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.

Us usual, if you know of an event that should be included, please submit the details here and we will add it. Thanks for helping us all make memories this holiday season!

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

Find a Live Nativity Near You

FREE Berlin's Live Nativity
Celebrate the true meaning of the Christmas Season with a Live Nativity Parade on Main St. Mary and 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. There will be a candle lighting service and caroling after the parade. Samaritans Purse/Operation Christmas Child will have coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies available by donation. {Find Out More}
When: Friday, November 23, 2018; 5:45pm-6:45pm
Where: Berlin Main Street Merchants, 4900 Oak St., Berlin, OH 44610
Cost: FREE

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: November 30-December 1, 2018
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

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. Plenty of refreshments are served to all at the end of the tour. Groups of any size are welcome. {Find Out More}
When:  December 1-2, 8-9, 2018; 5:30pm-7:30pm
Where: Calvary Chapel, 8151 Stuhldreher St. NW, Massillon, OH 44646
Cost: FREE (No appointment necessary)

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 1-2, 2018; 1pm
Where: Buckin' Ohio, 8154 Garman Rd., Burbank, OH 44214
Cost: $8 per person ages 13+, and FREE for children ages 12 and under

FREE Live Nativity in Hudson
Stop by the Clock Tower Green for First Congregational Church's annual Live Nativity with costumed characters and animals. {Find Out More}
When: December 2, 2018; 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 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 2, 2018; 5pm-8pm
Where: 16349 Chillicothe Rd., Chagrin Falls, OH 44023
Cost: FREE

Live Nativity at Stow-Glen Retirement Village
Come see a real life depiction of Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, The Three Wise Men, Shepherd and live animals – camel, donkey, sheep, goat – just like at the birth of Jesus. {Find Out More}
When: Thursday, December 6, 2018; 4:30pm-8pm
Where: 4285 Kent Rd., Stow, OH 44224
Cost: FREE

Live Nativity at Valley View Village Church
The Live Nativity is an outdoor experience that will immerse you in the sights and sounds of the very first Christmas. You will meet Isaiah the prophet, Caesar Augustus, King Herod, the Magi, and the shepherds. Your journey will lead you through the busy Bethlehem market to see Mary and Joseph with the baby in the stable. {Find Out More}
When: Friday, December 7-8, 2018; 5:30pm-8:30pm
Where: 11401 Tinkers Creek Rd., Valley View, OH 44125
Cost: FREE

Live Nativity at Hambden Congregational Church
Join in this free community event and journey back to the manger of Bethlehem at our outdoor live nativity. Then move inside and take a tour to meet the ancestors of Jesus who long anticipated his birth. Following the tours, enjoy the celebration of Christmas with warm refreshment and crafts for the kids. {Find Out More}
When: Saturday, December 8, 2018; 5pm-8pm
Where: 13840 Grand Army of the Republic Hwy., Chardon, OH 44024
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. Before you exit, see and touch the stable animals. {Find Out More}
When: December 8-9, 2018; 3pm-7pm (Doors open at 2:30pm)
Where: Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 7707 Market Ave. N, Canton, OH 44721
Cost: FREE

FREE The Bells of Christmas at Zion Lutheran Church
A Christmas experience featuring a nativity along with handbells, hand chimes, children's choir, and Christmas Carols Sing. Refreshments follow. {Find Out More}
When: Sunday, December 9, 2018; 4:30pm
Where: 508 Mentor Ave., Painesville, OH 44077
Cost: FREE

Journey to Bethlehem – a Live Interactive Nativity
Travel back in time to meet King Herod, angels, shepherds, and the wise men and visit the manger. It is an indoor/outdoor experience complete with live animals and refreshments. {Find Out More}
When: December 14-15, 2018; 6:30pm-8:30pm
Where: Church of the Redeemer United Church of Christ, 23500 Center Ridge Rd., Westlake, OH 44145
Cost: FREE

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 singing of Christmas carols. {Find Out More}
When: December 14-15, 21-22, 2018 (7pm, 7:30pm & 8pm) & Christmas Eve (5:30pm & 6pm, followed by a Christmas Eve Worship Service at 7pm)
Where: 6235 Chestnut St., Painesville, OH 44077
Cost: FREE and open to the public. Donations of non-perishable food items for the Church's Food Pantry are appreciated but not required.

FREE Live Nativity at Christ United Church
Members of the church and local community share their version of the birth of Christ. Cookies and hot chocolate will be served inside the church. {Find Out More}
When: December 21-22, 2018; 6pm-8pm
Where: 23114 West Rd., Olmsted Falls, OH 44138
Cost: FREE

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. With nearly 1,000 nativities from all over the world on display, you won’t want to miss it! {Find Out More}
When: November 25-December 31, 2018; Monday-Saturday: 9am-8pm & Sunday: 1pm-8pm (Closed on Christmas Day and New Years Day)
Where: Historic Kirtland Visitors' Center, 7800 Kirtland-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!

More Christmas Fun

Want more holiday fun? Check out our Holiday Fun Guide with 150+ holiday things to do in Northeast Ohio.