Popsicle Stick Nativity Craft- DIY Nativity Christmas Ornament

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Creating a popsicle stick nativity ornament is a wonderful way to bring the Christmas story to life for kids of all ages. This easy, free tutorial guides you through making a beautiful, homemade ornament depicting Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus in a cozy manger under a shining star.

With just a few simple materials like popsicle sticks, glue, and paint, children from preschool on up can enjoy making their own nativity scene, adding a personal touch to their holiday decorations.

It’s a perfect Christmas craft that captures the spirit of the season and makes a meaningful keepsake for years to come.

This craft stick Nativity ornament is super easy and perfect for helping kids remember the real reason for Christmas!

Make this popsicle stick nativity ornament during Advent after reading your favorite picture book about the birth of Christ.

If you are doing a crafty countdown to Christmas with your kids, this is a perfect choice of craft activity!

Why not make this nativity ornament with your Sunday School class?

Why You Should Make this Nativity Ornament Craft

• Teaches the Christmas Story: This craft offers a hands-on way to introduce or reinforce the story of the nativity.
• Develops Fine Motor Skills: Handling small items like popsicle sticks and glue helps younger children improve their coordination.
• Creates a Cherished Keepsake: Each ornament becomes a special memento to display year after year.
• Affordable and Easy: The materials are inexpensive and easy to find, making it accessible for families.
• Perfect Gift Option: Kids can experience the joy of making gifts for others, adding a personal touch to holiday giving.
• Fun for All Ages: The craft is simple enough for preschoolers yet enjoyable for older children and parents alike.
• Adds a Handmade Touch to Christmas Decor: Making your own ornaments adds warmth and personality to holiday decorating.

How to Make a Popsicle Stick Nativity Ornament

Supplies:

• Colored craft papers
• Pencil
• A pair of scissors
• Craft glue
• Marker
• Skin colored craft paper
• Glitter paper
• Popsicle stick

Instructions:

Select enough popsicle stick to make the stable. 

Assemble eight popsicle sticks on a row, vertically. This will be the base of the stable.

Place one popsicle stick near the bottom edge of the assembled sticks, horizontally.

Now, assemble two sticks near the top, diagonally and evenly on both sides to form a roof. Use hot glue or your favorite craft glue to attach the bottom and the roof sticks with the base sticks.

Take a popsicle stick and cut it in half. Place it side by side, keeping the round ends towards the top. Use a pencil to trace a round edge on the top of the two sticks.

Use a pair of sharp scissors to cut the traced end. Cut out a small round shape, for the head from a light brown paper. (Or, use white paper, that has been colored a flesh tone with a crayon or marker)

Attach the round cutout near the top part of the attached sticks.

This should hold the two sticks together, but if you’d like to make them more secure, you can use a small piece of tape on the backside of the two sticks.

Use acrylic paint to fill the parts for the hair and beard of the Joseph figure.

Use acrylic paint to fill the body part.

Similarly, craft and paint the Mary and baby Jesus figures. Allow the paint to dry completely.

Attach the popsicle stick figures to the popsicle stick stable.

Cut out a star and attach it to the top end of the stable.

Attach a ribbon loop behind the top of the stable to complete the ornament.

Making a popsicle stick nativity ornament is a simple yet meaningful craft that captures the spirit of Christmas. This handmade decoration is more than just an ornament; it’s a creative way for children to learn and celebrate the nativity story while making cherished holiday memories with family.

Easy for kids of all ages, this craft combines faith, creativity, and fun, resulting in a special keepsake that can be hung on the tree or shared as a heartfelt gift. Whether used to teach, decorate, or give, this nativity ornament is sure to be a treasured part of your holiday traditions for years to come.