Nativity Coloring Pages
Twelve free coloring pages drawn from the great Christmas paintings, from Giotto to Leonardo da Vinci. Each one comes with the real painting and a short story to read together: the angel’s message, the night Jesus was born, and the visit of the wise men.
The Nativity Coloring Book
All twelve in one printable booklet. On each left page, the painting and its story for children; on the right, the same scene to color. Twenty-eight pages, with a cover and a table of contents.
The Angel’s Message
Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name Jesus.
The Annunciation
The angel Gabriel brings Mary wonderful news, and their words are written right in the gold of the painting. Mary’s answer climbs up toward heaven: she says yes.
The Annunciation
Under a porch with a starry blue ceiling, the angel bows before Mary. A ray of golden light carries a little white dove, the Holy Spirit, while Adam and Eve leave the garden.
Read more: the most famous Annunciation paintings
The Night Jesus Was Born
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him up in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger.
The Nativity
Mary hugs her newborn baby cheek to cheek, and Joseph pours water into a wooden tub: it is time for baby Jesus’s very first bath!
The Nativity
Painted on the wall of a chapel more than seven hundred years ago: Mary lays her baby in the manger while five angels fly over the roof.
The Nativity
A starry sky, a shining baby, and Joseph holding his red hat: an unknown artist painted this little picture in the gentle style of Fra Angelico.
Nativity at Night
In the middle of the night, the only light comes from the baby himself. It shines on Mary’s face, on the little angels and on the ox.
Mystic Nativity
Twelve angels dance in a ring in a golden sky, three sing on the roof, and below, angels hug the people who come to see Jesus.
The Adoration of the Shepherds
Two shepherds have come down from the hills to kneel before the baby at the mouth of a cave, in the soft light of evening.
The Holy Night
The light from baby Jesus is so bright that a shepherd girl has to shield her eyes, while angels tumble out of a cloud above.
Read more: ten famous Nativity paintings
The Wise Men
And falling down they adored him: and opening their treasures, they offered him gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Adoration of the Magi
The three kings arrive with horses, dogs and even monkeys. The oldest has taken off his crown to kneel before Jesus, who gently touches his head.
The Adoration of the Magi
Two angels hold a green cloth over Mary and Jesus like a royal canopy, while the kings bring their gifts in shining golden cups.
Adoration of the Magi
Leonardo da Vinci never finished this painting, so it still looks like a giant drawing in brown and gold. Now your child can finish it!
Read more: ten Adoration of the Magi paintings · At home: the Epiphany house blessing
About These Coloring Pages
Are these Nativity coloring pages free?
Yes. Every page can be downloaded on its own, and the whole booklet as a PDF, without giving an email. Print as many copies as you need for your family, your parish or your classroom.
What age are they for?
The drawings were simplified from the paintings for children, roughly ages 5 to 12, while keeping the faces and the scene of each masterpiece. Older children and adults enjoy the more detailed ones, like the Gentile da Fabriano or the Bosch. For older children, our Christian symbols coloring pages explain twelve signs of the faith, from the fish to the keys of Saint Peter.
Why start from real paintings?
Because the great painters told the Christmas story better than anyone. Looking at the painting before coloring it is a simple picture study: children notice the gold, the light, the animals, and they remember the story. The left page of the booklet tells each painting’s story in a few lines.
How should I print them?
Choose US Letter or A4, print on one side of the paper so markers do not bleed through, and print the painting pages in color if you can: they are the color guide.
Free for personal use, for your family, your parish, or catechism class. Please share the page, not the files re-hosted elsewhere. It helps others find them.
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