Step back in time and remember the true meaning of Christmas at one of these Living Nativities in Austin and beyond.
Follow The Star (Cedar Park)
December 3-5 from 6:30-9 p.m. | Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 700 W Whitestone Blvd, Cedar Park
Follow The Star is a living outdoor pageant featuring ten elaborate scenes recounting the life of Jesus. Visitors are invited to stroll along a walkway or stay in their cars to drive through this spectacular musical and visual production. Admission is FREE, but please bring a donation of nonperishable food items to help those in need. Visit the Facebook page for weather updates.
Bethlehem Village (Georgetown)
December 4 from 5-9 p.m. and December 5 from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. | Main Street between 8th and 9th (map of the Christmas Stroll here), Georgetown
When you walk through the gates of Bethlehem Village, you hear and see a story being told. It is the story of Jesus, about how there was no room at the inn so this baby had to be born in the manger. Telling the story of Jesus’ birth at Bethlehem is a powerful experience that draws participants back year after year. It’s a beautiful start to the Christmas season. For more information, visit the Facebook page. This event is part of the FREE Christmas Stroll.
Main Street Bethlehem (Burnet)
December 4, 5, 6 and 11, 12, 13 from 6-9 p.m. | Two blocks east of the town square, Burnet
This Christmas, visit Bethlehem . . . in Burnet, as the ancient city of Christ’s birth comes alive again. Admission is FREE! Donations are accepted. FREE cookies and hot chocolate/coffee are served at the exit. Friday and Sunday night visitors may experience a shorter waiting time than on Saturday night. As this is an outdoor presentation, it will be canceled in rainy weather. Visit the website for weather updates.
Living Story of Christmas (Johnson City)
December 4, 5, 11, and 12 at 6:30, 7, 7:30, 8, and 8:30 p.m. | Johnson City First United Methodist Church, 105 North LBJ Dr, Johnson City
There will be five FREE shows per night, running on the hour and half hour. Each show lasts about 10 minutes. Children are welcome to pet the animals after each show. In the Church Activity Center there will be a large display of nativity scenes, FREE cookies, hot chocolate, and coffee.
Walk Through Bethlehem (Round Rock)
December 5 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | First United Methodist Church, 1004 North Mays St, Round Rock
Witness the Christmas story unfold at Round Rock First United Methodist Church’s Walk Through Bethlehem. Visitors will be met by Roman soldiers to be counted in the census and pay their taxes. Once past the soldiers and the census taker, guests will find themselves among traditional characters, activities and crafts in the town’s bustling stalls. After passing through the city, visitors will find a living nativity complete with camels, donkeys, sheep and other animals to help bring the story of Jesus to life this holiday season. This FREE event is a gift from First United Methodist Church to the community.
Christmas Luminary (Pflugerville)
December 5 & 6 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. | 500 Immanuel Rd, Pflugerville
Biblical Christmas scenes illuminated. FREE! Visit the Facebook page for weather updates.
Live Nativity Celebration
December 11 & 12 from 6-8 p.m. | Bethany United Methodist Church, 10010 Anderson Mill Rd, Austin
Travel back in time to that night 2000 years ago when a tiny baby was born in a manger. Sit back with hot cocoa and witness the scripture story brought to life by Bethany families. There will be six continuous 20-minute presentations each night. A goat petting area will be available for you and your children to enjoy. Bring a non-perishable food or toiletry offering for Hill Country Community Ministries. FREE!
Pilgrimage to Bethlehem (Taylor)
December 12 & 13 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Immanuel Lutheran Church, 411 CR 401, Taylor
Live nativity with FREE tours every 20 minutes.
A Night in Bethlehem (Kyle)
December 11-13 from 6-8:30 p.m. | Fellowship Church at Plum Creek, 160 Grace St, Kyle
After your walk through Jesus’ Bethlehem, visit “modern” Bethlehem to make a craft, drink hot chocolate, and eat cookies as you enjoy live Christmas music and performances.
Live Nativity and Petting Zoo
December 18 from 6-8 p.m. | Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 10408 Hwy 290 West, Austin
Live nativity and petting zoo. FREE!
Living Nativity and Petting Zoo
December 19 from 5-8 p.m. | Decker United Methodist Church, 8304 Decker Ln, Austin
A peaceful scene – a replica of the stable and animals around the Holy family – it is worth the time to drive to East Austin and see the baby animals. The Christmas story according to the Gospel of Luke will be read periodically throughout the evening, in the presence of the Holy scene. Children and the young-at-heart can enjoy the friendly animals. The Sanctuary will be open for all to enjoy its historic splendor! The Holiday spirit and music will add to the experience. Refreshments will be served in the Fellowship Hall by Decker United Methodist Women. FREE!