Nativity Scene

Christmas · religious art · storytelling

Holiday Tradition. Nativity scenes are displays set up especially during Christmas to show the story of Jesus being born in Bethlehem. Many families, churches, and towns create these scenes to celebrate the Christmas story.

Made of Figures. Nativity scenes use individual sculptures and figures to show the people and animals present at Jesus's birth. You might see Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, shepherds, wise men, donkeys, sheep, and other animals arranged together.

Art and Decoration. These scenes are a special kind of seasonal art display that combines sculptures, props, landscapes, and lighting to bring the story to life. Artists and families work together to make them beautiful and meaningful.

Tells a Story. Each nativity scene shows the moment Jesus was born in a stable, with the people and animals that were there according to Christian tradition. The arrangement of the figures helps tell this important religious story.