Nativity scene setup in Exeter
Professional nativity scene setup services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-£110
Typical Duration
1-2 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Nativity scene set up and positioned beautifully for Christmas. Indoor displays arranged nicely, outdoor scenes secured against weather with lighting if you want it.
The Christmas Story on Display
A nativity scene is proper Christmas tradition - reminds everyone what it's actually about. Whether you want a simple indoor display or a full outdoor stable scene visible from the road, it should look meaningful, not rushed.
💡 Pro tip: Outdoor nativity scenes are becoming really popular in Devon villages. Drive through any parish in December and you'll see them in gardens and church grounds - lovely community feeling.
Indoor vs Outdoor Setup
Different locations, different challenges:
| Setup Type | What's Involved |
|---|---|
| Indoor | Arrange figures nicely, add stable backdrop, position lighting, create attractive scene |
| Outdoor | All the above PLUS weatherproofing, securing against wind, outdoor electrics, protecting from rain |
Why Professional Setup Helps
Setting out a few figures seems simple until the first Devon wind blows Mary across the garden, or your outdoor electrics trip because they're not rated for weather.
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Common Problems |
|---|---|
| Figures secured and balanced | Blown over in first storm |
| Outdoor electrics safe and waterproof | Tripping RCD or worse |
| Scene arranged to tell the story | Random jumble of figures |
| Weatherproof and protected | Soggy cardboard stable by New Year |
What You Get
⭐ The Full Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Planning | Work out best position for your scene |
| Setup | Arrange stable/backdrop, position all figures |
| Securing | Weight or stake everything (outdoor) |
| Lighting | Add illumination if wanted, test all safe |
| Weatherproof | Protect what needs protecting (outdoor) |
✨ You're Left With
- Beautiful nativity display
- Everything secured against weather
- Lighting working safely
- Scene ready for the whole season
Pricing Guide
| Display Type | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Indoor arrangement | 1 hr | £60 |
| Outdoor basic setup | 1.5 hrs | £85 |
| Outdoor with lighting & weather protection | 2 hrs | £110 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. You provide the nativity set, I provide the installation.
Perfect For Your Project If...
✅ Church or community display - needs doing properly and safely
✅ Outdoor scene - want it secure through December storms
✅ Garden feature - visible from the road, want it looking good
✅ Family tradition - make it special rather than rushed
Why Choose Us for Nativity scene setup in Exeter?
Figures positioned and secured properly
Outdoor displays weatherproofed and weighted
Lighting arranged and tested safely
Scene arranged to look balanced and attractive
What to Expect
Step 1: Position
I'll work out the best location (indoor or outdoor) where your scene will be seen and appreciated.
Step 2: Arrange
Stable backdrop goes up, figures positioned to tell the story clearly. Mary and Joseph near baby Jesus, shepherds approaching, wise men a bit distant (they came later after all).
Step 3: Secure & Light
Everything gets secured so it won't move. Lighting added if you want it, all tested and safe. Scene complete.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to set up your own nativity scene? Here's how to do it well:
⭐ Indoor display tips
- Position near a window so neighbours can see it
- Use a side table or mantlepiece as your base
- Add fabric (blue/brown) as ground covering
- Create levels with hidden boxes for depth
- LED tea lights for safe atmosphere
🌟 Outdoor display basics
- Choose sheltered spot if possible (against wall, under eave)
- Build or buy a stable structure first
- Position largest figures (Mary, Joseph) centrally
- Arrange animals and shepherds around them
- Baby Jesus front and centre (he's the point!)
- Secure everything - weight, stakes, or tie-downs
💡 Outdoor lighting
- Use outdoor-rated LED lights only
- Spotlights from ground level work well
- Warm white or soft yellow (not harsh blue-white)
- Run cables safely back to outdoor socket
- Use RCD protection (plug-in RCD adapters available cheap)
- Timer so lights come on automatically
⚠️ Weatherproofing
- Wooden/fabric pieces: treat with water repellent spray
- Cardboard stable: cover with tarp or replace with plywood
- Figures: weight bases with sand/gravel
- Electrics: outdoor junction boxes and weatherproof connections
- Bring valuable pieces in during severe weather warnings
💡 Pro trick: If your stable keeps blowing over, screw a couple of fence posts into the ground behind it and tie the stable frame to them with rope or wire. Invisible from the front, secure as anything.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
📅 Timing tradition: Many people wait until Christmas Eve to add baby Jesus to their scene, even if everything else is set up early December. Nice touch if you want to follow traditional practice.
Church displays often use this service. I've set up nativity scenes in church grounds, village greens, and community centres. Happy to help with larger public displays.
Real vs artificial stable - plywood lasts for years and can be stored, cardboard looks good but one wet December and it's toast. Depends if this is one-time or annual tradition.
Life-size outdoor scenes need more securing and usually multiple people to position. Give me a call to discuss these separately - bigger job than standard setup.
Taking it down in January? I can do that too. Properly stored, your nativity scene will last decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you set up nativity scenes indoors and outdoors?
Yes to both. Indoor is simpler - mainly arranging your figures nicely and maybe adding some lighting. Outdoor needs proper weatherproofing, securing figures so they don't blow away in Devon wind, and making sure electrics are safe if you're adding lights.
How do you stop outdoor nativity figures blowing over?
Depends on the figures. Lightweight ones I'll weight down with sandbags hidden behind them. Larger wooden ones can be staked into the ground. Metal frames get pegged like a tent. Whatever it takes to survive a good Devon gale.
Do you provide the nativity scene or just set up mine?
I set up yours. Nativity sets range from £30 Argos plastic ones to £300 hand-carved wooden displays - you choose what suits your budget and style, I make sure it's installed properly.
Can you add lighting to an outdoor nativity scene?
Absolutely. I'll use outdoor-rated lights and weatherproof connections. Usually LED spotlights to illuminate the stable, or string lights for atmosphere. All wired safely back to an outdoor socket.
How long does a nativity scene setup take?
Simple indoor arrangement is about an hour. Full outdoor display with lighting and weatherproofing can be 2 hours. More if you've got a big elaborate scene with multiple sections.
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