21 Fun Nativity Sets for Kids to play with! These engaging nativity sets are designed for play and will keep children entertained for hours in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
My own children and the kids in my care have always enjoyed playing with nativity sets. Most kids are captivated when the figures are movable and can be arranged around the manger to create new scenes in the stable.
Many traditional nativity sets are fragile and therefore off-limits for little hands, which is a shame. A child-friendly nativity set offers hours of imaginative play and a gentle way for kids to learn the nativity story and the meaning behind the season.
Fortunately, there are many interactive nativity sets today made specifically for children. These allow kids to explore the story of Jesus’ birth through hands-on play.
I’m excited to share a selection of great options for you to consider.
P.S. Your kids might also enjoy some fun advent calendars to count down the days until Christmas.
You can also find ideas for homemade nativity ornaments to complement a play set.
This collection includes nativity toys from familiar brands as well as traditional and creative play sets. Every option here is kid-friendly and built for handling.
You’ll find nativity puzzles, magnetic sets and window clings, buildable sets, felt and fabric versions, nesting dolls, quiet books with finger puppets, and even paintable figures for crafty kids.
These sets suit children roughly aged 2–10 and will provide learning and play throughout the holiday season.
Click on images or the links beneath them for more details or to find the sets through retailers.
21 Awesome Nativity Sets for Kids
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Below are some favourite kids’ brands that make durable, play-friendly nativity sets.
Nativity Sets by Kids’ Brands you Know and Love
The Fisher Price Little People – A Christmas Story
The Fisher Price Little People Nativity set is a top pick for toddlers and preschoolers. It includes a stable, accessories and 12 chunky figures. The star lights up and plays “Away in the Manger.” Many families use it as an advent tradition, adding pieces daily until baby Jesus is placed on Christmas morning.
Expandable add-ons like a 3 Wisemen pack and a Lil’ Shepherd set are available separately.
Melissa and Doug Wooden Nativity Set
This Melissa and Doug set is a lovely starter nativity for young children. The wooden characters and creche are sturdy and easy to handle. It includes a retelling of the biblical story so kids can act it out, and the cradle is reversible—empty until Christmas morning, then flipped to reveal baby Jesus.
Safari Ltd. Nativity SuperTOOB
Safari Ltd’s Nativity TOOBS are well-made, durable figures perfect for sensory bins, advent activities, stocking stuffers, or play.
Nativity Sets Kids Can Build
Playmobil Stable and Manger Set & 3 Wise Kings Set
Playmobil offers several buildable nativity sets for children who enjoy assembling scenes. Options include the classic stable and manger with a lighted lantern and a separate 3 Wise Kings set with camel, saddle and accessories.
Kids’ Ultimate Nativity Set by Nativity Bricks
For LEGO fans, nativity brick sets let children build their own scenes. These sets are compatible with LEGO-style bricks; one option contains 315 pieces and is recommended for ages 9 and up.
Trinity Toyz Nativity Set
Similar to the brick nativity above, the Trinity Toyz set is built from compatible plastic bricks and suits younger builders, generally ages 5 and up.
Wooden Nativity Blocks
Wooden nativity blocks are a wonderful beginner option for babies and toddlers. Each block features a nativity image printed in non-toxic ink, and many sets are produced domestically in the USA.
Nesting Nativity Dolls
Christmas Nesting Dolls
Wooden nesting dolls offer a tactile way for young children to learn the Christmas story while practicing size recognition and fine motor skills.
Traditional Nativity Sets
Kids Nativity Scene with Creche by Holiday Lane
Holiday Lane offers several nativity sets. A larger creche-style set provides a classic display, though some ceramic-style pieces can break if handled roughly, so this option is better for older, careful children.
Kurt Adler Hand-Carved Child’s 1st Nativity Set
A hand-carved, hand-painted wooden nativity set is a treasured keepsake. Though pricier, the large, lightweight pieces are ideal for toddlers and preschoolers to handle safely.
Magnetic Nativity Scene
Kurt Adler 24-pc Magnetic Nativity Scene
Magnetic nativity sets are great for kids who love magnets. With a 24-piece set on a magnetic backdrop, children can recreate the story repeatedly. The backdrop often includes short descriptions of each character, and the magnets work well as a countdown activity for advent.
Felt and Fabric Nativity Sets
32-Pc Felt Nativity Set
A 32-piece felt nativity set is ideal for Sunday School or home advent activities. Children can add one piece each day to a flannel board until baby Jesus is placed on Christmas morning. Note: the flannel board usually isn’t included.
Talicor Plush Nativity Set – with Storage Case
This fabric nativity set is both soft and smartly designed. The stable doubles as a storage case with a handle so children can tuck the figures inside and carry them around easily.
Nativity Wall Hanging with Plush Moveable Figures
A plush wall-hanging nativity set works well at home or in a classroom. Velcro-backed pieces attach to the hanging scene and can be rearranged; a pocket on the back stores the figures when not in use.
Nativity Quiet Book with Finger Puppets
Busy books with finger puppets are perfect for quiet time, travel or waiting rooms. Characters tuck inside a zippered book for tidy storage and easy portability.
Nativity Puzzles for Toddlers and Preschoolers
Peace on Earth Chunky Wooden Puzzle
A chunky wooden nativity shape puzzle introduces the story through colourful, tactile pieces that build fine motor skills and problem solving.
Melissa and Doug 6-Sided Cube Puzzle
This 6-sided cube puzzle features a nativity scene on one face and other beloved Bible stories on the remaining sides—six puzzles in one compact toy.
Nativity Window Clings
Forty-piece peel-and-stick nativity window clings let kids create scenes on windows, mirrors or doors throughout the holiday season.
Kids’ Paintable Nativity Figures
Paintable ceramic nativity figures are a fun family craft. Sets typically include several figures, brushes and paint pots so children can decorate their own nativity characters.
There you have it—21 family-friendly nativity sets and activities to keep kids engaged and learning this holiday season.
These durable, child-focused sets can become holiday traditions, helping children discover the meaning of Christmas through play.
If you prefer a DIY approach, you can make a kid-friendly nativity set using cardboard rolls and fabric scraps for a simple, reusable alternative.
How about a re-useable advent calendar for your family?
If you want an advent calendar that can be used and enjoyed year after year, consider reusable options that double as toys and learning tools.
Looking for classic Christmas movies to watch with the family this year? Create a short list of favourites to enjoy together during the season.