Royal Mail unveils five traditional Nativity scenes for its 2026 Christmas stamps, marking 60 years since the first festive issue

Designer Gareth Howat and illustrator Rebecca Sutherland created the five-stamp set together, depicting Mary and Joseph travelling, the infant Jesus, an angel, the shepherds and the Three Wise Men in bold, colourful illustrations. Sutherland, who collected stamps as a child, called the commission a career highlight and described the honour as sitting at the top of her list for years.

The 60th anniversary commemorates the first Christmas stamps issued on 1 December 1966, born from a children's art competition launched by postmaster general Tony Benn.

Royal Mail is urging customers to post early, with key deadlines of 18 December for second-class mail and 21 December for first-class and Tracked 24.

The Christmas unveiling follows Royal Mail's recent release of Armistice Day stamps marking 110 years since the Battle of the Somme, going on sale on 11 November.