🎄 Complete or Modular Nativity Scene? Our Guide to Choosing the Right One
Looking for the perfect nativity scene for your Christmas but unsure whether to go with a complete nativity scene or build it piece by piece ? This guide will help you make the right decision based on your space, budget, and style.
📊 Quick Comparison: Complete Nativity Scene vs. Modular Nativity Scene
| Characteristic | Complete Nativity Scene | Modular Nativity Scene |
|---|---|---|
| Price | €275 - €977 (all inclusive) | From €50 and up (build gradually) |
| Set-up time | 15-30 minutes | Variable (you can expand every year) |
| Personalization | Limited (default set) | Total (choose each character) |
| Ideal for | Who wants everything right away, families, gifts | Collectors, traditionalists, flexible budget |
| Space required | Defined by the set (40-80cm) | You decide (from mini to monumental) |
When to Choose a Complete Nativity Scene
The complete nativity scene is the perfect choice if:
- 🎁 It's your first nativity scene and you want a turnkey solution
- ⏰ You have little time to search and match the pieces
- 🎨 You want guaranteed harmony - all characters are from the same collection and height
- 💝 Are you looking for a meaningful gift for family or friends?
- 📦 Prefer convenience - all in one box, easy to store
Discover all our complete nativity scenes!
🌟 Our Most Popular Complete Nativity Scenes
1. Leonardo Nativity Scene Complete with Stable and 20 Figurines - €901.90
The Absolute Best Seller
✓ 20 hand-carved maple wood characters
✓ Stable included with architectural details
✓ Figure height: 12-15cm
✓ Style: Classic Tyrolean with natural colouring
✓ Perfect for those looking for premium quality and completeness
2. Complete Nativity Set with 24 Characters - €977.90
The Richest Collection
✓ 24 figures for a complete Christmas scene
✓ Includes Three Kings, shepherds, animals and accessories
✓ Solid wood from Val Gardena
✓ Ideal for those who want maximum completeness
3. Complete Modern Nativity Scene in Wood with 15 Statuettes - €486.90
Contemporary Style
✓ 15 characters with minimalist design
✓ Clean and modern lines
✓ Perfect for contemporary interiors
✓ For those who love tradition with a modern touch
4. Complete Nativity Scene with 26 Characters - €474.90
Best Value for Money
✓ 26 pieces at an affordable price
✓ Complete scene with all traditional characters
✓ Perfect for families and first time buyers
5. Complete Nativity Scene with 14 Wooden Characters - €275.90
Compact Solution
✓ 14 essential figures
✓ Ideal for small spaces
✓ Affordable price without compromising on quality
✓ Perfect for apartments or as a second nativity scene
🎁 Complete Nativity Scene: Advantages and Disadvantages
✅ Advantages
- Stylistic harmony guaranteed (same sculptor, same finish)
- Cost savings compared to purchasing separately
- All ready in one box
- Perfect as an important gift
- Easy to store year after year
❌ Disadvantages
- Less customization
- Higher initial investment
- Non-expandable (closed set)
When to Choose a Modular Nativity Scene
The modular nativity scene is the ideal choice if:
- 📚 Are you a collector and want to add pieces every year?
- 🎭 You have a specific style in mind and want to choose every detail
- 💰 You prefer to spread the spending over time
- 🏛️ Do you want to create a monumental nativity scene with multiple scenes?
- ❤️ It's a family tradition to pass down and add pieces
- 🎯 You're looking for specific characters (patron saints, regional scenes)
Discover all our nativity scene figures
🛠️ How to Build Your Perfect Modular Nativity Scene
Step 1: Start with the Basics (Budget: €150-200)
- ✓ Holy Family (Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus)
- ✓ Hut or stable
- ✓ Ox and donkey
Step 2: Add Classic Characters (Budget: €100-150)
- ✓ The Three Wise Men with camels
- ✓ Shepherds (2-3 figures)
- ✓ Announcing Angel
Step 3: Expand the Scene (Variable Budget)
- ✓ Nativity animals (sheep, goats, chickens)
- ✓ Village characters (bakers, fishermen, craftsmen)
- ✓ Accessories and scenography
Modular Nativity Scene: Advantages and Disadvantages
✅ Advantages
- Total customization
- Spending spread over time
- You can add pieces every year (family tradition)
- Choose only the characters you love
- Infinitely expandable
❌ Disadvantages
- It requires more time and research
- Risk of mixing styles/heights
- Potentially higher final cost
- Planning is needed
❓ Quiz: Which Nativity Scene Is Right for You?
Answer these 5 questions:
- Is this your first nativity scene?
- YES → Complete Nativity Scene
- NO, I already have one → Modular Nativity Scene
- How much space do you have available?
- Less than 50cm → Complete Nativity Scene with 14 Characters
- 50-80cm → Leonardo Nativity Scene
- More than 1 meter → Expandable Modular Nativity Scene
- What's your budget?
- Up to €300 → Complete Nativity Scene with 14 Characters
- €300-€500 → Nativity Scene with 26 Characters or Modern Nativity Scene
- €500-€1000 → Leonardo Nativity Scene or Set of 24 Characters
- Flexible Budget → Modular Nativity Scene (build over time)
- Do you prefer classic or modern style?
- Classic Tyrolean → Raphael Nativity Scene
- Modern Minimalist → Modern Nativity Scene 15 Statuettes
- I want to choose → Modular Nativity Scene
- When do you want to set it up?
- Now, this Christmas → Complete Nativity Scene
- It's a long-term project → Modular Nativity Scene
⚠️ 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Nativity Scene
- ❌ Mixing different heights
If you choose modular, keep the same scale (e.g., all 12cm figures). Our collections are organized by height. - ❌ Underestimating the space needed
Measure first! A nativity scene with 20 figures requires at least 60-80 cm of surface area. - ❌ Buying without a shed/stable
The hut is the visual focal point. If you choose modular design, always start with the hut. - ❌ Do not consider conservation
Complete nativity scenes come with original packaging, perfect for year-round storage. - ❌ Waiting too long to order
⏰ Order by December 10th to receive in time for Christmas!
🏔️ Why Choose a DOLFI Nativity Scene from Val Gardena?
All our nativity scenes, complete or modular, are:
- ✓ Hand-sculpted by master craftsmen in Val Gardena
- ✓ Solid maple wood from the Dolomites
- ✓ Natural coloring with non-toxic oils and waxes
- ✓ Certificates of authenticity Made in Italy
- ✓ Lifetime warranty on craftsmanship quality
- ✓ Tradition since 1950 - 75 years of excellence
Discover the history of DOLFI craftsmanship →
📦 Shipping and Delivery for Christmas 2025
- 🚚 Free shipping in Italy for orders over €150
- 📦 Premium packaging with multiple protections
- ⏰ Order by December 10th for guaranteed delivery before Christmas
- 🎁 Gift wrapping available upon request
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I add pieces to a complete nativity scene?
Yes! You can always expand a complete nativity scene by purchasing individual characters from the same collection. Contact us to check availability of the same line.
What height of figurines should I choose?
It depends on the space:
- 8-10cm : Table or shelf nativity scenes
- 12-15cm : Standard size (the most popular)
- 20cm+ : Monumental or church nativity scenes
How are wooden nativity scenes preserved?
Store in a dry place, away from heat sources. Complete nativity scenes come in their original packaging, perfect for storage. Read the complete storage guide →
Can I customize a complete nativity scene?
Complete sets are pre-defined, but we offer customization service upon request for special orders.
🎯 Our Final Recommendation
Choose a COMPLETE NATIVITY SCENE if:
- It's your first nativity scene
- You want everything now without worries
- Are you looking for an important gift?
- You have a set budget (€275-€977)
👉 Our TOP recommendation: Leonardo Complete Nativity Scene - the best seller for quality and completeness
Choose a MODULAR NATIVITY SCENE if:
- Are you a collector or enthusiast?
- Do you want to customize every detail?
- You prefer to build over time
- Do you already have a nativity scene to expand?
👉 Our advice: Start with Holy Family + Stable, then add each year
🛒 Ready to Order?
Explore all our collections:
- 🎄 All Complete Nativity Scenes
- 👨👩👦 Single Figurines - Matteo Collection or Raffaello Collection
- 🏠 Huts and Stables
- 🐑 Nativity Scene Animals
📞 Need help choosing?
Contact our experts: info@dolfi.com | Tel: +39 0471 123456
Or visit our showrooms in Ortisei (Dolfiland) , Padua or Bergamo Alta .
⏰ Remember: Order by December 10th to receive your nativity scene in time for Christmas 2025!
