Easy Egg Carton Nativity Scene Craft That Brings the Christmas Story to Life!

Transform egg cartons into a complete nativity scene with this simple and creative Christmas craft!

Using egg carton cups, popsicle sticks, and colorful construction paper, children can create the holy family in a stable under the stars.

Egg Carton Nativity Scene Materials

Gather these supplies to create your nativity scene:

Essential Supplies:

• Egg carton (cardboard type works best)
• Construction paper in various colors (pink, green, brown, white, yellow)
• Black marker
• Glue stick
• Scissors (adult supervision recommended)
• Popsicle sticks
• White tissue paper
• Yellow shredded paper (for straw)

How to Make Your Egg Carton Nativity Scene

This craft is perfect for elementary-aged children, with adult help needed for cutting.

Step 1: Create the Stable Base

• Cut a section of egg carton that includes six cups
• This will serve as the stable base for your nativity scene
• Cut two sections of egg carton with 2 cups each for Joseph and Mary

Step 2: Build the Star Structure

• Attach four popsicle sticks together to form a house/stable frame structure (we used hot glue for this part)

• Cut star shapes from yellow construction paper

• Attach the stars to the popsicle stick frame

• Glue the entire star structure to the back of the egg carton base

Step 3: Prepare Joseph and Mary's Bodies

• Wrap Mary's body with pink construction paper

• Wrap Joseph's body with green and brown construction paper

Step 4: Create the Eyes

• Cut four small circles from white construction paper (or you could use googly eyes to simplify this step)

• Shade the inner part of each circle using black marker to create pupils

• Attach two eye circles to each figure for Mary and Joseph

Step 5: Add Facial Features

• Draw a smile on both Joseph and Mary using black marker
• Draw a circular beard on Joseph's face

Step 6: Make the Head Coverings

• Cut a strip of white tissue paper, fold it and attach it around Mary's head to create her veil

• Cut and attach brown construction paper around Joseph's head for his headpiece

Step 7: Attach Joseph and Mary to the Stable

• Cut this strips of yellow paper, scrunch the paper up and add yellow shredded paper around the manger to create straw
• Apply glue to the bottom of Joseph and Mary
• Position them on either side of the stable base

Step 8: Create the Manger

• Cut one piece from the egg carton
• Cut brown construction paper to wrap around the egg carton, but that is also longer.

• Glue it onto the bottom of the cup. Then cut thin strips into this extended piece of brown paper.

Step 9: Make Baby Jesus

• Cut a small curved strip of kraft paper to a smaller size

• Wrap it with white tissue paper to create swaddling clothes

• Draw baby Jesus' face using black marker
• Glue down the manger to the egg carton stable.
• Fill it with yellow straw.

• Place baby Jesus in the manger

Complete Your Nativity Scene Collection

Ready to expand your nativity scene? This complete stable scene works perfectly with other nativity crafts to tell the full Christmas story:

• Three Kings – Wise men who followed the star to find baby Jesus, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Find the full tutorial here.

• Angel – Heavenly messenger with beautiful wings announcing Jesus' birth. Find the full tutorial here.

• Shepherd and Sheep – Faithful shepherd watching his woolly sheep in the fields of Bethlehem. Find the full tutorial here.

Each craft uses simple recycled materials, ensuring your entire nativity scene is both eco-friendly and budget-conscious while creating lasting holiday memories.

Final Thoughts on Egg Carton Nativity Scene Craft

This egg carton nativity scene captures the heart of the Christmas story with Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus in the stable under the star.

This craft teaches children about the biblical story while encouraging creativity and resourcefulness by transforming everyday materials into meaningful characters.

Ready for more nativity and Christmas story crafts? Check out these festive favorites:

• 25 Festive Paper Plate Christmas Crafts for Kids
• 20 Easy Christmas Crafts for Toddlers & Preschoolers
• 21 Budget-Friendly Toilet Paper Roll Christmas Crafts for Kids
• 23 Adorable Snowman Crafts For Kids

Explore our blog for even more Christmas crafts that combine creativity with learning!