A showcase of the most beautiful ones, from artistic creations to “moving” nativity scenes,

these displays take over churches, parishes, streets, courtyards, and beyond…

For the past fourteen years, the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore has set up the traditional terracotta nativity scene with life-sized statues on the steps of Florence’s Duomo. The statues, donated by artisan Luigi Mariani and created at the Mital kiln in Impruneta, have been enriched this year with the addition of a new sheep beside the Holy Family, St. Francis, the angel, the ox, the donkey, and the shepherdess. This project not only celebrates Christmas but also highlights Florence’s ancient art of terracotta craftsmanship, which artists like Donatello and Brunelleschi revived in the 15th century. The nativity scene will remain by Giotto’s Bell Tower until Epiphany, when, during the traditional Cavalcade of the Magi, the terracotta figures will be replaced with living people and animals, making the display even more enchanting.

Inside the cathedral, there is also another stunning nativity scene.

The seventh edition of “Put a Nativity Scene in the Shop Window”, organized by the Florence Diocese, is back this year. About 200 nativity scenes will adorn the streets of Florence, spreading a universal message of brotherhood and welcome, symbolizing peace and hope. Even the two markets in the historic city center of San Lorenzo and Sant’Ambrogio, will host nativity scenes created and set up by young people. Other nativity scenes will appear in shop windows, crafted by merchants, artisan artists, or featuring images of various Nativity artworks found in the city’s museums.

“No to wars in the world” is the title chosen by street vendors for the nativity scene created by the “Survivors of San Lorenzo” association, located in San Lorenzo Square.

As is tradition, the Santo Spirito Nativity Scene is once again on display at the entrance of the Basilica of Santo Spirito. Created by Mariano Pieroni, this extraordinary work was developed between 1980 and 2012. It is a free and imaginative representation of the Nativity, featuring Florence’s churches and historic buildings alongside simple, handcrafted houses, brought to life with love and creativity to create a unique and fascinating setting.

More than just a simple electromechanical nativity scene, the one at the Don Orione Institute (Capo di Mondo street number 34) is a 50-square-meter display narrating the key moments in Jesus’ life. With moving figures, flowing water, the rising sun, the falling night, and nature’s sounds, this mechanized display surprises hundreds of visitors every year. At the same time, visitors can browse the Christmas charity market featuring items made by the institute’s students.

Don’t miss the artistic mechanized nativity scene at I Bassi in Isolotto (Argingrosso street, corner of de’ Bassi street), set up in the parish with over 60 moving characters and a narrating voice.

Finally, there’s a competition open to everyone, “Capannucce in Città”, now in its 23rd edition. Schools, parishes, shopkeepers, associations, and companies can participate. To join, register at capannucceincittà.it.