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40 Christmas Nativity Sets so Beautiful You'll Want to Pass Them Down

Honor the reason for the season with your personal nativity scene.

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nativity scene displayed on a table with decorative elements and a christmas tree in the background

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A nativity scene is a little different from your average Christmas village. Displaying a nativity scene is a Christmas decorating custom for those who celebrate Jesus' birth as the reason for the season. While nativities are more of a traditional concept, we've come across a variety of styles — from simple depictions of the Holy Family to more modern displays that include the Three Wise Men and animals.

With today's offerings, we love to see the mix of timeless nativity sets as well as more creative takes, like a collapsible olive wood set that looks and feels a little more up to date. Whether you want a minimalist artistic interpretation, a plastic, child-friendly scene or a figurine that doesn't require setup, there are plenty of unique nativity sets to choose from, below.

Delft blue always makes a statement, so it's no surprise that this is one of the prettiest sets out there.

Dreaming of a white Christmas (nativity)? These monochrome resin figures create a simple, yet powerful scene. Perched at the top of the stable structure is the shining Star of Bethlehem.

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Don't let limited storage space stop you from displaying the nativity scene this Christmas. This multi-dimensional nativity is easy to assemble, then packs up and stores flat at the end of the season.

This lovely porcelain display includes the Holy Family, Three Wise Men, shepherds, animals and even the stable to display the scene, at an unbeatable price of $17.

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Simple yet meaningful, this depiction of the Holy Family is a great Christmas gift for religious family members, figurine collectors or even your priest or pastor. The box comes ready to gift, complete with an enclosure card that reads "A child is born."

If you're an avid nativity set collector, or are just looking for a really stand-out piece, this is it. Plus, at the end of the season, you'll be able to pack it away easily because the dolls stack inside one another.

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This non-traditional spin on the classic nativity scene depicts the Three Wise Men following the star (literally) to find the baby Jesus. The ceramic sculpture is all one piece and measures about eight inches long.

Another minimal option, this scene features simple faceless silhouettes robed in white. It does have a few decorative details to illustrate the story, like a hay-lined crib for baby Jesus and and the Three Wise Men holding gifts.

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Under the hand-carved Star of Bethlehem, you'll find the Three Wise Men coming to visit Mary, Joseph and the infant Jesus. Handcrafted in Indonesia, this fair trade nativity is painted with beautiful hues of blue and gold.

Cat parents will love this nativity scene with felines looking over baby Jesus. Handmade in Peru, this colorful nativity set would make an adorable and unexpected Christmas gift for the right recipient.

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This set comes with all of the classic elements of the scene. Amazon reviewers rave that the details are beautiful, and that the set is packaged nicely.

Make the center of your table even more incredible with this impressive nativity set that's surrounded by greenery and poinsettias. It's a foot-and-a-half long, and even comes with LED lights.

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Give the gift of a full nativity scene, great for Willow Tree collectors or anyone who's looking to add a beautiful crèche to their home.

For a traditional look, you can't go wrong with a piece from Kurt S. Adler, who is known for making classic nativities.

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Does it get any more seasonally-appropriate than counting down to Christmas with a nativity Advent calendar? This is also a fun way to get the kids interested in setting up the nativity set.

An absolutely stunning interpretation, you won't find a set as modern as this one. It's made from wood, glass and brass, with the different shapes representing each figure from the nativity scene.

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Made of acrylic, the piece plays "Silent Night" and "Away In A Manger," and also lights up. Amazon reviewers love how it gives off a "crystal" look without the price tag.

This 12-piece resin nativity set makes a dramatic impact, with lifelike hand-painted details.

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This hand-painted nativity could not be any easier to set up, thanks to its tri-fold design. Unfold the Three Wise Men and discover a creative display of the manager scene beneath them.

Beautiful to display, easy to put away: This modern art nativity display doubles as a puzzle the whole family can enjoy putting together. And come January, just break it up and store it for next year.

Headshot of Alesandra Dubin
Alesandra Dubin
Contributing Writer

Alesandra is a digital travel and lifestyle journalist based in Los Angeles whose work has appeared in Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Prevention, Insider, Glamour, Shondaland, AFAR, Parents, TODAY and countless other online and print outlets. Alesandra has a masters degree in journalism with an emphasis on cultural reporting and criticism from NYU, and a bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley. An avid traveler, she trots the globe with her husband and their twins.

Headshot of Emily Rochotte
Emily Rochotte
Freelance Writer

Emily Rochotte is a freelance writer and social media manager covering lifestyle, travel and wedding content.

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