Statuary, Stations & Nativities

Nativity Sets

A church nativity is set up in the narthex, a side chapel or the sanctuary from Christmas Eve through the Baptism of the Lord. Larger pieces stand on the lawn through Advent. Church-scale sets are built piece by piece: a Holy Family, a stable, then shepherds and kings in later years. Figures here come in the Fontanini 12 in Italian polymer scale and the Joseph's Studio 27 in resin and stone scale. There is also a 4 ft PVC outdoor silhouette set.

Decide the scale before buying any figure, because pieces from different lines do not match. The Fontanini 12 in Collection suits a side chapel or narthex table and has a matching LED-lit stable. The Joseph's Studio 27 in scale figures are large enough to stand in the sanctuary and be seen from the pews. For the lawn, the VINGLI silhouette set is weather resistant and stakes into the ground.

9 nativity sets

The nativity pieces below are listed by scale, material, country of origin and indoor or outdoor use.

Side by side

The specifications the makers publish, in one table.

Questions before you order

What scale nativity does a parish church need?

For a sanctuary creche seen from the pews, the 27 in scale is typical, with Joseph standing about 27.5 in tall. A 12 in scale set works on a narthex table or in a side chapel. Match every later purchase to the same scale and maker.

Can a church build the set over several years?

Yes. Both Fontanini and Joseph's Studio sell individual figures within a fixed scale. A parish can begin with the Holy Family and a stable, then add shepherds, animals and the Magi in later years. Keep the model numbers so replacements match.

Which nativity pieces can go outside?

Only the VINGLI PVC silhouette set is made for rain and snow and comes with ground stakes. Fontanini polymer and Joseph's Studio resin figures are indoor pieces. If used in a covered outdoor creche, bring them in before freezing weather.

How should nativity figures be stored after Epiphany?

Keep the original boxes and foam; Fontanini ships figures in the maker's packaging for this reason. Wrap painted figures in tissue, store upright in a dry room, and keep the LED stable's wiring coiled and dry. Label boxes by scale and piece.