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!
I’ve done this guide every year for a few years and I have found that some churches have cancelled their annual live nativity events, but some have adapted to COVID.
So despite COVID, there are several live nativity events at churches in the Twin Cities this month, but this year they’re all drive-thru events! Plus they’re all FREE! (though donations may be accepted)
Easter Lutheran Church
4545 Pilot Knob Road
Eagan, MN 55122
Sunday, December 13th 5:00 – 7:00pm
Christmas Story Drive-Through! You’re invited to drive into Easter by the Lake from Cliff Road and weave through the parking lot to hear and see the Christmas Story unfold. Over 14,000 lights will decorate the parking lot and five different scenes will tell the story. You might even get to see Pastor Brandon in a camel outfit! All three pastors will greet you as you make your way to the manger scene. Invite your neighbors and friends. This event is free and open to everyone in the community. It will be a must-see!
St. Stephen Lutheran Church
1965 East County Road E
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Saturday, December 19th 4:30 – 7:30pm
Flyer: http://www.ststephenwbl.org/LN_Flyer_2020.pdf
For 27 years St. Stephen Lutheran Church in White Bear Lake has hosted a living nativity event. And this year it will be a DRIVE-THRU event with music and live animals!
Messiah Church
17805 County Road 6
Plymouth, MN 55447
Sunday, December 13th 4:00 – 5:00pm
You are invited to jump in the car and drive though Messiah’s parking lot on Sunday, December 13, 4-5 pm, for a quick Christmas Drive-Thru. Meet the three Wise Men (rumor has it Pastor Steve may be in costume!), hear a Christmas carol from our carolers, and pick up your Christmas Eve candles, glow sticks for the kids, and a keepsake Living Nativity ornament (while supplies last). No ticket or reservation is required for this new event.
Shepherd of the Valley
12650 Johnny Cake Ridge Rd.
Apple Valley, Minnesota
Saturday, Dec. 19th & Sunday, Dec. 20th at 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Located in the Shepherd of the Valley parking lot! Be sure to register for your family’s 30 minute timeslot (limit: 360 spots): sotv.org/drive-through-live-nativityotv.org/drive-through-live-nativity. Experience the magic and beauty of a most holy night with live music, animals, and costumed characters who will help bring to life the story of our Savior’s birth.
Outside the Twin Cities
Zwingli UCC
23148 County Highway 24
Berne, Minnesota
Sunday, December 20th 6:00 – 8:00pm
Enjoy our drive through live nativity – animals and all – at Zwingli UCC, home of Berne Wood-Fired Pizza – on Sunday, December 20th from 6-8 PM. This all ages event will be a wonderful way to welcome in Christmas in a safe way this holiday season
Do you know of any other Live Nativity Events in the Twin Cities? Let me know!