Royal Mail unveils traditional Nativity scenes for its 2026 Christmas stamps, 60 years after the very first festive set

Designer Gareth Howat and illustrator Rebecca Sutherland jointly created the five-stamp series, depicting Mary and Joseph travelling, the infant Jesus, an angel, the shepherds and the Three Wise Men. Sutherland, who collected stamps as a child, called the commission a career highlight. Royal Mail is urging customers to post early, with the last dates for second class, first class and tracked services falling between December 18 and 21.

The 1966 originals were drawn from a children's art competition that then-postmaster general Tony Benn launched.

Royal Mail's David Gold said receiving a card at Christmas is 'very special' and hopes the stamps add 'festive magic' to millions of greetings.

Recent years' Christmas stamps featured snowy cathedrals and carol lyrics — making this year's return to Nativity scenes a deliberate nod to tradition.