One of the most special and unique experiences your family can have during the Christmas season is to visit a live nativity event. When I grew up in Duluth we would go to one in our neighborhood and it was always a popular and fun event. It’s exciting for kids to see the Christmas story played out with costumed characters and live animals.
There are several live nativity events at churches in the Twin Cities this weekend, December 16th – 18th, and all of them include an opportunity to come inside, warm up with refreshments and even enjoy some more family activities! Plus they’re all FREE! (though donations may be accepted)
Knollwood Christian Church
3639 Quebec Avenue South
St. Louis Park, MN
Friday, December 16th &
Saturday, December 17th
6:00 – 8:00pm
(Drive-by Nativity)
Come experience the events surrounding that very first Christmas. For many years now, many families and individuals make visiting our Live Nativity a Christmas tradition. You’ll see many live animals and members of the church dressed up in costumes portraying the events surrounding Jesus’ birth. And afterwards you’re invited to come inside and enjoy some delicious treats. It all takes place on the lawn of the church on December 16th & 17th from 6-8pm. The event is free but they accept all donations to their local food shelf.
St. Stephen Lutheran Church
1965 East County Road E
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Saturday, December 17th
4:30 – 7:30pm
For the 24th year, St. Stephen Lutheran Church in White Bear Lake is hosting a FREE living nativity event. It’s family friendly, fun, and interactive and includes live animals. In previous years there has been an open house in the church with live music, refreshments, a kids area, and more!
Messiah United Methodist Church
17805 County Road 6
Plymouth, MN 55447
Sunday, December 18th
6:00 – 7:00pm
At Messiah for the past four years, the Living Nativity event has become a special opportunity to witness the Christmas story. Through the collective efforts of numerous and dedicated volunteers, Messiah’s building is transformed into a magical and authentic scene of Bethlehem at the time of Jesus’ birth.
Messiah will be presenting a Living Nativity to the Plymouth community and beyond on Sunday, December 18 from 6-7 p.m. The Living Nativity event offers a variety of opportunities to learn and hear the story of Jesus’ birth with five scenes sharing the story: Gabriel visiting Mary, the Wise Men visiting with King Herod, the Shepherds, the Inn, and the Manger with baby Jesus. Live animals will also be at the Living Nativity, along with a search spotlight to guide people to this special event.
ASL Interpretation: Two guided tours through the Living Nativity will be led by an ASL interpreter: one at 6:20 p.m. and one at 6:40 p.m. In addition, an ASL interpreter will be available at the 7 p.m. early candlelight Christmas service that follows the Living Nativity.
Do you know of any other live nativity events or other free family events at churches this weekend? Share them in the comments!