Christmas

50 pages

5 m, 9 w, 2 boys, 1 girl, extras

It's frantic in the Albert home. Mom is trying to direct a Christmas pageant that no one wants to be in. Dad, an obstetrician, is hoping he doesn't have to deliver any babies the night of the pageant so that he can attend. David, 12, is trying to avoid Victoria Monroe, the meanest girl in town, who insists she play Mary to his Joseph so that they can hold hands. Molly, 15, is worried and guilty when her dreaded math teacher, Miss Morris, informs her mom just how far Molly and her friends have begun harassing the new girl, Darlene. But some special Christmas m...

15 pages

1 w, 7 flex.

A federal court has ordered that a traditional Christmas cross on top of the fire station not be lighted this year. At a town meeting numerous people voice their opinions, including an ACLU attorney, a born-again Christian, and the free-thinker who brought the suit against the city in the first place. Into this melee walks a pregnant, illegal refugee who needs help. A fascinating play which shows that being a Christian takes more than putting up a Christmas cross.  Performance time: 25 minutes.

55 pages

4 m, 5 w, 2 flexible, 1 girl and extras

No one loves Christmas more than Chrysanthemum Parker. As she and her grandma Gertie are discussing plans for a possible Christmas celebration show, Sheriff Gideon Gumption arrives to say that escaped convict Jedediah Thornside is on the loose. Jedediah actually is in the area with his partner-in-crime, Belinda Burnheart. They’ve concocted a sinister plan to swindle the town away from its current deed holder, the sheriff himself, AND cancel Christmas! Through a series of blunders, Sheriff Gumption falls for their scheme and the town now belongs to the villain...

18 pages

Flexible cast

Here is an impressive, 45-minute, candle-lighting service for the congregation. The program can be presented with minimum time for rehearsals for there is little memory work needed. Most portions may be read. It's a new and different presentation to interest those who have become bored with the same message heard in the same way.

52 pages

9 boys, 8 girls, 1-5 flexible, many extras, choir

Christmas is a time for singing, and this children's musical features festive folk music for a lively portrayal of the birth of Baby Jesus. Eight original songs including a warm welcoming song, "Shalom!" and a song with claps, "The Angels' Song," keep the action moving and the children totally involved. Some other songs include "May's Song," and "I Know His Name." There are also opportunities to add a favorite carol or two, if desired. The costumes, props and staging are simple, the narratives short enough for easy memorization, and the music arranged for the...

17 pages

10-15 children, plus extras, doubling possible

The all angel news team of ANN, the Angelic News Network, are reporting the evening news. Tonight’s top story is the census. Gabrielle is working to keep everyone on schedule, Seraphima is maybe a little too relaxed for being on the air, Sandy Storms doesn’t have much to report on the weather, and Angel-on-the- Scene is interviewing an innkeeper about the increased business. Then Joseph and Mary arrive, and a bigger story begins to unfold before everyone’s eyes. It is not the story the angels expected to report, nor did it occur where they expected to report ...

44 pages

Main roles for 7 m, 3 w, 5 boys, 4 girls. Additional roles for 2 m, 2 women. Extras, 1 toddler, and an optional children’s choir.

What if Jesus had been born in your town? Rather than tell about the birth of Jesus from the traditional viewpoints of Joseph and Mary, this musical gives us a refreshingly different look from ordinary people who were there. A small group of adults and children befriend the holy family for more than a year, from helping them find the stable for the birth to a celebration for 15-month old baby Jesus, which turns into a bittersweet evening when the Wise Men warn them to flee. The story begins as Bethlehem prepares for visitors in “Company’s Coming” and we see t...

46 pages

3 b, 3 g, 6 flexible, extras as shoppers, carolers, animals

Beulah Bear's winter sleep is interrupted by ringing Christmas bells. She and her fearful friend, Donald Deer, venture into the big city to discover what Christmas is all about. There they meet up with some colorful characters, among them Rodney Rat, a shady street salesman, and Rover the Dog whose dread of the holiday is revealed with the poem, "The Nightmare of Christmas." Discouraged by the commercialism they encounter, they almost give up until the true meaning of Christmas is finally revealed to them by a church mouse. Wonderful characters, humorous line...

18 pages

6 boys, 7 girls, 10 flexible parts.

This is a part of the nativity story that isn't in the Bible, but could have happened. With Mary and Joseph, the shepherds in the field, the women at the well, the three kings, and the little drummer boy, we prepare to embark on that special journey to the manger...sharing their worries, their joys, and their faith along the way. The play ends with that glorious moment when humankind first lays eyes on their Savior, followed by a celebration of music. Ideal for younger actors, this play appeals to audiences of all ages. Performance time: 30 minutes. 

27 pages

4 m, 10 w, extras.

Angel Charles Persindon has a month on earth to find out what is the "Christmas Spirit." He visits many places, but seemingly hasn't come up with the right answer. With only twenty-four hours to go, he happens onto the Cavindish Orphanage. The antics of two girls, Tiger and Lizzie, coupled with the visit of Mrs. Cavindish, almost ends up in a veritable explosion. Through Charley, the haughty Mrs. Cavindish and the girls are taught a lesson. Performance time: 30 minutes.

38 pages

2 boys, 1 girl, 5 flexible parts, choir

The angel Gabriel has a very important job that God has given him. His mission is to deliver messages concerning the birth of Jesus. Even though Mary is quite surprised by Gabriel's message, she yields to God's message right away. Joseph, with some helpful persuasion from Positive and some not so helpful ideas from Negative, also decides to follow God no matter what the cost. This humorous program is highlighted with imaginative original songs as well as traditional Christmas carols arranged with a twist. Also included is an optional program that can be perfo...

19 pages

2 m, 2 w

Perhaps the most perfect Christmas parable ever written is O. Henry's "The Gift of the Magi." In this one-act play version is the timeless story of Della and Jim, a struggling young couple who seek to give the other the ideal Christmas gift. They barter their most valued possessions to purchase each other's gifts: Della's beautiful long hair for a watch fob and chain, Jim's watch for a tortoise shell comb set for Della. While the physical gifts prove useless, their love is enriched beyond measure. About 35 minutes.