“Live Nativity” Events (2017)

Leading up to the Christmas season, my daughter kept asking and and asking, When would she get to play with her nativity set? Now that it’s out of the box and on display, I love watching her play out the story of Jesus’ birth, especially as she discovers more about its significance each year.

One really great way to share the story of the first Christmas with kids is to take them to see a “live nativity”—a depiction of the story of Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, and their visitors using live actors and sometimes even animals. If you’re interested in sharing that experience with your kids—we are!—here are a few opportunities you’ll find in our area this Christmas:

Walk to the Stable

Oliver Kelley Farm, Elk River Friday, December 15 | 6–8pm
Join Northern Light Church for a candlelit walk through history with live actors portraying characters from the story of the first Christmas all the way to the historic barn with a live nativity featuring live animals. Refreshments and children’s crafts will be available in the visitor’s center. (Free admission)
More info: facebook.com/events/1187208298077958/

The Living Nativity

Buffalo Covenant Church Saturday, Dec. 16 & Sunday, Dec. 17 | 5–7pm
The Living Nativity is an interactive, walk-through event with live character portrayals of the wise men, shepherds, soldiers, angels, Mary, Joseph and baby, AND a stable filled with live animals, including sheep, goats, a donkey, cow, horses and a real live camel! New this year—a marketplace!
Free admission (cookies and hot chocolate served)
More info: facebook.com/events/171289186799948

A Night in Bethlehem

Christ Church, Otsego Tuesday, Dec. 19 & Thursday, Dec. 21 | 5:30–7:30pm
Visitors will be transported back through time to the city as its residents celebrate the birth of Jesus. Kids and their families will take a journey through the Bethlehem Marketplace and visit seven stations, including the stable, carpentry shop, and Bethlehem bakery!
Suggested donation: $5/child
More info & Register: christchurchotsego.org/children/a-night-in-bethlehem

Live Outdoor Nativity

Church of St. Albert, Albertville Tuesday, December 26 | 5–7pm
See volunteers portraying Mary, Joseph, Shepherds, Angels, and Wise Men outside of St. Albert’s Parish Center. Then come indoors to enjoy hot dogs, chips, hot cocoa, cider, and cookies as well as fellowship and crafts for kids.
More info: churchofstalbert.org (PDF flyer)