Holidays
Live Nativity Events in Southern California (2022)
As a parent, I can see how sometimes it is hard to show kids what the true meaning of Christmas is all about. Especially since every shopping mall has a Santa Claus or tree lighting. As much as we love tree lighting ceremonies, I also wanted to show my kids the other side of Christmas, and live nativity events are the perfect opportunity to do so!
We have a great list of live nativity events happening in Los Angeles, Orange County and Inland Empire. Did we miss one? Let us know in the comments below, or email: [email protected].
Live Nativity Events in Southern California
Live nativity events in Los Angeles
Journey to the Manger 2020
12/10-12/11; 6-9pm
Landmark Church, 3338 Diamond Canyon Rd, Diamond Bar
Your own journey should be in groups of 5-10 people and only take about 30 minutes. Also, come and enjoy live musical performances, food and hot drinks, a petting zoo, along with the narrated story walk-through experience.
https://www.facebook.com/events/845785586189585/
Portraits of The Prince of Peace Pageant 2020
Cancelled for 2020
5500 E Wardlow Rd, Long Beach
Through the combined efforts of 6 different Churches the story of the birth of Jesus is presented in a fun filled way with music, live actors, beautifully decorated murals,and live animals.
The Living Nativity 2020
12/19-12/20; 6pm, 7pm & 8pm
The Church of Green Hills, 2200 W. Imperial Hwy, La Habra
Join us for our annual Christmas event with music, live animals, and lots of fun for the whole family! All attendants must wear mask and shows will be outdoor. Register for free tickets online to ensure for maximum capacity.
https://thechurch.life/livingnativity/
Journey to Bethlehem 2020
Canceled for 2020
Purpose Church, 586 N. Main Street, Pomona
Sign the census, avoid the Roman soldiers, interact with the potter, weaver, carpenter, and other merchants. Spend some shekels, visit the animals, and make your way under the giant star to discover the newborn King, baby Jesus. Food is available for purchase at Bethlehem Cafe. Admission Fri. $5, Sat $6 and Sun $7, Free kids 12 and under
https://purposechurch.com/bethlehem/
Explore Bethlehem Drive-Thru 2020
12/13; 3-6pm
CVC Church, 4001 La Crescenta Ave., La Crescenta
Experience the town of Bethlehem as it was in the year of Jesus birth. This year it will be a Drive-Thru event with scheduled time slots. Please register online.
https://www.cvchurch.com/
Nativity Lights-Celebrating the Birth and Divinity of Jesus Christ 2020
12/6-1/3; Dusk till Dawn
Granite Creek Community Church, 1580 N. Claremont Blvd., Claremont
This year Granite Creek Community Church in Claremont presents Nativity Lights a free walk-up or drive-by event. Enjoy the joyful & whimsical display of color and lights to honor the Virgin Birth and Divinity of Christ. Granite Creek’s artists and artisans have pulled their talents to present a new Christmas experience.
https://www.granitecreek.org/living-nativity/
The Live Nativity 2020
12/18-12/20 ; 6:30-8:30pm
Grace Church of Glendora, 1515 S. Glendora Ave, Glendora
You won’t want to miss this opportunity to participate in this Live Nativity experience! Usually in the years past we have been at the Glendora City Hall but this year we’ll be on our own campus. The experience is about 20 minutes in length.
https://grace-church.com/christmas/
Las Posadas 2020
Canceled for 2020
Placita Olvera, 125 Paseo de la Plaza, Los Angeles
The nine-night presentation of the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem portrayed with singing, a candlelight procession on Olvera Street and a children’s piñata breaking. Enjoy a free theatrical performance of the classic Mexican comedy La Pastorela following each evening procession.
https://elpueblo.lacity.org/sites/g/files/wph1176/f/Schedule%20of%20Events%20Rev.9.17.19_1.pdf
The Light of the World 2020
11/29-12/31; 6-9:30pm
Church of Nazarene, 8221 College Ave, Whittier
This year instead of our Live Nativity event we will have a light display showcase. This Drive-Thru experience is best enjoyed in the comfort of your car listening to our radio broadcast.
http://cacnaz.org/
Live Nativity events in Orange County
Live Nativity | Cox Sports Park Parking Lot
December 5, 2021 | 4:30pm – 7:00pm
Witness the miracle of the very first Christmas at the Drive Thru Ladera Ranch Live Nativity. Come share in the joy of the season with the story of Christmas with live animals. A LARCS partnership event with the Hope Crossing Church community group
Journey to Bethlehem: A Living Nativity | Crossline Church
December 10-12, 2021 | 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Experience a huge cast bringing Bethlehem to life as it was 2000 years ago. Enjoy the petting zoo, cookie/craft decorating, and holiday treats/hot drinks all of which make Crossline Church the perfect spot to celebrate the holiday season with your family.
Night of Peace 2021, Live Nativity and Candle Lighting
St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1510 N. Parton, Santa Ana
December 18, 5pm-8pm
Live Nativity Play 2020
Canceled 2020
Old World, 7561 Center Ave., Huntington Beach
International Celebration of Christmas, a celebration that brings together a diverse group of churches, singers, dancers for a celebration that highlights the true meaning of the holiday season. Free admission.
http://www.oldworld.ws/nativity.html
The Live Nativity 2020
12/9-12/11; 6-9pm
First Christian Church, 1207 Main St., Huntington Beach, CA. 92648
Actors and live animals tell the story of Jesus’ birth through nine different scenes. This year we are only doing Drive-Thru, the true magic of Christmas will be remembered as you celebrate with friends and family.
https://fcchb.com/livenativity/
Drive Thru Christmas 2020
12/1-12/12; 5:30-8:30pm
Fullerton Free Church, 2801 Brea Blvd, Fullerton
You’re invited to a drive thru celebration of Christmas. So, pack up the car and head over to Fullerton Free to make some new Christmas memories with your family. You will stay in your car for this drive through our main campus all the while experiencing fun Christmas movie characters, Santa’s workshop, a light show, and the amazing story of the incredible birth of Jesus.
https://fullertonfree.com/christmas/
Follow the Star- A Living Nativity 2020
Canceled for 2020
29441 Altisima, Rancho Santa Margarita
Come celebrate the true meaning of the Christmas season at this annual living nativity. Follow the Star is a living portrayal of Christ’s birth as recorded in the New Testament. Show repeats every 30 min with the last show at 8:30 pm. Hot chocolate served.
http://www.smstake.church/events/2018/10/17/follow-the-star
Drive-Thru Live Nativity 2020
12/4-12/5; 6-10pm
Mount of Olives Lutheran Church, 24772 Chrisanta Dr, Mission Viejo
This is a drive-through nativity experience with a life-size retelling of the Christmas Story from the comfort of your car. Live actors, animals and narration’s available through your car radio! You can also enjoy the drive-through nativity on foot if you prefer. The church is also collecting non-perishable food donations at the drive-thru nativity to support local families in need.
https://moochurch.org/christmas/drive-thru-nativity
The Nativity 2020
Canceled for 2020
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 151 N Poplar Ave, Brea
The Nativity. Join with members of the local community in celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior. This is an outdoor performance and the nights get chilly. Enjoy music, light refreshments, crafts for kids and nativity displays inside after the live outdoor performance.
https://www.facebook.com/BreaNativity/
Night in Bethlehem 2020
Canceled for 2020
Liberty Baptist Church, 1000 Bison Ave, Newport Beach
Experience what it might have been like on that very first Christmas night. Our interactive tour of Bethlehem features live animals, souvenirs, a free family portrait and much more. Make this your new Christmas tradition!
https://anib.libertybaptistchurch.org/
Living Nativity 2020
12/12-12/13; 4-9pm
12671 Buaro St., Garden Grove
Join us on a tour through Bethlehem as we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Every 20 minutes, a tour will walk through the streets of Bethlehem and find their way to the nativity. There will be live interactions along the way that tell the Christmas story and give an idea of the setting of Christ’s birth. This is a great way to remind ourselves of the message of Christmas.
https://www.facebook.com/events/360629408495408/
Live Nativity events in Inland Empire
The Living Nativity 2020
Canceled for 2020
Calvary Chapel Conference Center, 39405 Murrieta Hot Springs Rd, Murrieta
A free event for the entire family celebrating the true meaning of Christmas. There will be live performers and animals.
https://www.calvarysunrise.org/the-living-nativity/
Living Nativity 2020
Canceled for 2020
New Beginnings Community Church, 9010 Limonite Ave, Riverside
This Christmas season invite your unsaved family and friends to The Living Nativity at New Beginnings Community Church in Jurupa Valley. This dramatic, Biblical reenactment includes a live camel, donkey and sheep! And is a powerful opportunity to share the Christmas Story in a loving and friendly way.
https://www.ksgn.com/events/featured/event/29797-living-nativity-at-nbcc-norco
Living Nativity 2020
Canceled for 2020
LDS Church, 6829 Etiwanda Ave, Rancho Cucamonga
Live actors, real animals (petting zoo), choir music, refreshments and an authentic stroll through the town of Bethlehem. Presentations at 6:30, 7:15 and 8pm, each lasting 15 minutes.
http://www.livingnativityrc.com/
Streets of Bethlehem: The Story of Christmas 2020
Canceled for 2020
Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 3760 McKinley St, Corona,
A faithful story beautifully told from Mary’s conception, through the Roman Oppression and The Birth of Christ. Kids choir and live animals.
General Admission: $5 / Purchase Tickets online
https://www.streetsofbethlehem.net/
A few other events you might also enjoy:
Las Posadas 2020
Closed for 2020
Pretend City, 24 Hubble, Irvine
It’s time to celebrate Las Posadas! This colorful Mexican holiday celebrates the 9 days leading up to Christmas! Join us for some festive activities, art, and events at Pretend City! Kids will love making a posada placemat, a luminaria and special reading time.
https://www.pretendcity.org/event/las-posadas/
Christmas on Euclid 2020
11/26/2019 – 1/1/2021
Ontario Town Square, 224 N. Euclid, Ontario
Part of the tradition of Christmas on Euclid Experience is the twelve Nativity Scenes that are placed on the Euclid Avenue median. The Nativity crèches and statues are displayed for the enjoyment of area residents and visitors to the City of Ontario.
https://gocvb.org/discover/events/christmas-on-euclid/event-program
Originally published on October 24, 2022. Last Updated on October 25, 2022 by Pattie Cordova
