Welcome to Suitcases and Sippy Cups- a place where you can find ideas and encouragement for family travels both near and far. Feel free to look around and learn more about our traveling family. Traveling with kids is not always pretty, but it's always worth it!
A Living Nativity presentation is one of the events that we must attend each Christmas in order to feel like the season is off to a proper celebratory start. During the presentation, the story of the birth of Christ leaps to life with mulitsensory and utterly realistic details-from crying babies to smelly animals and everything in between. The kids in our group are always excited to get to meet the animals up close and personal, while the grownups appreciate a quiet moment to reflect on the less commercial reason for the season. At some point in the evening there is usually hot chocolate and gives everyone a boost of holiday happiness.
The time to start finding a nearby Live Nativity is the day after Thanksgiving, as most churches and organizations like to schedule their performances early in December. If you are making plans to attend a Live Nativity in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, check out this list to find one near you.
Live Nativity Performances in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex
December 5-9, 5:30-9:30 pm
Journey to Bethlehem @ Church at the Cross in Grapevine: Journey to Bethlehem” is a 45-minute interactive outside walking tour that simulates the journey Mary and Joseph may have taken from Nazereth to Bethlehem. A truly immersive and memorable experience!
December 6-8, 13-15 6:00-9:00 pm
Bethlehem Revisited@ Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce: Step back in time 2000 years and walk the streets as Mary and Joseph did on the night of Christ’s birth. Check out the nearby outdoor skating rink.
December 7, 5:30-8:00 pm
Journey to Bethlehem and Birthday Party for Jesus@ First United Methodist Church Plano:The Christmas Story comes to life with "Journey to Bethlehem" drive-thru nativity, featuring actors from FirstChurch and live animals.Come experience this live depiction of the greatest story ever told. Afterwards, bring the kids to celebrate a birthday part for Jesus.
December 13-14, 6:30-9:00 pm
The Joy of Sharing Christmas @Grace Bible Church Dallas: Four short live theatrical scenes depicting the true story and meaning of Christmas. We'll have Christmas Carols, warm refreshments, cookie decorating for children and our traditional manger scene which includes live animals. It's free and tours are every 10 minutes.
December 13-14, Friday 7-9, Saturday 6-9
Journey to the Manger @ St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Plano: Experience the drama of the first Christmas through six narrated outdoor scenes. Listen to the re-enactment of the coming of Jesus. The drama is a Biblical account of the birth of Jesus and a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas!
December 14, 2-6 pm
Live Nativity @ Lamb of God Lutheran Church in Flower Mound: Ride the hayride and listen to the Christmas story as it is acted out by costumed characters in live, beautiful scenes.
December 14, 2 pm
Live Nativity @ Walnut Hill United Methodist Church: Children, youth, and live animals recreate the birth of Christ along with cookies and cocoa.
Living nativities are tons of fun. Ours seem a little less realistic, since there's usually several inches of snow on the ground, which detracts a little bit from that desert feel, but it's still a good time.
There is one in Arlington we’ve been to a few times and loved it. Great collection here- I shared on Facebook.
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I don’t know if I’ve ever been to a living nativity! Looks like there is one in Plano…this would be great to take the kids to.
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I’m definitely taking the family to one of these this year. Thanks so much for sharing.
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December 21-22 at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension, 8787 Greenville Ave. Dallas, TX 75243. Starting each evening at 5:00pm – The Live Nativity will portray the Christmas Pilgrimage to Bethlehem. Four times during the evening the empty manger will gradually fill with Mary, Joseph, shepherds, wise men and a complete cast of live animals as they make their way to Bethlehem for the birth of the Newborn King. As soon as the scene is completed, spectators will be invited to become part of the story – step into the manger and get close enough to touch the animals.
The pilgrimage will begin every 45 minutes (5:00, 5:45, 6:30 and 7:15). However, if guests arrive between the Pilgrimage start times, they will be welcomed to join the Pilgrimage or choose to wait until the next trip begins.
To interest the smallest travelers, a petting zoo will be open for everyone to see the manger animals including a camel! Free and open to the public.