You can set up a nativity scene with figurines at home (there are even little people nativity sets for young children to play with), but a live reenactment really makes the first Christmas come alive for your kids. Use our roundup to find a live Nativity near you and introduce your kids to a special experience this Christmas season.

While we do our best to offer accurate information, please always call ahead to double check with the organizers website before visiting.

Plan now which events to attend – Use our list below to choose the live nativity event(s) you want to attend and block the date in your calendar now. That way you won't forget when the day comes.

Set the Stage Before You Go – Have a conversation with your kids about Jesus's birth and read Luke 2:1-20 out loud together before visiting. This will help make the experience more meaningful and bring the scripture reading to life for the whole family. 

Set realistic expectations with your kids – Let them know that they might have to patiently wait in line to see some of the scenes. If you have a child who gets frightened by strange animals, explain that some of the animals might be large and they should keep their distance. If your child has never seen nativity animals up close before, it might be helpful and fun to find and play the “noises they make” beforehand.

Arrive early – Or right on time. Holiday events are very popular and can become crowded fast. If you wait until the event is in full swing, you might not get to spend as much time enjoying each scene.

Be prepared to walk and stand – Bringing a stroller or wagon for little ones is probably best.

Protect your kids (and yourself!) from the weather – Many of the events are held outdoors. Consider wearing layers so everyone is comfortable even in the cold.

Pack your own snacks – Pack plenty of water and bring along some food to snack on while you are waiting in line. If you'd prefer to purchase your food, check to see if there will be food available to purchase onsite before you go.

Remember your camera – Make sure your phone is charged or bring along a camera to capture the fun kid/nativity photo ops.

Check the forecast before you go – Most of the events are weather-dependent. Always check the host website or Facebook page if the weather forecast doesn't look promising.

Find a Live Nativity Near You

FREE Berlin's Live Nativity Parade
Celebrate the true meaning of the Christmas Season with a Live Nativity Parade on Main St. Mary & Joseph, live animals, wise men, shepherds, carolers, and more will walk from the Village Gift Barn to the square where the Christmas Story will be read; and we will have a candle lighting service and caroling after the parade. {Find Out More}
Where: Berlin Main Street Merchants, 4900 Oak St., Berlin, OH 44610
When: Friday, November 26, 2021

FREE Live Nativity at Willoughby United Methodist Church
Join Willoughby UMC for their annual Live Nativity during the Downtown Willoughby Tree Lighting. Enjoy live animals, hot chocolate, Christmas music in Sanctuary, gifts for kids, and family photo spots. {Find Out More}
Where: 15 Public Square (Beside Willoughby City Hall), Willoughby, OH 44094 (Enter Prospect St. from River St. on the south side of the church.)
When: Thursday, December 2, 2021

FREE Annual Journey to Bethlehem in Walnut Creek
Experience the sights and sounds that Joseph and Mary may have experienced as they journeyed to Bethlehem. Some of the activities of the journey include registering for taxation, just as Mary and Joseph did, and experiencing the Bethlehem marketplace. Participants will also meet biblical characters and share a fireside with shepherds and their flocks. The journey ends with a live Nativity scene. Stops may be visited in any order. Both walking and driving are required. {Find Out More}
Where: The first stop on the Journey is Walnut Creek Mennonite Church, 2619 County Road 144, Sugarcreek, OH, 44681. Stop here first to register and receive a map of the other stops.
When: December 3-4, 2021

FREE Old-Fashioned Williamsburg Christmas Celebration
Many children's activities, like bobbing for apples, ice sculpting, a craft-making area, Christmas stationery letter to Santa with a special mailbox provided, a piñata, cookies, punch, and wassail. Church bell choir will perform, and guests can view a live nativity scene in the barn. {Find Out More}
Where: Jefferson Depot Village, 147 E. Jefferson St., Jefferson, OH 44047
When: Saturday, December 4, 2021

FREE A Night in Bethlehem
Experience the sights and sounds of the town of Bethlehem as it might have been the very night Jesus was born. Light refreshments are served at the end of the tour. {Find Out More}
Where: Calvary Chapel, 8151 Stuhldreher St. NW, Massillon, OH 44646
When: December 4-5 & 11-12, 2021

FREE Christmas Family Experience
With a live Nativity, petting zoo, Christmas Light train ride and hayride, cookie decorating, and hot chocolate, there promises to be something for everyone! {Find Out More}
Where: Crossroads Community Church Doylestown, 700 Gates, Doylestown, OH 44230
When: Friday, December 10, 2021 [REGISTER]

FREE Live Nativity at Hambden Congregational Church
A beautiful Nativity display, skits, live animals, and light refreshments. {Find Out More}
Where: 13840 Grand Army of the Republic Hwy., Chardon, OH 44024
When: Saturday, December 11, 2021

FREE The Colors of Christmas
Journey across the City of Stow and experience the joys of Christmas. Local churches will provide festive lights, live nativities, singing, and more! {Find Out More}
Where: Multiple locations (Click here for a list of participating churches.)
When: Tuesday, December 14, 2021

FREE Live Nativity at Painesville Church of the Nazarene
Come and experience a live nativity. Take time to celebrate and proclaim Jesus’ birth this season. Possible live animals on-site! {Find Out More}
Where: PCN, 6235 Chestnut St., Painesville, OH 44077
When: Saturday, December 18, 2021

FREE Live Nativity at Painesville Church of the Nazarene
Come and experience a live nativity. Take time to celebrate and proclaim Jesus’ birth this season. Possible live animals on-site! Refreshments will be served afterward. {Find Out More}
Where: PCN, 6235 Chestnut St., Painesville, OH 44077
When: Friday, December 24, 2021

You May Also Be Interested In

It's not a live nativity, but it's probably the largest quantity and variety of nativity sets you've ever seen in one location!

FREE Historic Kirtland Nativity Exhibit
This Christmas season, enjoy this annual nativity exhibit. See hundreds of nativities from all over the world on display! {Find Out More}
Where: Historic Kirtland Visitors' Center, 7800 Kirtland-Chardon Rd., Kirtland, OH 44094
When: November 28-December 21, 2021

More Christmas Fun

Want more holiday fun? Check out our Christmas Events Guide filled with many fun things to do this holiday season.

We Hope to Enjoy These Events Again

Below are Live Nativity events that are typically held each year. We will update for this year as soon as information becomes available.

FREE Live Nativity Walk-By in Hudson
People are invited to park anywhere, including the church’s back lot and walk by the manger and see the camel and other animals. Masks and social distancing are required. {Find Out More}
Where: First Congregational Church of Hudson, 47 Aurora St., Hudson, OH 44236
When: TBA for 2021

Christmas on the Ranch {Find Out More}
Where: Buckin' Ohio, 8154 Garman Rd., Burbank, OH 44214
When: TBA for 2021

FREE Live Nativity at Stow-Glen Retirement Village {Find Out More}
Where: 4285 Kent Rd., Stow, OH 44224
When: TBA for 2021

FREE Follow the Star to Bethlehem in Ashtabula Towne Square {Find Out More}
Where: 3315 N. Ridge Rd. E, Ashtabula, OH 44004
When: TBA for 2021

FREE Follow the Star to Bethlehem {Find Out More}
Where: Regina Coeli Church & School, 733 Fernwood Blvd., Alliance, OH 44601
When: TBA for 2021

FREE Search for the Christ Child {Find Out More}
Where: NEW LOCATION! The Federated Church, 76 Bell St., Chagrin Falls, OH 44022
When: TBA for 2021

FREE Live Nativity at Valley View Village Church {Find Out More}
Where: 11401 Tinkers Creek Rd., Valley View, OH 44125
When: NOT HAPPENING IN 2021 (Tentatively scheduled for December 9-10, 2022)

FREE Journey to Bethlehem – a Live Interactive Nativity {Find Out More}
Where: Church of the Redeemer United Church of Christ, 23500 Center Ridge Rd., Westlake, OH 44145
When: TBA for 2021

FREE The Boar's Head Christmas Festival: A Celebration of Christ's Birth at Zion Lutheran Church {Find Out More}
Where: 508 Mentor Ave., Painesville, OH 4407
When: TBA for 2021

FREE Night in Bethlehem in North Canton {Find Out More}
Where: Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 7707 Market Ave. N, Canton, OH 4472
When: TBA for 2021

FREE 45th Live Nativity
Discover the true meaning of Christmas. Live animals, live music in sanctuary both nights. Refreshments in fellowship hall. For more information, email 2ajrhuskypups@att.net.
Where: North Mentor Centenary United Methodist Church, 9290 Lakeshore Blvd., Mentor, OH 44060
When: TBA for 2021