Living Nativities in California

California Living nativity scenes and drive-thru nativities are popular church-sponsored events in California that include public displays and recreations of the birth of Jesus as told by the Christian Bible. Congregations produce these events (usually free) in outdoor, winter settings, often on or around church property. In 2012 a public religious display (not living nativity) was taken to court in a lawsuit involving free expression in public places. 

Christmas is the most celebrated religious event in the U.S. honoring the birthday of Jesus, always held on December 25.   The living nativity brings to life the stories that surround this 2000+ year old event that inspires people around the globe today. How big is Christianity that includes the belief in the birth of Jesus as a religious event? An estimated one-third of the global population, or well over 2 billion people are professed Christians.

Participants of nativities include Mary, Joseph and the manger with a baby Jesus, angels, shepherds, Wise Men, Caesar,   animals such as donkeys, sheep and lambs, and sometimes performing choirs. Drive-by or drive-through nativity scenes are popular, though walking tours are often an optional offering at outdoor nativities. In addition to the living nativities, you'll find nativity collections made of glass, wood, ceramics and clay that are displayed in public places.  Life-size versions (usually made of molded plastic)  are publicly lit with floodlights and often are called crèches.

AUBURN

BREA

CARMEL BY THE SEA

CLAREMONT  

CLOVIS  

ELK GROVE 

EUREKA

GLEN ELLEN  

HUNTINGTON BEACH  

JULIAN

LIVERMORE  

MODESTO

VACAVILLE

SALINAS - Streets of Bethlehem December 7-10, 2016,   6-8:30 p.m.
Annual Christmas event in Salinas is sponsored by First Baptist Church of Salinas. Rediscover the reason for the Christmas season. See shopkeepers, pet the animals, walk with Mary, Joseph and a cast of 300. Hear the Christmas music. Come walk on the streets of Bethlehem. Address: First Baptist Church of Salinas. Address: 1130 San Vincente Ave., Salinas, CA.  streetsofbethlehem.com (do not bring pets -- they scare the animals!)
 

ONTARIO Ontario Nativity scenes include religious creches exhibited on the Euclid Avenue median in downtown. Protected by wooden shelters, the dozen Nativity scenes between D and G streets tell the story of Jesus' birth. For 54 years, it has been a tradition for the scenes to go up in Ontario - through the help of volunteers - on the weekend before Thanksgiving and come down the first week in January. 

christmasoneuclid.com

The first living nativity was created by St. Francis of Assisi in 1223
A manger scene is the primary decoration in many European, Central American, and South American countries. St. Francis of Assisi created the first living nativity in 1224 to help explain the birth of Jesus to his followers.

 

Events and details are subject to change. Please confirm before going.