How to Build a Complete Nativity Scene: Choosing the Right Figure Sets, Individual Characters, and Animals
A nativity scene is more than a seasonal decoration; it is a handcrafted tradition passed down through generations. Whether you are setting one up for the first time or expanding an existing collection, building a complete nativity scene involves thoughtful choices: the right figure sets to anchor the scene, individual characters to add depth, and animals to bring it to life. This guide walks you through each layer, drawing on the full range of what a quality nativity collection can offer.
Start with a Figure Set: The Foundation of Your Scene
The smartest way to begin building a nativity scene is with a complete figure set. These wooden nativity figures are carefully curated to include the key players of the Christmas story in a harmonious, matched style, meaning proportions, painting style, and wood finish all belong together visually.
Entry-level sets typically start with the Holy Family (3 figures) , Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus. These are available in both painted (bemalt) and unpainted natural wood (natur) finishes, starting from as little as €36. If you prefer a richer, more detailed look, painted versions from makers like Kostner start around €92 for the Holy Family alone, reflecting the extra hours of hand-finishing that go into each piece.
From there, sets grow in size. A 7-figure set typically adds the Three Wise Men and one or two shepherds to the Holy Family, giving you a well-rounded scene. These are available from multiple makers , Akantus painted sets begin around €153, while Kostner 7-figure sets start at €189. For those who want a truly impressive display, 11-figure sets bring in additional shepherds, angels, and supporting characters, with prices ranging from €255 (Akantus painted) up to €417 for premium Heimatkrippe sets.
One important decision when choosing a set is whether to paint or use natural wood. Painted figures offer vivid, lifelike detail with traditional South Tyrolean coloring. Natural wood figures have a clean, contemporary elegance and suit modern interiors particularly well. Many collectors own both styles, using natural wood for minimalist displays and painted figures for traditional arrangements.
Add Individual Figures: Build Your Scene Your Way
Once you have your base set, individual figures allow you to personalize and expand your nativity scene over time, adding a new piece each year if you wish, which is a tradition many families follow.
The Three Wise Men deserve special attention. Often sold as a separate 3-figure set, they represent the journey from afar and are traditionally placed arriving from the side or even a distance away from the manger. Kostner's Three Wise Kings are available from €128, while more affordable options from Leonardo start at €44 in natural wood. The detail on these figures, robes, crowns, gifts is where hand-painting truly shines.
Shepherd figures add a pastoral, human warmth to any scene. Pairings of a shepherd with animals (such as a shepherd with a sheep and lamb) are a particularly natural combination, visually telling the story of those who left their flocks to follow the star. Angels complete the celestial element of the scene, and even a single angel figure placed above the stable makes a significant visual impact.
The beauty of building with individual figures is flexibility. You are not locked into one maker's complete vision; you can mix figure sizes, characters, and even styles to create a scene that feels uniquely yours.
Complete the Scene with Animals: Where the Nativity Comes Alive
No Carved nativity figure feels truly complete without animals, and this is where a collection can become remarkably rich and detailed. The Kostner range of nativity animals is one of the most extensive available, covering nearly every creature associated with the Christmas story.
The donkey and ox are the non-negotiables, present in virtually every nativity scene since the earliest traditions. Kostner's donkey starts at €22.40, with a more elaborate version carrying a load of wood available from €39.60. The lying ox begins at the same price point, offering a gentle, restful pose perfect beside the manger.
Sheep and lambs form the heart of the shepherd's world and are available in an impressive variety of poses, standing, lying, grazing, scratching, looking left or right, carrying a bell, or paired with a lamb. Prices start from just €9 for a small lying lamb, making these ideal first additions for new collectors or gifts for children. Black sheep are also available, adding visual variety and a touch of character to any arrangement.
For larger, more dramatic scenes, camels and elephants represent the journey of the Wise Men from distant lands. Kostner camels are available lying down from €38.50, while elephants with decorative luggage start at €59.40. Heimatkrippe offers particularly impressive versions of both , their elephant with full luggage reaches €106.50, a statement piece for serious collectors.
Smaller animals add charming detail: a crowing rooster (€11.60), hens in standing, sitting, or pecking poses, a dog, and even a cat (from €9.70) all populate the farmyard world around the stable. These smaller figures are often the ones that delight children most, and placing them throughout the scene creates natural points of discovery.
Sizing Your Scene: Getting the Proportions Right
All figures within the same scene should ideally belong to the same size series to maintain visual harmony. The most popular sizes run from 9.5 cm to 20 cm for figures, with animals scaled proportionally. Smaller sizes (around 9–10 cm) suit compact displays on shelves or windowsills, while larger series (15–20 cm) fill mantelpieces and dedicated nativity tables with presence and grandeur.
Why Choose Akantus?
Akantus brings together the finest South Tyrolean nativity craftsmen, including Kostner, Heimatkrippe, Leonardo, and their own Akantus line, in one carefully curated collection. The Kostner Nativity Figures are hand-carved and hand-painted by skilled artisans, ensuring no two pieces are exactly alike. With options spanning budget-friendly starter sets to museum-quality collector pieces, Akantus makes it easy to begin, grow, and complete a nativity scene that will be treasured for decades. Free delivery, a straightforward returns process, and a free hotline make the experience as easy as the tradition is meaningful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best nativity set for a first-time buyer?
A 7-figure painted or natural wood set is ideal for beginners , it includes all the core characters of the Christmas story and provides a solid visual foundation that can be expanded with animals and individual figures over time.
Q: Can I mix figures from different makers in one scene?
Yes, provided you stay within the same size series. Mixing makers can actually enrich your scene, as different carvers bring different artistic expressions to individual characters.
Q: How should I store wooden nativity figures between Christmas seasons?
Wrap each figure individually in soft tissue or cloth and store in a sturdy box away from direct sunlight, moisture, and temperature extremes. Proper storage preserves the paint and wood for generations.
