Buying a nativity scene at The Christmas Shop
Our webshop carries nativity scenes from well-known Christmas brands such as Decoris, Goodwill, Alessi, Heinen Delfts Blauw, Gisela Graham and Villeroy & Boch. Prices range from affordable sets starting at €19,95 to larger pieces approaching €400. You'll find complete sets of 11 figures, smaller groups of 7 or 8, and individual figurines to round out a scene you already own. We've specialised in characterful Christmas decorations for years, so you can count on quality that lasts more than one season. Everything is on display in our shop in the centre of Delft as well, all year round.
What belongs in a nativity scene?
A nativity scene depicts the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. The core figures are Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus in the manger. Around them you'll usually find an ox and a donkey, shepherds with sheep, an angel and the three wise men. Together those figures tell the whole Christmas story in a single scene.
Nativity scenes in wood, porcelain, resin or felt
The material shapes much of how a nativity scene feels. Resin makes up most of our sets and brings out fine detail in the figures, ideal if you want the Christmas story to really come to life. A wooden nativity scene radiates warmth and tradition and sits beautifully beneath a natural tree. Porcelain, especially from Alessi and Villeroy & Boch, leans towards a contemporary, design-led look, while a glass nativity scene catches the glow of your Christmas lights wonderfully. And if you'd like something child-friendly, a felt nativity scene is soft, colourful and can take a knock.
Individual nativity figures or a complete set
Individual nativity figures let you make your scene exactly as complete as you like. If you're starting out, a complete set is usually easiest: every figure matches in style and scale, and the story is whole from the off. Prefer to build your own scene over the years? Many collections, such as those by Decoris and Alessi, are made up of separate figures you can buy one at a time. That way each year brings a few extra shepherds, a donkey or a third king. When adding pieces, do choose figures on the same scale, or the whole thing quickly looks unbalanced. Browse the full range of Christmas decorations for everything that surrounds the scene.
Large, small and modern nativity scenes
Sizes vary widely across the range. Looking for a large nativity scene as a centrepiece under the tree? You'll find generous sets with figures nearly 30 centimetres tall. For a windowsill or a small flat, a compact nativity scene with a handful of figures works better. There's plenty of choice in style too. Alongside the classic version, there are modern and Scandinavian nativity scenes with clean lines and muted colours that suit a minimalist interior nicely.
Designer nativity scenes from Alessi, Villeroy & Boch and Heinen
A nativity scene doesn't have to be traditional. Alessi has long been known for playful Italian design and offers hand-painted porcelain Christmas figures within the Happy Eternity collection that you can mix and match. Villeroy & Boch makes a Christmas figurine shaped like a stable that still looks good on the mantelpiece once the festivities are over. And for a properly Dutch touch, Heinen Delfts Blauw offers a porcelain nativity scene with Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus in characteristic Delft Blue tones. Browse the wider Alessi Christmas range or the Goodwill collection for more in the same spirit.
