Outdoor nativity setup in Exeter
Professional outdoor nativity 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
Outdoor nativity scene positioned securely and lit beautifully for Christmas. I'll stake it down properly, run safe outdoor wiring, and make sure it looks great - no leaning shepherds or tangled cables.
Make Your Christmas Display Actually Stay Put
You've got a lovely nativity scene. Now you need it to survive a Devon December without ending up face-down in the lawn after the first windy night.
💡 Pro tip: The number one problem with DIY nativity displays? Not staking them properly. Devon gets windy in winter, and those hollow plastic figures catch the wind like sails.
Why Proper Setup Matters
Here's what separates a beautiful Christmas display from a sad heap in the flowerbeds:
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Figures staked through base into ground | Just plonked on the grass |
| Outdoor-rated connections, RCD protected | Indoor extension leads outside |
| Cables buried or clipped safely | Trip hazards everywhere |
| Positioned for visibility and stability | Shoved anywhere there's space |
What You Get
🎨 The Full Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Position | We find the best spot - visible, level enough, near power |
| Secure | Each piece properly staked, won't blow over |
| Light | Safe outdoor wiring, everything weatherproof |
| Test | Lights on, scene looking good, you're happy |
📦 You're Left With
- Christmas display that stays put through winter weather
- Safe outdoor electrical connections
- Professional-looking scene that'll last all December
- No tangled mess of cables
Pricing Guide
| Setup Complexity | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Small nativity (5-6 pieces, minimal lighting) | 1 hr | £60 |
| Medium display (8-10 pieces, some lighting) | 1.5 hrs | £85 |
| Large scene (12+ pieces, full lighting) | 2 hrs | £110 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Pack-down in January usually 30 mins less.
Perfect For Your Christmas If...
✅ You've got the display - just need it set up properly
✅ Windy location - exposed front garden or hillside property
✅ Want it to look professional - not like you chucked it out the door
✅ Busy December - one less thing to stress about
Why Choose Us for Outdoor nativity setup in Exeter?
Securely staked to withstand Devon weather
Safe outdoor wiring for lights
Positioned for best visibility
Packed away safely when you're ready
What to Expect
Step 1: Position & Plan
We'll decide exactly where the scene goes, check we've got outdoor power nearby, and plan the layout. I'll advise on what works best for your space.
Step 2: Stake & Secure
Each figure gets properly anchored. I use ground stakes through the bases and sometimes additional support for taller pieces. It's staying put through whatever December throws at it.
Step 3: Wire & Light
Safe outdoor electrical setup - RCD protection, weatherproof connections, cables run neatly. Then we test everything, make any adjustments, and you've got a beautiful display ready for the season.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to set up your nativity scene yourself? Here's how to do it properly:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Ground stakes or tent pegs (one per figure minimum)
- Rubber mallet or hammer
- Outdoor-rated extension cable(s)
- Weatherproof cable connectors
- RCD plug adapter (for safety)
- Spade (for burying cables if needed)
⚓ Staking properly
- Don't just stand figures on grass - they WILL blow over
- Drive stakes through the base holes or attach to the back
- Get at least 6 inches into firm ground
- Taller pieces (camels, wise men) may need two stakes
- Test by pushing - if it rocks, it's not secure enough
💡 Outdoor lighting safety
- Use only outdoor-rated extension cables (look for IP rating)
- Connect through an RCD adapter - protects against electric shock
- Keep connections off the ground if possible
- Never use indoor fairy lights outside (moisture = danger)
- Bury or clip cables to avoid trip hazards
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Using indoor extension leads outside (fire/shock risk)
- Not staking properly - figures blow over first windy night
- Running cables across pathways (trip hazard, especially when dark)
- Forgetting to plan power source location first
💡 Pro trick: For figures on hard surfaces (patio, gravel), use sandbags inside hollow bases instead of stakes. Fill ziplock bags with sand or gravel and wedge them in. Cheaper than weighted bases and works just as well.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🎄 Taking it down? Most people book me for pack-down in early January too. I'll disconnect everything safely, clean off the mud, and pack it properly. Usually takes 30-45 mins, so cheaper than setup.
Setting up other Christmas decorations at the same time? Let me know - I can hang outdoor lights, position illuminated reindeer, set up Christmas trees, whatever you need. Doing it all in one visit saves you money.
Renting your property? Many landlords now add professional Christmas displays to rentals - makes properties stand out and photograph beautifully. I work with several letting agents around Exeter doing this.
Old or damaged figures? I can often repair cracked bases, replace broken stakes, or suggest simple fixes. Mention it when you book and I'll bring appropriate supplies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does outdoor nativity setup involve?
I position your nativity scene where you want it, stake it securely so it won't blow over in our Devon winds, run any lighting safely using outdoor-rated connections, and make sure everything looks good from the road or garden. You get a display that stays put through December.
Do I need to buy the nativity scene myself?
Yes - there's such a range of styles and sizes that most people already have one or want to choose their own. I'll set up whatever you've got, from small stable scenes to large illuminated figures.
Can you set it up on uneven ground or slopes?
Absolutely. Most Exeter gardens aren't perfectly flat. I'll stake it properly and level the key pieces so Mary and Joseph aren't leaning drunkenly. That's half the job really - making it look right on real-world ground.
How long does it take to set up?
Most nativity scenes take 1-2 hours depending on size and how elaborate the lighting is. Small stable with a few figures? Under an hour. Large illuminated scene with extension cables to run? Closer to two hours.
Will you take it down after Christmas too?
Yes - most people book me to pack it away in early January. I'll disconnect everything safely, clean off any mud, and pack it properly so it stores well for next year. Same pricing - usually quicker as I know where everything goes.
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