How to Celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception with Kids

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8 is a beautiful opportunity to celebrate Mary’s purity and the special way she was chosen to be the Mother of Jesus. Here are some fun, faith-filled activities you can enjoy with children to mark this important day.

1. Attending Mass and Visiting the Marian Altar

If possible, attend Mass together as a family. The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a Holy Day of Obligation, so attending Mass is a meaningful way to celebrate Mary and deepen your understanding of her role in salvation history. After Mass, take a moment to visit the Marian altar. Many churches will have a special display or statue of Our Lady, and it’s a lovely way to honor her by offering a prayer or lighting a candle together as a family.

2. Learn About the Immaculate Conception with Fun Printables

Begin by teaching children about the Immaculate Conception—the belief that Mary was conceived without original sin. You can use our coloring page to help illustrate the concept, featuring a lovely image of Mary. This can be a great visual aid as you talk about how Mary was specially chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus.

For a hands-on activity, our Peek-a-Boo Immaculate Conception activity is perfect for kids. It shows a beautiful illustration of Our Lady with St. Anne, but when they shine light through the back, the image of Mary in St. Anne’s womb is revealed. This can help them better understand the mystery of the Immaculate Conception in a fun and interactive way.

3. “Heavenly” Desserts to Celebrate Mary

Celebrate with a special treat that ties in with the heavenly purity of the Immaculate Conception. White powdered donuts are a perfect choice, symbolizing Mary’s purity. You can even get creative by shaping them into the letter “M” for Mary, making them a fun, meaningful snack. For an added touch, you could decorate the donuts with a little edible gold or silver glitter to symbolize the heavenly beauty and grace of Our Lady.

Other ideas include hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and blue star sprinkles, or angel food cake, or white frosted cupcakes decorated with simple Marian symbols, like a blue ribbon, to reflect Mary’s connection to Heaven. These simple desserts can bring sweetness to your celebration and are easy for little hands to help make.

4. “Hail Mary” Treasure Hunt

If you’re looking for an activity, you could have a “Hail Mary” treasure hunt where kids search for small items related to Mary’s life (like rosaries, prayer cards, or white flowers, or a statue of Mary) hidden around the house. This can add an element of excitement to the day while reinforcing the theme of the Immaculate Conception.

5. Praying Together: Hail Mary or Rosary

One of the most meaningful ways to celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception is by praying together as a family. You can start with the Hail Mary, which is a simple and beautiful prayer that honors Mary’s purity and special role in God’s plan. If your children are older or able, you can pray a full rosary together, reflecting on the Joyful Mysteries and focusing on Mary’s life and role as the Mother of Jesus.

If a full rosary seems too long for younger children, start with just the Hail Mary, or pray a decade of the rosary if they’re ready. It’s a great way to instill the importance of prayer while also connecting to the feast day’s theme.

By incorporating these activities into your celebration, you can help children understand the beauty of the Immaculate Conception while having fun. Whether it’s through coloring, crafting, or enjoying a special treat, this feast day is an excellent time to focus on Mary’s special role in our faith and her heavenly purity.