A US atheist group has launched a billboard campaign encouraging people not to go to church at Christmas.

American Atheists has installed an "Atheist Christmas" billboard in Colorado Springs and several other cities urging passers by to skip church this year.

One design shows a disapproving mother and her daughter, who is engaged in a text conversation. It runs: "U going to church this Xmas?" She responds, "Lol. No way. I don't believe that stuff anymore." The friend replies, "What will your parents say?" She texts back, saying, "They'll get over it. :-P."

Another design references President-Elect Donald Trump's "Make America Great Again" slogan, reading: "Make Christmas Great Again, Skip Church!"

American Atheists said in a press release that it aims to tackle the "stigma" nonbelievers face in America.

"It is important for people to know religion has nothing to do with being a good person, and that being open and honest about what you believe – and don't believe – is the best gift you can give this holiday season," said president David Silverman. "More and more Americans are leaving religion, but we still have work to do when it comes to fighting the stigma many atheists face."

The American Atheists Christmas campaign has become a holiday staple. Silverman told The Christian Post in December 2014 that the hope is for the messages to "spur intra-family communication".