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 reaclly 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.

Us usual, if you know of an event that should be included, please submit the details here and we will add it. Thanks!

Find a Live Nativity Near You

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. {Find Out More}
When: December 1-2, 2017; 4pm-8pm
Where: The first stop on the Journey (new this year) 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.
Cost FREE

Christmas on the Ranch
Enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas celebration at the ranch with live Christmas music, a live nativity, choral performances, children's activities, Christmas Village, wagon rides, craft area, marshmallow roasting, refreshments, and more. Lunch options will be available for purchase. {Find Out More}
When: December 2-3, 2017; 1pm
Where: Buckin' Ohio, 8154 Garman Rd., Burbank, OH 44214
Cost: $8 per person ages 13+, and FREE for children ages 12 and under

A Bethlehem Christmas
Bethlehem drama including cast, musicians, brass, bells & choirs; Display of privately owned crèches; Fontanini Nativity Village; Refreshments {Find Out More}
When: Friday, December 1, 2017; 7pm and Saturday, December 2, 2017; 4pm
Where: Zion Lutheran Church, 508 Mentor Ave., Painesville, OH 44077
Cost: FREE

FREE Night in Bethlehem
Bring your family and loved ones on tour through the streets of Bethlehem! The city streets are filled with characters to interact with you. Come hear the true meaning of Christmas: Jesus Christ is God's greatest gift. The tour takes about 20 minutes. Dress is casual. Plenty of refreshments are served to all at the end of the tour. Groups of any size are welcome. {Find Out More}
When:  December 2, 3, 9 and 10, 2017; 5:30pm-7:30pm
Where: Calvary Chapel, 8151 Stuhldreher St. NW, Massillon, OH 44646
Cost: FREE (No appointment necessary)

FREE Live Nativity in Hudson
A live Nativity with animals and characters sponsored by First Congregational Church of Hudson. {Find Out More}
When: Sunday, December 3, 2017; 10:30am-5:30pm
Where: Clocktower Green, 27 E. Main St., Hudson, OH 44236
Cost: FREE

FREE Search for the Christ Child at Federated Church
You’re invited to come experience the Christmas story like never before! Follow a shepherd guide on a 20-minute journey along Mary and Joseph’s trek to Jerusalem. Meet angels, wise men, King Herod, and other characters before ultimately arriving at a live nativity to behold the Christ child. Visitors will be welcomed at the Camelback Inn where the census will be taken and served light refreshments. {Find Out More}
When: Sunday, December 3, 2017; 5pm-8pm
Where: 16349 Chillicothe Rd., Chagrin Falls, OH 44023
Cost: FREE

Live Nativity at Valley View Village Church
Outdoor live Nativity 20-30 minute walk through. In past years there have been free homemade cookies, cocoa, and music in the church as well. {Find Out More}
When: Friday December 8-9, 2017; 5:30pm-8:30pm
Where: 11401 Tinkers Creek Rd Valley View, OH 44125
Cost: FREE

FREE Night in Bethlehem in North Canton
Come and experience the sights, sounds, and smells of this free, interactive event for all ages. Walk through Bethlehem. {Find Out More}
When: December 9-10, 2017; 3pm-7pm (Doors open at 2:30pm)
Where: Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 7707 Market Ave. N, Canton, OH 44721
Cost: FREE

FREE Live Nativity in Painesville
Live Animal Nativity with free 8×10 family photo, hot cocoa, coffee, donuts, games, and kids craft. {Find Out More}
When: Sunday December 10, 2017; 4:30pm-7pm
Where: 1 Hightech Ave., Painesville, OH 44077 (Grand River Baptist Church of Painesville)
Cost: FREE

Search for the Christ Child at Hudson United Methodist Church
Interactive journey through the Christmas Story. {Find Out More}
When: Sunday, December 10, 2017; 4:30pm-7pm
Where: 2600 Hudson-Aurora Rd Hudson, Ohio 44236
Cost: FREE

Live Christmas Nativity Scene
Join the residents, staff and friends of Stow-Glen for our Annual Live Nativity. You can drive through in the warmth of your car or park the car and enjoy the company of the Manger Scene with live animals, the Wise Men and Mary, Joseph and the Baby Jesus! There might even be some Christmas Caroling! {Find Out More}
When: Tuesday, December 12, 2017; 4:30pm-8pm
Where: Stow-Glen Retirement Village, 4285 Kent Rd., Stow, OH 44224
Cost: FREE

Journey to Bethlehem a live-interactive nativity
Travel back in time and meet King Herod, angels, shepherds, wise men and visit the manger. It is an indoor/outdoor experience complete with live animals and refreshments. {Find Out More}
When: December 15-16, 2017; 6:30pm-8:30pm
Where: Church of the Redeemer United Church of Christ, 23500 Center Ridge Rd., Westlake, OH 44145
Cost: FREE

LIVE Nativity at Painesville Church of the Nazarene
This Live Nativity is a 30-minute narrated, live reenactment of the Christmas story, with authentic costumes, and LIVE animals. Light refreshments inside our Connect Café before and after. {Find Out More}
When: December 15-16, 22-24, 2017; 7pm (Christmas Eve: 5:30pm)
Where: 6235 Chestnut St., Painesville, OH 44077
Cost: FREE and open to the public. Donations of non-perishable food items for our Food Pantry appreciated but not required.

You May Also Be Interested In

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

FREE Historic Kirtland Nativity Exhibit
Join us this Christmas season for our annual nativity exhibit. With nearly 1,000 nativities from all over the world on display, you won’t want to miss it! {Find Out More}
When: Sunday, November 26 – January 2, 2018; Monday-Saturday: 9am-8pm & Sunday: 1pm-8pm (Closed on Christmas Day and New Years Day)
Where: Historic Kirtland Visitors' Center, 7800 Kirtkand-Chardon Rd., Kirtland, OH 44094
Cost: FREE

As usual, if you know of an event that should be included, please submit the details here and we will add it. Thanks!