A faith-based way to celebrate the Christmas season: Live Nativity displays in Champaign-Urbana
Celebrate the Christmas season by experiencing the Biblical story of Jesus’ birth
Many Champaign-Urbana area churches will invite local families to bring their children to see a depiction of how the Bible describes the birth of Jesus through the use of live actors and animals.
Live Nativity displays allow those who celebrate in Champaign-Urbana to share their faith with the community. When you visit a live Nativity, you can expect to see individuals acting out different roles from the story of Jesus’ birth and typically there will be live animals there at the “manger” too. Some churches will welcome visitors in for hot chocolate, cookies, etc. to warm up during the event (though maybe not this year due to Covid-related guidance).
C-U churches produce several displays, and you can check the links below for more information, including locations, timing and details.
Champaign-Urbana Area Live Nativity Events:
Sunday, December 5, 2021
Live Nativity at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Time: 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
2101 S. Prospect
Champaign
All activities for this event will be outdoors including a food truck, treat bag giveaway, and music in addition to the live nativity experience, of course. In the past, this event has been presented in partnership with the Lutheran congregations in the community: Grace Lutheran Church, St. Andrew's Lutheran Campus Center Church, and St. Matthew Lutheran Church.
Lutheran Church of Mahomet Live Nativity
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Lutheran Church of Mahomet
410 Andover Drive
Mahomet
The Lutheran Church of Mahomet will hold their Live Nativity this year on December 5, from 5:00-7:00 pm.
Saturday, December 11, 2021
2nd Annual Luminaries of Hope and Live Nativity
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Cunningham Children’s Home
1301 N Cunningham Ave
Urbana
December 11 & 18 Luminaries of Hope and Live Nativity Cunningham Children’s Home will host a special holiday drive thru event: Luminaries of Hope and Live Nativity, December 11 & 18 from 6–8 p.m. Along with a live nativity, Cunningham’s campus, located at 1301 N. Cunningham Avenue in Urbana, will be lit up with 794 Luminaries of Hope, representing each of the youth, adults and families the agency served this year through its residential, educational and community-based services. For $10, the public can purchase a luminary, in honor or memory of someone special, to be included along the drive. Details…read more…
Saturday, December 18, 2021
2nd Annual Luminaries of Hope and Live Nativity
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Cunningham Children’s Home
1301 N Cunningham Ave
Urbana
December 11 & 18 Luminaries of Hope and Live Nativity Cunningham Children’s Home will host a special holiday drive thru event: Luminaries of Hope and Live Nativity, December 11 & 18 from 6–8 p.m. Along with a live nativity, Cunningham’s campus, located at 1301 N. Cunningham Avenue in Urbana, will be lit up with 794 Luminaries of Hope, representing each of the youth, adults and families the agency served this year through its residential, educational and community-based services. For $10, the public can purchase a luminary, in honor or memory of someone special, to be included along the drive. Details…read more…
Sunday, December 19, 2021
Live Nativity
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
The Vineyard Church
1500 N Lincoln Ave
Urbana
Family, friends, and neighbors! All are invited to a live outdoor nativity at The Vineyard Church in Urbana. This free and safe event is great for the whole family and a fun opportunity to share with neighborhood friends or co-workers. Join The Vineyard Church on Sunday, December 19th, from 5-7pm, for a drive-through experience complete with a telling of the Christmas story, inspiring music, and live nativity animals. No registration is required. Location: North Parking Lot (Urbana), 1500 N Lincoln Ave., Urbana, IL, 61801
Looking for more? Subscribe to our Home for the Holidays Newsletter. Want more ideas for holiday (or everyday) fun? Check out our Event Calendar.
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