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 many have continued, even through COVID, some haven’t, and some new ones have started.
So here they are -several live nativity events at churches in the Twin Cities this season, plus they’re all FREE! (Though donations may be accepted)
These are listed in order by DATE: (all are subject to change)
Grace of God Lutheran Church 420 Hayward Ave N Oakdale, MN 55128 Saturday, December 3rd 4:00 – 6:00pm
An interactive outdoor walk-through Christmas experience featuring a step back in time to see and hear the story of the first Christmas in Bethlehem. Including live music, take home crafts, and Christmas treats. ALL AGES ARE WELCOME!
St. John’s Lutheran Church 202 W. 8th St. Hastings, MN Saturday, December 3rd 5:00pm
Join us at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 202 W. 8th St. Hastings on Saturday, December 3rd, for our Living Nativity as we re-enact Christ’s birth. Free outdoor performances will be held on a continuous basis every 20 minutes beginning at 5pm. The last performance will be at 6:40 pm. Live cast and real animals including donkey, sheep, goats, and even a camel are part of the performance. Free refreshments will be be served inside the church. Everyone is welcome!
Live Nativity 3921 277th Ave NW Isanti, MN 55040 December 3rd from 4:00 – 7:00pm December 4th at 9:00am (during worship)
On Saturday, December 3rd and Sunday December 4th Long Lake Lutheran Church will be transformed into the town of Bethlehem. You can meet the angel Gabriel, who saw it all. Meet Mary & Joseph who heard and believed. Meet the innkeeper’s wife, the shepherds, and the wise men. You can smell the straw and you can see the live animals. See the beautiful baby Jesus and come away with the true meaning of Christmas in your heart. Bring your camera for picture opportunities. After your visit to Bethlehem join us in the fellowship hall for a chili and chicken wild rice soup supper
Christmas Family Adventure. Oak Hills Church 1570 Yankee Doodle Rd Eagan, MN Sunday, December 4th 3:30 – 6:00pm
Get in the Christmas spirit at Christmas Family Adventure! Kids can enjoy petting and playing with animals in our live Nativity, hopping on Santa’s sleigh to tell him what’s at the top of their wish list, and families can participate in crafts and karaoke while enjoying hot beverages. This event is FREE and fun for the whole family.
http://www.knollwoodcc.org/
Knollwood Christian Church 3639 Quebec Avenue South St. Louis Park, MN Friday, December 9th & Saturday, December 10th, 6:00 – 8:00pm
Come and enjoy the Christmas story with live animals and live people. ! http://www.ststephenwbl.org/
St. Stephen Lutheran Church 1965 East County Road E White Bear Lake, MN 55110 Saturday, December 17th 4:30 – 7:30pm
For 28+ years St. Stephen Lutheran Church in White Bear Lake has hosted a living nativity event. It’s listed on their calendar for 2022 here. Check their website for details.