Definitive Ranking of Nativity Decorations

Posted on December 18th, 2024.

Wire Mess

This one makes me ill. If you've ever seen one of these in the daylight you know how nasty they look. The lights are spaced out way too much, and the white metal mesh is pure garbage. This photo is the best one of these has ever looked.0/10

Wire Mess

Fathead

This is terrifying. No depth, just a big photo. Too realistic looking, but with whitewashed Mary and Joseph. Something a grandma would have hanging in their house. Why did they ever make these? 0.5/10

Fathead

Nik-L-Nip

These always look faded and gross. Big pile of garbage in your front yard. Look terrible during the day, and terrible at night. Not sure how these got so popular. Once again, this photo is as good as it gets for these.1/10

Nik-a-Nip

Hyper Realistic

Externally lit options can look the same at any time of day if you have some good spotlights for the nighttime. Still prefer more artistic renditions than this. The faces with their dead eyes are too creepy.3/10

Hyper Realistic

Tron Bike

Another one that does not look good in the daylight, but the rope lights are notably better than the poorly spaced bulb variety. Can be decent if paired with other rope light decorations. 4.5/10

Tron Bike

Chicken Pox

Don't love the spots all over from the lights, but these hold up okay in the daylight. Decent artsy flair going on here. One of the more elegant options. 5/10

Chicken Pox

Inflatable

Traditionally not a fan of inflatable decorations, but a nativity one is so goofy I don't hate it. Just look at Joseph's mustache! 6/10

Inflatable

Paper Cutout

The OG. This one has the be the most popular style around. Inexpensive and simple without looking cheap. Point a spotlight at it and you're in business. 7.5/10

Paper Cutout

Stained Glass

The most tastefully designed. Looks good during the day and the soft lighting performs well at night. Another elegant option without being too creepy or tacky. 9/10

Stained Glass

Rags to Riches

Perfection. No flashy materials or fancy design. Reduces the scene to its most essential elements. Has a simple style that is uniquely its own. 10/10

Rags to Riches