One of the most special and unique experiences your family can have during the Christmas season is to visit a live nativity event. When I grew up in Duluth we would go to one in our neighborhood and it was always a popular and fun event. It’s exciting for kids to see the Christmas story played out with costumed characters and live animals! I’ve done this guide every year for a few years and I have found that many have continued, even through COVID, some haven’t, and some new ones have started.
So here they are -several live nativity events at churches in the Twin Cities this season, plus they’re all FREE! (Though donations may be accepted)
Free Live Nativity Events in the Twin Cities 2024
These events are listed in order by DATE: (all are subject to change)
Cross View Lutheran Church Edina
6645 McCauley Trl W
Minneapolis, MN 55439
Saturday, December 7th
10:00am – 12:00pm
Cross View’s NativityFest on Saturday, December 7th from 10:00 am – 12:00 noon. This is a free community event with:
•A Live Nativity with Real Animals
•Creative Crafts
•Fun Family Photo Ops
•Delicious Treats
•Engaging Storytelling
Live Nativity
3921 277th Ave NW
Isanti, MN 55040
Saturday, December 7th from 3:00 – 6:30pm
Saturday, December 8th at 9:00am (during worship)
On Saturday, December 7th and Sunday, December 8th Long Lake Lutheran Church will be transformed into the town of Bethlehem. You can meet the angel Gabriel, who saw it all. Meet Mary & Joseph who heard and believed. Meet the innkeeper’s wife, the shepherds, and the wise men. You can smell the straw and you can see the live animals. See the beautiful baby Jesus and come away with the true meaning of Christmas in your heart. Bring your camera for picture opportunities. After your visit to Bethlehem join us in the fellowship hall for a chili and chicken wild rice soup supper.
There is also a 2:00 -3:00pm showing for those in wheelchairs or others needing assistance.
St. John’s Lutheran Church
202 W. 8th St.
Hastings, MN
Saturday, December 7th
5:00pm – 7:00pm
All are invited to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 202 W. 8th St. Hastings on Saturday December 7th, for their Living Nativity re-enacting Christ’s birth. Free outdoor performances will be held on a continuous basis every 20 minutes beginning at 5pm. The last performance will be at 6:40 pm. Live cast and real animals including donkey, sheep, goats, and even a camel are part of the performance.
Free refreshments will be served inside the church. Everyone is welcome!
Redemption Lutheran Church
927 E Old Shakopee Rd
Bloomington, MN
Saturday, December 7th
5:00 – 7:00pm
Journey to Bethlehem! Take a walk through ancient Bethlehem on the night of the birth of our Savior. Enjoy a recreation of some of the sights and stories that took place that incredible night. Food, Fun, Fellowship for everyone! Join us for this free event! Bring the kids to check out the Petting Zoo. Let’s celebrate the Christmas season together!
Christmas Family Adventure
Oak Hills Church
1570 Yankee Doodle Rd
Eagan, MN
Sunday, December 8th
3:30 – 6:00pm
Get in the Christmas spirit at Christmas Family Adventure! Kids can enjoy petting and playing with animals in our live Nativity, meeting Santa to tell him what’s at the top of their wish list, and families can participate in crafts and karaoke while enjoying hot beverages and cookies. This event is FREE and fun for the whole family.
SouthCross Church
1800 County Rd 42 E
Burnsville, MN 55337
Saturday, December 9th from 6:30 to 8:30pm
Sunday, December 10th from 6:30 to 8:30pm
Enjoy the true meaning of Christmas as you drive by to view the manger scene. A holiday tradition you won’t want to miss! Donations for the local food shelf are gratefully accept each night.
Crosstown Covenant Church
5540 30th Avenue S.
Minneapolis, MN 55417
Wednesday, December 11th
6:00 – 8:00pm
Free event to come and experience the true story of Christmas! Bring the whole family! Live animals, Activities.
Live Nativity Event
New Brighton Christian Church
1500 29th Ave NW
New Brighton, MN
Saturday, December 14th
5:30pm – 8:00pm
No more details yet. Check their site for updates.
http://www.ststephenwbl.org/
St. Stephen Lutheran Church
1965 East County Road E
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Saturday, December 14th
4:30 – 7:30pm
For 30+ years St. Stephen Lutheran Church in White Bear Lake has hosted a living nativity event. It’s listed on their calendar for 2024 here. Check their website for details.
Also see my guide – Holiday Lights & Events in Minnesota 2024!
Plus this guide: Holiday Lights Drive-Thru Events in Minnesota 2024
Images in this post: Nativity scenes: Images by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
All others are from sites linked in event.