If you're a Christian, then you know that the nativity scene holds a special significance, particularly during the holiday season. After all, in the Christian tradition, Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, and putting a nativity set in your home can act as a reminder for what the holiday season is all about. And in addition to serving as a beautiful piece of Christmas decor, nativity sets are a great way to teach little ones the story of Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus in a way that they can understand — and hopefully, won’t be able to break.
Your nativity scene doesn't have to be limited to a tiny set of figurines that you display in your window, either. There are plenty of larger scenes that can serve as outdoor lawn decorations, or ones that use unique materials like banana fibers, glass, metal or olive wood. At the end of the day, there's no wrong way to depict the nativity scene over the holidays, and there are tons of gorgeous (and affordable) ways to do so. Whether you're looking for a decorative piece that's traditional or modern, these uniquely beautiful nativity sets will make sure you always remember the reason for the season.
Made with soft acrylic yarn and polyester stuffing, this handmade 12-piece nativity set includes Joseph, Mary, baby Jesus in the manger, two shepherds, two sheep, three Wise Men, one angel, and one palm tree.
Designed by artist Betsey Cavallo and made from colorful plush felt, this playful set includes nine figures (baby Jesus in a manger, Mary, Joseph, three Wise Men, a donkey, a lamb, and a camel), and the largest figure stands an impressive 15.5 inches tall.
Looking for something simple? This miniature set is made with durable porcelain painted by hand, and it includes the Holy Family, three Kings and an Angel.
Made with olive wood from Bethlehem, this 12-piece hand-carved nativity set can be purchased either with or without the natural tree-bark stable for an additional $40.
Available in three size options and made with all-weather, fade-resistant PVC plastic, this stunning outdoor nativity scene can be set up in minutes and is sure to grab everyone's attention.
Made from stoneware with a crackled finish, this miniature 10-piece set has a gorgeous vintage look, and it includes baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the Three Wise men, the angel, a shepherd with a sheep, a donkey, and a cow.
This plastic set (which includes a stable, a manger, 12 little people figures, and five accessory pieces) lights up and plays "Away in the Manger" when you press down on the angel.
Perfect for your mantle, this set of nine adorable nesting dolls is made with resin and includes the Holy Family, the Three Kings, a shepherd, a cow, and a donkey.
An advent calendar and a nativity set all in one, this battery-operated lit-up house stands 19 inches tall and can be filled with whatever small goodies you'd like.
These sturdy, wooden pieces are perfect for kids aged four and up, and the set (which includes a four-piece stable and 11 figurines) even comes with a retelling of the Christmas story, so you can teach your kids in a hands-on way.
Made from sturdy plywood and painted and sealed for weather, these four-foot-tall lawn ornaments are made to order, with six design different options available: Mary, Joseph, and Jesus; an angel; one Wise Man; two Wise Men; a shepherd and drummer; or two sheep.
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Primitives by Kathy Rustic Nativity Scene Decoration Sign
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Primitives by Kathy Rustic Nativity Scene Decoration Sign
Measuring 20 inches long and seven inches tall, this rustic wooden slat sign features glitter accents and a LED-lit manger, which turns on with the help of a switch on the back of the sign.
Handcrafted in Nova Scotia, this 11-piece lead-free pewter nativity set is perfect for lovers of mini figurines, as the tallest figure measures only 1.25 inches high.
Littles ones will love playing with this hanging wall decoration, which includes 18 felt figures and can be arranged as a typical manger scene or used to create a whole new crèche display.
Corinne Sullivan is an Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers a variety of beats, including lifestyle, entertainment, relationships, shopping, and more. She can tell you everything you need to know about the love lives of A-listers, the coziest bedsheets, and the sex toys actually worth your $$$. She is also the author of the 2018 novel Indecent. Follow her on Instagram for cute pics of her pup and bébé.
As the Associate Digital Editor for Woman’s Day, Kristen covers almost everything under the lifestyle umbrella, including holidays, food, and home. In her kitchen, you’ll probably find absurd amounts of rice, Twizzlers and oat milk. She also has over 50 playlists on Spotify, including a specific one for Drake’s best hits (read: all of them).