Putting together a Christmas pageant can be complicated and overwhelming, but it's easy to find nativity animal costumes. Nativity plays are fun for kids and adults, and having the perfect costumes can make the pageant even more special.
What are Nativity Plays?
Nativity plays are reenactments of the birth of Jesus, and they are an important part of Christian culture. Many churches perform nativity plays at Christmas time, and often the participants are children. Besides the characters of Mary, Joseph, Jesus, shepherds, angels, wise men, and various other human participants, the pageant typically includes several animals.
Animals in a Nativity Play
Although there are no set rules about which animals should be included in a nativity scene, the play traditionally includes sheep, donkeys, cows, and camels. Depending on the number of participants in the play, other animals are sometimes included.
Where to Find Nativity Animal Costumes
While you may find some costumes in your local Christian store or on sale after Halloween, the Internet is most likely your best resource for nativity costumes. You'll find outfits to accommodate a variety of sizes, and you can compare prices to get the best deals.
Sheep or Lamb Costumes
Sheep and lambs are an important part of any nativity play. If you have a large cast, you can have several children play sheep. Finding great deals on sheep costumes will allow you to have an entire flock.
- The Lamb/Sheep Hooded Costume from Brands on Sale is both affordable and practical.
- If you have toddlers in your production, this lamb costume is a great choice. The outfit is affordable, and while you need a pretty talented shepherd to herd toddlers, they make adorable lambs.
- Caufield's Novelty, Inc. has a great deal on a child-sized lamb jumpsuit with hood. This adorable costume comes in three sizes and would be perfect for your Christmas pageant.
Donkey Costumes
The donkey is also an important part of a Christmas pageant. A central element of the Christmas story is that Mary rode a donkey on the night of Jesus' birth. There are several styles of donkey costumes available, and you can easily find one that will be perfect for your production.
- A ride-on donkey costume from Sears could be the perfect way to portray Mary riding a donkey. The costume is affordable and fits a wide range of sizes.
- Century Novelty has an affordable donkey hat and vest costume. Because the costume is fairly basic, it can fit children of many sizes. You can also save by buying in bulk.
Cow Costumes
Oxen and cows are traditionally a part of Christmas plays, and you'll find a wide variety of costume options available online.
- Oriental Trading Company has an inexpensive cow vest and hat that will fit a range of sizes. This option would be perfect for many Nativity plays, and the price lets you accommodate a whole herd of cows if necessary.
- There are cow costumes in every size at Costume Craze. This site has toddler and baby costumes, child costumes, and even adult cow costumes. You're sure to find what you need for your nativity pageant.
Camel Costumes
Traditionally, the three wise men are depicted with camels. The wise men can either ride the camels or lead the camels as they walk.
- This ride-on camel costume from Century Novelty is a perfect solution if you want the wise men to be riding camels.
- This plastic camel mask from International Fun-Shop is a really inexpensive way to help kids dress up as camels. For just a few dollars, you can afford to have several camels participate in your production.
Other Animals
You can include any type of farm animal in your nativity play. Because the scene takes place in a stable, no farm animal will seem out of place. Here are some additional options for nativity animals:
- Pigs
- Ducks
- Chickens
- Geese
- Dogs
- Goats
- Llamas
Regardless of which animals you choose to include, you'll have no trouble finding affordable, practical nativity animal costumes online.
