Free 3D Printable Nativity Scene Craft
Today I’m sharing a 3D printable nativity scene that turns a sheet of paper into a cute little Christian Christmas diorama!
The round background folds into a standing stable, with separate characters to glue inside. It’s an easy paper craft that only needs a few cuts, folds, and some glue.
This printable is free for subscribers. Sign up at the bottom of this post to receive the PDF by email.
There are two versions included: a full-color printable that’s ready to assemble and a black-and-white version for coloring.
What you’ll need
- Printed nativity diorama template (subscribe below for the free PDF)
- Heavy printer paper or cardstock
- Crayons, markers, or colored pencils (optional)
- Glue stick or craft glue
- Scissors
How to Make the 3D Printable Nativity Scene
This nativity diorama is made by creating the circular base first, then adding the characters.
Step 1: Print the Nativity Craft Template
Subscribe below to get the free nativity diorama template. Download and print the full-color or black-and-white version.
For the coloring version, color the stable, background, and characters before cutting them out.
Step 2: Cut out the large circle
Carefully cut around the outside edge of the large circular nativity background.
Keep the dotted diagonal line and marked glue section intact for now.
Step 3: Fold the circle in half
Fold the circle in half along the horizontal middle line, then unfold it.
This creates the fold that separates the stable background from the bottom section of the scene.
Step 4: Cut along the dotted line
Find the dotted diagonal line on the bottom half of the circle. Cut along this line.
Step 5: Glue the base together
Apply glue to the section marked “Glue.”
Slide this section underneath the adjacent section so the two parts overlap. Press them together to form the 3D diorama base.
Step 6: Cut out the Nativity characters
Cut around Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, the sheep, and the donkey.
Leave the rectangular glue tabs attached to the bottom of each character. These are needed to secure the figures inside the scene.
Step 7: Fold and glue the characters
Fold the glue tabs backward and glue the characters inside the diorama. Place baby Jesus in the center, with Mary, Joseph, the sheep, and donkey around him.
Let the glue dry, and the nativity scene is ready to display!
Download the Free Printable Nativity Diorama
This 3D printable nativity scene craft is available as a free download for email subscribers.
The printable includes:
- A full-color nativity diorama craft
- A black-and-white nativity coloring craft
- Simple assembly instructions on each printable sheet
Both versions are formatted for US Letter paper. They can also be printed on A4 using the printer’s Fit setting.
