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Frugal Lancaster

Helping You Live a Frugal Life in Lancaster County, PA

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Live Nativities in and around Lancaster County

Live Nativities

It’s so easy at Christmas to get caught up in the tinsel and lights, candy and presents, parties and fun. All of which are important ways of celebrating the season, but sometimes it's comforting to slow down and remember the “reason of the season”.  One of the most memorable ways of remembering the meaning of Christmas for me was by attending a living nativity.

Two years ago was the first time that I ever attended a living nativity with my family. It was one of the most moving experiences of Christmas that I have ever had. It is amazing to stand under the shining stars, in the crisp air, hear sheep and cattle lowing, and see actors portraying the birth of Jesus Christ. The experience becomes immersive and brings the story to life, right before your eyes. If you have never attended a living nativity, consider one of these happening in Lancaster County and surrounding areas. I promise you won't regret it.

Christmas in the Park

December 2, 3 and 4 (Terre Hill)

Event to be held from Friday through Sunday. Christmas lights will fill the Terre Hill Park along with food, activities, entertainment, music and more! The event will be held from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Parking and admission are FREE. Food, certain activities and admission to the lighted walking trail are a small fee. There is also a christmas tree plaza, visit with Santa, Christmas village, horse-drawn carriage rides and children's crafts and activities. Learn more here.

Christmas At Joanna

December 6, 7 and 8 (Geigertown)

Returning this year to Christmas at Joanna is the live nativity presented by High Point Baptist Church from Geigertown, PA. You will see the live re-enactment of the Nativity of our Lord. So come experience the Christmas Story and make a public witness to the true meaning of Christmas.

Photo Credit: www.woodcrestretreat.org

Journey to Bethlehem

December 9, 10, 16 and 17 (Ephrata)

With Dramatic Actors, a Live Nativity and Real Animals. Experience the true historical story of Christmas and the excitement of our Savior’s birth in a spacious outdoor setting with dramatic actors, a live nativity and real animals. Unique to this event, is that you will actually walk with the Biblical characters along quiet wooded trails on the Journey. Along the way, you will receive items to assist you on your Journey. Register online for Journey to Bethlehem at Woodcrest Retreat.

Bethlehem Live Nativity Pageant

December 10, 11 (Bethlehem)

Saturday and Sunday, the annual reenactment of the Christmas Nativity. A cast of hundreds along with live animals including camels, sheep, and horses bring the story to life. This event is FREE, snow or shine, and open to the public.

Night in Bethlehem

December 10 (Lebanon)

Families will wander through Bethlehem stopping at different stations to discover what life was like in Bethlehem at the time of Jesus's birth. This is a FREE event for all ages. There will be crafts and other hands on activities to do. We will have a live nativity weather permitting. Children must be accompanied by an adult. This is an indoor/outdoor event at Kochenderfer Church from 4pm-7pm.

Road to Bethlehem

December 10 (Wrightsville)

Experience the true meaning of Christmas as you follow Mary and Joseph on the Road to Bethlehem. This live outdoor Nativity event has 11 Biblical scenes, 60 live characters and animals! Park and come inside the church to enjoy cookies and holiday musical performances from around 5:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m. This FREE event is for the whole family. Hosted by Susquehanna Grace Community Church.

Simply Christmas

December 11 (Lititz)

December 11, 2022, will be the 11th annual Simply Christmas event at Lititz United Methodist Church from 4-7:00 PM. This year it will again be a drive-thru event. Jesus is the reason for the season and we would love to invite our friends, family, and neighbors to join us in celebrating His birth! 

Willow Street Living Nativity

This will NOT be happening in 2022. Willow Street Mennonite Church performs this nativity once every two years, so the next time it will be performed again will be in 2023. Click below to read more about a local moms experience with her family and why you should mark your calendar for next year!


I am a life long learner, I LOVE to learn especially through experience.  I also LOVE to bring along others in the many adventures I tend to have. I am so excited and honored to join Frugal Lancaster with the hope of connecting you to fun and educational experiences that will strengthen your family and provide you with wonderful memories for years to come. Let the adventures begin!


Still waiting to confirm for 2022 . . .

One Night in Bethlehem :: December 13, 14 (York)

STILL WAITING TO CONFIRM FOR 2022. St. John Lutheran Church will host One Night in Bethlehem, a family Christmas event for all ages, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm both nights. Visitors may arrive anytime between those hours. Night in Bethlehem is an interactive walk through Bethlehem with a live nativity and animals. The village experience features wood working, weaving, a Jewish family home, Roman soldiers and a tax collector, market foods to sample, and more. After visiting Bethlehem, guests will walk through the dark night to see shepherds, a stable, and the newborn baby. Wisemen will share their story and guide everyone to the sanctuary for a few moments of reflection. All are invited afterwards to the St. John Fellowship Hall for hot chocolate and Christmas cookies. For more info, call the church office at 840-0382.

Live Nativity :: December 8 (York)

STILL WAITING TO CONFIRM FOR 2022. Come walk through Bethlehem and hear the story of Jesus’ birth! Enjoy live animals and refreshments!


You might also like . . .

Model Train Displays
Here are the best places to find model train exhibits (many of them free!) in Lancaster County. Some start as early as November 24!

Live Nativities in Lancaster County
The experience of live nativities becomes immersive and brings the birth of Jesus Christ to life, right before your eyes!

Frysville Farms
For those who haven’t heard of Frysville, when they walk in to their store, they are surprised and excited to make it a new yearly family tradition!

Affordable Christmas Trees in Lancaster County
The price of Christmas trees continues to increase every year. Sometimes you’ll pay for the experience, but if you’re on a budget, you might need something a little more practical.

Where to Meet Santa in Lancaster County
This list includes breakfast with Santa, photos with Santa, Santa Christmas parties, cookies with Santa, and even a train ride with Santa!

Christmas Light Shows in Lancaster County & Beyond
Here are 10 light shows for you to enjoy with your family! (Some are large productions with a fee, others are free neighborhood houses or by donation.)

32 Unique Ways to Celebrate Christmas in Lancaster
On this list of ways to celebrate Christmas you’ll find live nativities, candlelight tours, christmas light shows, garden tours, concerts and even scooter rides with Santa!

Experience Gift Ideas in Lancaster County
I’ve come to learn that one of the best types of gifts you can give kids is experience gifts. Experiences that will create memories lasting a lifetime.

Experience Gift Ideas for Girls
This holiday season a friend asked me about experience gift ideas for a six year old girl. I had a lot of fun brainstorming and coming up with ideas for this mom, so I thought I’d share what I found with you too!

Staples Holiday Cards Deal
A few years ago we started purchasing holiday cards through this Groupon deal—here’s our experience and why we love it!

sugared cranberries recipe

Sugared Cranberries
This unique crowd-pleaser recipe is super easy to make, tastes delicious and looks amazing! Plus it gets a lot of attention at your family get-together.

DIY Christmas Paper Bag Star
This craft is so simple and easy enough for kids or adults to make. Just three simple steps in about 15 minutes and you’re done!

Christmas Morning Muffins
Cranberry orange muffins have become our new Christmas morning tradition along with our reindeer pancakes!

Cranberry Walnut Pie
I love that this recipe has only a few simple ingredients. It is simple and quick to make, it looks beautiful and it tastes like a mixture of cranberry bread and warm vanilla pie.

Filed Under: Lancaster County, Seasonal Tagged With: christmas, live nativity, woodcrest retreat

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