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 2025

These events are listed in order by DATE: (all are subject to change)

Live Nativity
3921 277th Ave NW
Isanti, MN 55040
Saturday, December 6th from 3:00 – 6:30pm
Saturday, December 7th at 9:00am (during worship)

Free Live Nativity! Grandma’s Attic will be selling Christmas items during the Live Nativity. Serving Chili and Chicken Wild Rice Soup (Free Will Donation). ALL ARE WELCOME!

St. John’s Lutheran Church
202 W. 8th St.
Hastings, MN
Saturday, December 6th
5:00pm – 7:00pm

Join us at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 202 W. 8th St. Hastings on Saturday December 6, for our Living Nativity as we re-enact 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 6th
5:00 – 7:00pm

This FREE community event will feature:
 Petting Zoo
 Live Nativity
 Games & Activities
 Cookies & Cocoa
A warm, festive atmosphere to kick off the season

NorthRidge Fellowship
12522 Main St
Rogers, MN
Saturday, December 6th
5:00 – 8:00pm 
(Register in advance)

Family Christmas Event: A Night in Bethlehem
Step back in time and experience the wonder of Jesus’ birth. At A Night in Bethlehem, kids and their families will explore the city as it might have been when Jesus was born. Through fun, hands-on activities, you’ll discover the story of the most important baby ever—and learn that Jesus came to save us.

Main Session
Choose a main session to begin your evening! Sessions start at 5:00, 6:00 and 7:00PM.

Explore Bethlehem
After your main session, families are free to visit the interactive stations around Bethlehem in any order. Each stop offers a unique experience of life in the time of Jesus.

Don’t miss this memorable Christmas event for the whole family!

Christmas Family Adventure
Oak Hills Church
1570 Yankee Doodle Rd
Eagan, MN
Sunday, December 7th
3:30 – 6:00pm

Everyone in the community is invited for a free Grinch Christmas party for the entire family! Take a pic with Santa Claus, enjoy our petting zoo, free craft, cookies and hot chocolate, karaoke, movie theater and so much more! Your kids will have a blast!

SouthCross Church
1800 County Rd 42 E
Burnsville, MN 55337
Dates TBD

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.

http://www.ststephenwbl.org/

St. Stephen Lutheran Church
1965 East County Road E
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Saturday, December 13th
4:30 – 7:30pm

For 30+ years St. Stephen Lutheran Church in White Bear Lake has hosted a living nativity event. Check their website for details.

Crosstown Covenant Church
5540 30th Avenue S.
Minneapolis, MN 55417
Wednesday, December 17th
6:00 – 8:00pm

Free event to come and experience the true story of Christmas! Bring the whole family! Live animals, Activities. Story: 6:30 and & 7:15pm.

Live Nativity Event
New Brighton Christian Church
1500 29th Ave NW
New Brighton, MN
Date TBA

No details yet. Check their site for updates.

Also see my guide – Holiday Lights & Events in Minnesota 2025! 

Plus this guide: Holiday Lights Drive-Thru Events in Minnesota 2025

Images in this post: Nativity scenes: Images by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay All others are from sites linked in event.