There’s a moment that brings joy to families, particularly grandparents, at Christmas time: the Children’s Church Christmas performance. Whether your kids are singing carols, acting out the nativity, or sharing a skit, this is their chance to shine and proclaim the Good News in front of friends and family. 

Here’s how to prepare your class for a concert that’s not just cute—but Christ-centred, confident, and unforgettable.

1. Start with the Big Picture: Plan Backwards from Performance Day

Begin with your concert date and work backward:

• Set milestones: costume fittings, script memorisation, and full run-throughs.
• Choose your format: Will it be a musical, a skit, a scripture reading with movement, or a blend?
• Pick your theme: “Light of the World,” “God with Us,” or “The Greatest Gift”—let the message guide every creative choice.

Tip: Create a countdown calendar for your classroom wall. Kids love crossing off days and seeing progress!

2. Cast with Care: Let Every Child Shine

Every child has a gift to offer:

• Confident speakers might narrate or lead songs.
• Creative thinkers can help with props or choreography.
• Quiet hearts may prefer group singing, sign language, or behind-the-scenes roles.

Use auditions as a celebration, not a competition. Affirm each child’s contribution as vital to the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12–27).

3. Practice with Purpose: Make Rehearsals Worshipful

Rehearsals aren’t just about perfection—they’re discipleship moments:

• Begin with prayer and a short devotion tied to your theme.
• Use multisensory methods: echo lines, act out lyrics, use hand motions or rhythm sticks.
• Celebrate small wins: “You remembered your cue!” “That harmony gave me goosebumps!”

Keep rehearsals short, joyful, and full of movement. End with a game or snack to build community.

4.  Costumes and Props: Simple, Symbolic, and Stress-Free

You don’t need a big budget—just creativity:

• Nativity robes from pillowcases and belts.
• Angels in white T-shirts with tinsel halos.
• Shepherds’ staffs made from pool noodles or cardboard tubes.

Invite parents to help with crafting days. Offer printable templates for props or costume pieces to make at home.

5. Anchor in Scripture: Let the Word Lead

Every performance should point to Jesus. Consider weaving in:

• Memory verses recited between scenes.
• Scripture-based narration (Luke 2, Isaiah 9, John 1).
• Visual metaphors: light candles to represent Christ’s coming, or unwrap boxes labelled “Hope,” “Peace,” “Joy,” “Love.”

This isn’t just a show—it’s a proclamation.

6. Prepare the Congregation: Build Anticipation

Let your church family know what’s coming:

• Share rehearsal photos or sneak peeks in the bulletin.
• Invite families to pray for the children’s courage and clarity.
• Create a printable invitation for kids to hand out: “Come see our Christmas performance!”

When the big day arrives, the congregation won’t just be watching—they’ll be cheering, praying, and worshipping alongside their children.

7. Performance Day: Celebrate the Message, Not Just the Moment

Expect nerves. Expect giggles. Expect God to move.

Before stepping on stage:

• Pray with your class: “Lord, let us shine for You.”
• Remind them: “You’re not performing—you’re proclaiming.”
• Afterwards, celebrate with treats, hugs, and a keepsake (a photo, a certificate, or a handmade ornament).

Final Thoughts

A Christmas performance is more than a tradition—it’s a chance for children to embody the Gospel with joy and creativity. As you guide them, you’re not just preparing a concert. You’re preparing hearts to receive and share the miracle of Emmanuel.

Let every rehearsal echo with laughter, every costume reflect purpose, and every child know: they are part of God’s great story.

Here are free Christmas plays to download:

An Aussie Shepherd’s Christmas: For something a little different! Shepherds Shorty and Sheila meet at the campfire to discuss Sheila’s recent trip to New Zealand, attending the World Shepherding Conference. There are a lot of sheep puns in this script, and opportunities to add as many children to the cast as you need. The Christmas story celebrated from a shepherd’s point of view!

Download the free play here: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/An-Aussie-Shepherds-Christmas.pdf

Break Every Chain: A dramatic Gospel driven play with featured performances as well as songs and dance for all ages from Preschool to Primary and Secondary School ages. This is a powerful play that brought the audience to its feet!

Download the free play here: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Break-Every-Chain-Christmas-Play.pdf

Animal Crackers: A cracker of a comedy featuring the animals in the stable where Jesus was born. There are many roles, but it is also suitable for puppetry.

Download the free play here: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Animal-Crackers.pdf

The Director’s Cut: An interactive Christmas play where the children are pulled into the set of a Christmas movie! No lines needed to be learned. This play makes a fun ‘pull unsuspecting people from the audience’ addition to the Christmas season. A just-for-fun event!

Download the free play here: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/The-Directors-Cut.pdf