Description
Create a festive and fun Gingerbread Nativity Manger Scene using graham crackers or gingerbread, animal cookies, marshmallows, colorful licorice, pretzel sticks, peanuts, and lots of candy. This craft-like edible project is perfect for involving kids in holiday creativity while assembling a charming and delicious nativity display.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- Graham crackers or gingerbread sheets (enough to build the manger structure)
- Animal cookies (for animals in the scene)
- Large and colorful mini marshmallows
- Frosting (for assembling and decorating)
- Red and black licorice (for details and decorations)
- Pretzel sticks (for manger framing)
- Peanuts (to represent baby Jesus)
- Lots of assorted candy (for additional decoration)
Tools
- White cardboard bases (cake bases halved, found at craft stores, to serve as sturdy foundation)
- Ziploc bags (for piping frosting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Frosting Bags. Fill Ziploc bags with frosting, then carefully cut a small hole in the corner of each bag to create makeshift piping bags for detailed decoration and assembling pieces.
- Assemble the Manger Scene. Arrange the graham crackers or gingerbread pieces on the white cardboard base to construct the manger structure, using piped frosting to hold pieces together securely.
- Add the Figures and Details. Place animal cookies around the manger to represent animals, use pretzel sticks to frame the manger, and add colorful licorice strips for decorative accents.
- Place Baby Jesus and Decorate. Position a peanut to symbolize baby Jesus inside the manger. Use marshmallows and assorted candy creatively to enhance the scene’s festive appeal.
- Let Kids Decorate. Distribute all candy and edible decorations, allowing children to express their creativity by adding frosting designs and embellishments as they desire.
Notes
- This activity is ideal for involving children in a hands-on holiday project that combines crafting and baking.
- Graham crackers are a practical alternative to gingerbread if you want a quicker or simpler build.
- Use thick frosting for better adhesion and stability of the edible structure.
- White cardboard bases provide a sturdy and clean surface for assembling and transporting the scene.
- Ensure all candy and cookies used are suitable for all participants’ dietary restrictions and allergies.
