For many Catholic families, setting up the Nativity is the moment Christmas truly begins at home. If you've ever wanted a Nativity that grows with your family, Fontanini is one of the most loved choices. Here's how to start one and build it, piece by piece, over the years.
What is Fontanini?
Since 1908, the Fontanini family has crafted Nativity figures in Bagni di Lucca, in Tuscany, Italy. Their figures are designed to be collected: you can begin with the Holy Family and add shepherds, kings, animals, villagers and buildings every Christmas, so your scene becomes a family tradition.
Step 1: Choose your scale
The "scale" of a Nativity is the height of its tallest standing figure. The most popular Fontanini scale is 5 inches, which fits well on a mantel, buffet or side table and has the widest selection of figures and buildings. All the pieces in our Fontanini collection are 5" scale unless noted.
Step 2: Start with the Holy Family
The heart of every Nativity is Jesus, Mary and Joseph. You can start with the Fontanini Holy Family, Classic Style, or choose a set that already includes a stable, like the 3-figure Nativity with Italian stable or the 5-figure Nativity with Italian stable.
Step 3: Add the shepherds and animals
Shepherds were the first to hear the good news from the angels (Luke 2:8-20). Add figures like Jeremiah the Shepherd, sheep, a donkey and an ox to fill the stable with life.
Step 4: Welcome the Kings
Many families place the Three Kings across the room and move them a little closer each day until the Epiphany. See the 3-piece Kings set or the Three Kings on Animals.
Step 5: Build the village of Bethlehem
Once your Nativity is complete, the fun continues: villagers like Jareth the Drummer Boy, shops, wells and a stable backdrop turn your scene into a little town.
A tip for families
Place the Baby Jesus in the manger on Christmas Eve, as a family, before Midnight Mass or dinner. It's a simple way to help children remember Whose birthday we celebrate.
Want help choosing? Visit our showrooms in Doral and Kendall, Miami, or browse our full Nativity collection.
