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
Friday and Saturday, December 4-5
Allen Nativity Exhibit: Wise Men Still Seek Him: Wise Men Still Seek Him is a 2-day event, held Friday December 4th (10am-9pm) and Saturday, December 5th (10am-7pm) at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1324 W. Exchange Parkway, Allen. There are over 400 nativity displays from around the world, soul stirring musical performances, and a live nativity to watch and ponder. View and examine 500 years of Bibles and sacred text on display. Families and individuals of all ages are invited to come and reflect on the reason for the season. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome.
Saturday, December 5, 5:30-8 pm
First United Methodist Church of Plano: The Christmas Story comes to life in Journey to Bethlehem, a drive-thru Nativity where visitors can experience the journey of Mary and Joseph to the stable where the Christ child was born. Come early for the birthday party for Jesus at 5:30.
Friday and Saturday, December 11-12, 6:00-9:00
Journey into Bethlehem at Grace Bible Church in Dallas: Journey into Christmas is an interactive trip through the Christmas story. Enjoy guided tours through four Christmas story scenes, live camels, refreshments, Christmas carols, a petting zoo, kids activities and more.
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, December 4-6, 11-3 6-9 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. Stroll around the walled city surrounded by the sights and sounds of Bethlehem. You can also visit Herod's Court and see the procession of the three kings.
Friday, December 18, 6-8 pm
Live Nativity and Christmas Carnival @ Walnut Hill United Methodist Church: Children, youth, and live animals recreate the birth of Christ along with cookies, cocoa, and Santa.
December 11-12, Saturday 7-9, Sunday 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!
Saturday, December 12, 2-6 pm
Live Nativity @ Lamb of God Lutheran Church in Flower Mound: The live nativity is an annual presentation where the community is invited to share the joy of Christmas. Come ride the hayride and liste to the Christmas Story as it is acted out by costumed characters in live, beautiful scenes. When the hayride is over, you can stop at the petting zoo or go inside for free hot cider and cookies. Listen as musicians play Christmad carols and have pictures taken in front of the Christmas Tree.
Sunday, December 20, 7:30 pm
Night in Bethlehem @ First United Methodist Church in Frisco: Experience the sights and sounds of Bethlehem. We'll have a live nativity, crafts, petting zoo, holiday music, sweets and warm drinks. The kids will love the interactive stations where kids can learn and experience what Bethlehem was like.