The Days of Christmas Countdown

Length: 45 minutes 

Cast Size: 15–30 actors

Props: Number cards (1–12), star cutouts, scarves, bells, simple robes, decorated boxes

Ideal For: Schools, children’s ministries, multi-class productions, Christmas programs with large casts

The Days of Christmas Countdown is a joyful, flexible, and highly participatory Christmas play designed for schools, churches, and community groups that want to involve many children. Inspired by a “12-day countdown” structure, the script presents twelve mini-scenes—each inspired by a number from 12 down to 1—showing memorable moments from the nativity story.

From twelve shepherds watching their flocks to eleven angels preparing their announcement, ten travelers heading to Bethlehem, and eight star-watchers scanning the sky, each number introduces a new group of characters and a fresh moment of storytelling. With humor, heart, and simple language accessible to young performers, the countdown builds anticipation until it reaches the manger itself.

The format is especially loved by teachers and directors because it:

• Easily divides into sections for classroom or group rehearsals

• Accommodates large or small casts with no complicated staging

• Keeps young audiences engaged through fast-moving scenes

• Allows every child to have a speaking role

• Works beautifully for mixed-age groups from primary through middle school

The play concludes with the entire cast gathered around the manger, celebrating the true meaning of Christmas. Optional extension scenes allow the program to deepen into a reflective second half (“Living the Countdown”) that helps children apply the story to their own lives.

Full of energy, imagination, and biblical truth, The Days of Christmas Countdown is a delightful choice for Christmas celebrations where joy, participation, and simplicity matter most.

The Days of Christmas Countdown

A Christmas Nativity Play in Twelve Parts

CAST (Flexible – 15 to 30 actors)

• NARRATOR – Guides the story; can be split into Narrator 1 & 2 if desired

• LEADER – Cheerful “Countdown Host,” interacts with kids & audience

• MARY

• JOSEPH

• BABY JESUS (doll)

• SHEPHERDS – Up to 12 (Shepherd 1–12)

• ANGELS – Up to 11 (Angel 1–11)

• TRAVELERS – Up to 10 (Traveler 1–10)

• CHILD SINGERS – Up to 9 (Child 1–9)

• STAR-WATCHERS – Up to 8 (Star-Watcher 1–8)

• INNKEEPER (optional)

• VILLAGERS / EXTRA KIDS – To fill in roles, carry number cards, stars, etc.

PROPS & SIMPLE SET

• Number cards: 1–12 (large, easy to read)

• Cardboard star cutouts

• Scarves, bells, simple robes, shawls

• Decorated gift boxes

• Simple manger with cloth

• Fabric backdrop for stable and/or Bethlehem street