Six years ago I created the puppets for the Nativity story that are featured in the post below. It has been one of the most visited posts of the Past Times website since its existence. In 2020, during the first Christmas season of the Pandemic the puppets were used by schools, families and church groups in nine different countries to share the story online (view a compilation of the films in Nativity Puppets in Quarantine ).
Puppets attached with velcro to board covered with felt
My daughter Sara and have written a story-and-craft activity book that includes the patterns with instructions, which will hopefully be out for the Christmas 2025 season. The puppets of Mary, Jesus, Joseph, and the angel, however, are already available in the Printable Library. Other characters can be created from the mix-and-match patterns in the category Bible Stories.
The Nativity story in twelve scenes
Joseph and Mary are traveling to Bethlehem to register for the census. Mary is expecting her baby soon.
Mary is taking a break to stretch her legs. They are nearing Bethlehem.Mary feels that the baby is coming. But the only room left in Bethlehem is in a stable. Before Mary can give birth Joseph first has to get the ox outside.The angel Gabriel, who helped with the delivery, shows Jesus to the ox and the donkey before flying off to tell the shepherds.The shepherds are very excited to hear the news.They adore the baby.Far away three wise men see a star that tells them that a special child is born.The ox and donkey nibble some hay while keeping Jesus warm.The wise men have started their journey to follow the star, bringing gifts for the child.Soon Mary and Joseph are able to take their baby home.For the wise men it is a long journey. But they do not give up until they find the child announced by the star.When they finally find Jesus they offer their gifts and give thanks.
Helene is the founder of Past Times and a crafter, archivist, and children’s book author. Her passion is bringing history to life for children, classrooms, and families through imagination and play.
Thank you so much and congrats on your work: such an inspiration!
I am a primary class teacher in Italy and I have a special love for shadow theatre and puppets…
I will try and do the nativity story this year, I was also wondering if you could post it…
Hello Sandra, Thank you for your interest! As I wrote in my blog I am hoping to put a story-and-craft book together using the templates for commercial use, which is why I am not putting the patterns in my library of free printables. But I am making the patterns available to churches, schools, and families who want to use the patterns during the pandemic on condition that they do not share the patterns without my permission and they will provide feedback that will be helpful for the book. I will contact you directly.
Hello Bonnie, thank you for reaching out. I am planning to use the patterns for a Nativity story-and-craft book. However, during the pandemic I have made the patterns available to churches, schools, and families, asking only to share their experiences with me to help me with the book. For examples of participating groups visit my post about the Nativity.
Hi Helene,
My family from all over the world has come to stay with us for Christmas after such a long period of not being allowed to see one another and I was inspired to do a shadow puppet show with the kids whilst we are all together.
Are you offering to sell this Nativity story template?
Hello Christina, thank you for your interest, how fun that you want to do this! As long as the craft book has not come out yet I am offering the set for sale for $15, which can be paid by PayPal. I have written you a message to let you know where to send it.
I would so love to use this as an outreach ministry for our youth program that we could take to nursing and retirement centers.
Could we talk about how to get the patterns and any thoughts you would have on how best to do this?
Were you able to get the story-and-craft book completed? I am in charge of our church Christmas party and would love to use your book with the nativity story during our party in early December 2023!!
Will nativity puppets be available again?
Dianna: I have sent you a message and updated the blog post. Please contact me.
Thank you so much and congrats on your work: such an inspiration!
I am a primary class teacher in Italy and I have a special love for shadow theatre and puppets…
I will try and do the nativity story this year, I was also wondering if you could post it…
Hello Sandra, Thank you for your interest! As I wrote in my blog I am hoping to put a story-and-craft book together using the templates for commercial use, which is why I am not putting the patterns in my library of free printables. But I am making the patterns available to churches, schools, and families who want to use the patterns during the pandemic on condition that they do not share the patterns without my permission and they will provide feedback that will be helpful for the book. I will contact you directly.
I am interested in the puppet patterns for a children’s Christmas program. How do I get them?
Hello Bonnie, thank you for reaching out. I am planning to use the patterns for a Nativity story-and-craft book. However, during the pandemic I have made the patterns available to churches, schools, and families, asking only to share their experiences with me to help me with the book. For examples of participating groups visit my post about the Nativity.
Hi. My 2nd and 3rd grade class at church would love to be able to use your Nativity Shadow Puppets. Are you still willing to share your templates?
Hello Rhea, I have emailed you on the email address provided with the comment. If you have not received it please contact me through the contact form.
Hi Helene,
My family from all over the world has come to stay with us for Christmas after such a long period of not being allowed to see one another and I was inspired to do a shadow puppet show with the kids whilst we are all together.
Are you offering to sell this Nativity story template?
Hello Christina, thank you for your interest, how fun that you want to do this! As long as the craft book has not come out yet I am offering the set for sale for $15, which can be paid by PayPal. I have written you a message to let you know where to send it.
I would so love to use this as an outreach ministry for our youth program that we could take to nursing and retirement centers.
Could we talk about how to get the patterns and any thoughts you would have on how best to do this?
Hello Jennifer, I will reach out to you by email with the address provided!
Were you able to get the story-and-craft book completed? I am in charge of our church Christmas party and would love to use your book with the nativity story during our party in early December 2023!!
Juanita, I’m busy putting the book together but it won’t be ready before this Xmas. I’ll email you how to obtain the patterns.
Do you sell the images so we can make them at home? Would love to do this in a couple of days.
Hi Lara, as long as the book is not available I am indeed selling the puppet patterns. I am emailing you.
Is your book with patterns for nativity puppets available now?
We’re finishing it up but it won’t be available until next year. Until it’s out I sell the patterns, I will email you.