One of our favorite holiday adventures is visiting a live Nativity as a family. It’s the perfect way for us to kick off our Christmas season as we remember the real reason we are celebrating all of December. Most live Nativities are free, or at least very affordable.
Live Nativities often have animals, a Bethlehem type village, and a representation of the manger scene. We always notice the hustle bustle of Bethlehem versus the quiet atmosphere around the portrayal of baby Jesus. It makes for great discussions with our boys.
We have visited a few different live Nativities, but there are many spots throughout Utah where you can experience a live Nativity.
Alpine Living Nativity
Tickets are almost sold out (2022).
The Alpine Living Nativity was our first experience with a live Nativity, and we love the production that they put on. There are Roman guards asking for taxes (your tickets), many animals to see, and little shows in the town of Bethlehem with lots of hands-on activities for the kids to try. The event ends with Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus in a small stable. Hot chocolate is provided. This event requires tickets and they cost $5. They often sell out in a few hours, so make sure to get on their email list for a notification when tickets will go on sale. This event is outside so dress warm and for the weather.
Night in Bethlehem
Tickets are available now (2022). Dates: November 25-28, 2022.
Stonegate Weddings puts on a Night in Bethlehem in their large facility every year. This event has a town of Bethlehem and then a short musical Nativity program. This event is free, but tickets are required. Make sure to request the tickets before going. They also ask for a tax of one non perishable food item per person. This is simply a donation, and not required. This event is indoors.
Nativity in the Glen
The Nativity in the Glen only happens on one night. Nativity in The Glen is a multi-faith community event held in the Bonneville Glen which is transformed into the City of Bethlehem. The entrance fee is a canned food or cash donation. There is a market, live music, animals, and it ends with the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. No strollers or pets are allowed. Dress warmly as the event is entirely outdoors.
Watch their Facebook page for updates on 2022 dates.
Live Nativity at the Orchard
University Place and Utah Community Church work together to put on this live Nativity. Treats and hot chocolate are free, and all the performers are local talent. You can also enjoy the lights in the Orchard at University Place.
2022 date: Dec. 9 from 6-8 pm.
Live Nativity Christmas Celebration
The Live Nativity in Heber Valley is an actual performance. As you watch the show, you are surrounded by animals and angels as they tell and sing the story of the birth of Jesus. This event is free.
2022 Date is TBA.
Hunt Family Live Nativity: “Miracle of Christmas”
The Hunt family has been putting on their Live Nativity program titled “Miracle of Christmas” for 41 years in Ogden. This free live Nativity has Christmas music, a live cast and animals. The performances last about 20 minutes.
No dates yet for 2022 Dates. Watch their Facebook page for current information. It is usually the last week before Christmas.
Christmas in the Canyon at Tuacahn
The Tuacahn theater in St. George has many Christmas events going on throughout the month of December. One of the Christmas in the Canyon events is a live Nativity. Their live Nativity costs $4/person and is a 20 minute performance with music, animals, and narration. You can also enjoy the lights and visits with Santa at Tuacahn for free. There are other activities that cost as well, such as ice skating, train rides, and a different Christmas show.
2022 Dates: November 25, 26, and Dec. 1- 23 (but not Dec. 6). Christmas in the Canyon is FREE, but tickets for the Nativity are $4. Shows are 7:00 and 8:15 each night.
Clark Historic Farm Live Nativity and Luminary Walk
Every December, this historic farm hosts a live nativity and a light display for Christmas. There are farm animals, music, a Nativity, and lights. The Clark Historic Farm is located in Grantsville, so it’s out west of SLC. Admission is only $2/person and includes free hot chocolate. And you can get $1 off admission if you bring a can of food to donate. Dates: Dec. 10 & 12 from 6-8:30 pm.
Cache Valley Live Nativity
The Cache Valley Live Nativity is held at the Nibley Morgan Farm in Nibley, Ut. They have a camel, caroling, wagon rides, and a peaceful farm setting. There is a small narration that plays as you walk through the nativity scene. Donations are suggested but not required ($3/person or 2 canned food items)
2022 Dates: No dates yet, but I will update as soon as I see them. Check their Facebook for info.
A Babe is Born Nativity
In 2019, A Babe is Born Nativity popped up as something happening in Lehi. We loved having a live nativity in our little town. It was amazing! Every ticket purchased equals a meal for refugees. Tickets are $10/adults and $8/kids. The best deal is the Family Pass, which is $50 for your immediate family. This nativity was performed at the Lehi Rodeo Grounds, but has moved to a new location this year. It is in a barn, so it should be a little warmer. There was a small Bethlehem scene that ended with a lovely nativity scene (and a famous Lehi Bakery square donut).
2022 Dates: Dec. 14-17, 19-20
The Gift Of Light Nativity
There is a new Nativity in Herriman. Located at the Zion Bank Stadium, this event has a live nativity as well as a Santa’s Workshop and Winter Wonderland. This is an outdoor event, so dress warm. Tickets are $15 adults and $8 kids. We haven’t checked out this event yet, but if you go, let us know what you think. Dates: Dec. 1-24 (closed on Dec. 6, 7, 13, and 14). Purchase tickets here.
Drive-Thru Bethlehem
This drive-thru nativity is held at the Prince of Peace Lutheran School in SLC on December 10 from 5-8 pm. It is FREE! As you drive through in your car you are able to see and hear the story of the first Christmas and Christ’s birth. Sounds like a fun one to try out, especially since December gets cold.
Please email us if we missed your favorite live nativity that we need to add to the list. info@utahsadventurefamily.com
https://www.christkindlmarkt-slc.com/ Wednesday November 30th at this is the place in salt lake
we provide the animals for many of these nativities