from the blades, and point the scissors away from their bodies. Encourage them to use slow, small cuts and turn the paper as they follow curved lines and smaller details. Younger children may need help from an adult.
If your child needs more scissor practice, try our free Santa’s Beard Cutting Templates. They include straight, zigzag, and curved lines that help children practice following different cutting paths while strengthening their fine motor skills.
Step 4: Fold the Stable Floor
Fold the bottom half-circle upward along the marked line. This section will become the floor of the stable and help the finished Nativity stand upright.
Step 5: Glue the Stable Together
Apply glue from a glue stick to the gray rectangle. Slide the left flap of the stable floor over the glued area, then press and hold the pieces together until the glue begins to dry. Make sure the stable is standing evenly before setting it aside to dry completely.
Step 6: Fold the Manger Flap
Fold the bottom flap underneath the manger holding baby Jesus. Press firmly along the fold to create a clean crease. This flap will be used to attach the manger to the stable floor.
Step 7: Glue the Manger to the Stable
Apply glue to the bottom of the folded manger flap. Place the manger on top of the stable floor and gently press it into place. Hold it for a few seconds, then allow the glue to dry completely.
Your 3D Paper Nativity Is Complete!
Your 3D Paper Nativity is finished and ready to celebrate the Christmas season! Find a special place to display it where kids can admire Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus all season long. This handmade Nativity is a sweet reminder of the Christmas story and a meaningful decoration children can feel proud to have created themselves.
How Do I Download the 3D Nativity Coloring Page ?
Click the button below to sign up for a free Artsy Kids Zone membership. After creating your account and signing in, return to this page and click the same button again. You’ll be taken to the Christmas Downloads page, where you can access the 3D Nativity Coloring Page.
You can also find the template by clicking Free Downloads in the top-right corner of the Artsy Kids Zone blog. Select Christmas, then scroll through the available projects until you find the Printable Christmas Paper Ornaments.
These printables are intended for personal and classroom use only. Copying, uploading, republishing, redistributing, selling, or altering these files is strictly prohibited. If you share your finished craft online, please include a link back to artsykidszone.com.
FAQ
Does Regular Paper Work Instead of Cardstock?
Regular printer paper can be used, but cardstock is recommended. Cardstock gives the stable and manger more support, helping the completed 3D Nativity stand upright and hold its shape. If you use regular paper, the finished craft may bend or fall over more easily.
What Can Kids Use to Color the 3D Nativity Coloring Page?
Kids can use colored pencils, crayons, markers, or acrylic paint pens. Colored pencils work especially well for coloring the smaller details, while markers create brighter, bolder colors. Encourage children to choose their own colors and add creative patterns or shading to make their Nativity unique.
What Kind of Glue Should I Use?
A glue stick works best because it is easy for children to control and dries without making the paper too wet. Apply a thin, even layer of glue to the marked areas and hold the pieces together for a few seconds. Allow the glue to dry completely before moving or displaying the Nativity.
What Age Is This Craft Best For?
The 3D Nativity Coloring Page is a fun Christmas craft for elementary-aged children. Younger children can enjoy coloring the pictures but may need adult help with cutting, folding, and assembling the smaller pieces.
Can I Use the 3D Nativity in a Classroom or Sunday School Lesson?
Yes! This craft makes a meaningful activity for classrooms, Sunday School, Primary, homeschool, or family Christmas celebrations. Children can color and assemble the Nativity while learning about Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, and the story of Christ’s birth.
How Can I Store the Nativity After Christmas?
Make sure the glue is completely dry before storing the craft. Place the Nativity inside a sturdy box or container where it will not be crushed. You can also carefully separate the glued sections or gently flatten the stable along its fold lines if you want it to take up less space.
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