ADVENT CALENDAR 2025

December 20

CHRISTIAN ULBRICHT NATIVITY PYRAMID

Christian Ulbricht GmbH & Co. KG
Seiffen, Germany
Painted wood
2012

This Christmas pyramid (Weihnachtspyramide), shaped like a Christmas tree, was crafted by the Christian Ulbricht company in Seiffen, Germany. Founded in 1928, the company is in the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains) region, known for its silver ore. As mining declined, locals turned to woodcarving. Today, Seiffen is still a key center for wooden toys, especially Christmas crafts like nutcrackers and incense smokers.

This pyramid features four levels, each with figures arranged on plates connected to a central spindle. At the top level, a shepherd tends to his flock. A group of angel musicians is below. The next level depicts the Holy Family and three wise men, while the bottom level shows Santa Claus in his sleigh, traveling through an evergreen forest.

Glencairn Museum’s World Nativities exhibition runs from November 28, 2025, to January 25, 2026. Visit us at Follow the Star: A 2025 Advent Calendar.