Drive-Through and Walk-Through Live Nativity Events in Minnesota

Celebrate Christmas with these Minnesota Live Nativity Events!

We’ve gathered a big list of upcoming Living Nativity and Christmas Story drive-through and walk-through events happening all over the state of Minnesota!

These beautiful, live recreations of the Christmas story feature community members playing the roles of Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and other biblical characters—often complete with real live farm animals rounding out the manger scene!

These are usually free events (donations of food or money often accepted) and many include Christmas treats or even a meal – making them a wonderful, budget-friendly way to celebrate the season and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. They’re also fantastic opportunities to make new family memories!

Minnesota Live Nativity Events 2025

*CANCELED DUE TO COLD* 🚗 Albert Lea
December 12 and 13, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
New Life Christian Church
Gather the entire family to drive thru key scenes depicting the nativity story of Mary and Joseph as they journey to Bethlehem for the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Witness shepherds, angels, roman soldiers, wisemen, animals and more as you travel thru the show from the comfort and warmth of your vehicle. This event is free to the public and appropriate for all ages to attend.

🚗 Alexandria
December 7, 4:30 – 6:30 pm
First Lutheran Church
The community is invited to join us for our annual tradition of bringing the nativity story to life! This is a drive-thru event, so grab your friends, load up the car, and come on out!

Andover
December 16, 6 – 8:30 pm
Constance Free Church
Open house style Christmas event for families. Activities are designed for ages 2-12 and the full experience takes about 40 minutes. Families are invited to show up anytime between 6pm and 8:00pm.

Anoka
December 3, 6 – 8 pm
Connections Church
Come to Connections Church in Ramsey for our Christmas Wonderland! Activities will include: Petting zoo Photo op with Santa! Live nativity Hot cocoa bar and other goodies Christmas crafts to make and take home Invite your friends and family to this festive community event!

🚗 Anoka
December 5, 4 – 8 pm
United Methodist Church of Anoka
December 5, 2025
Look for the star and drive by this “real-life” depiction of a Nativity Scene as part of your Advent season. Joseph, Mary, and a baby that changed the world. Join the angels and shepherds as they bear witness to the scene and be reminded that love can enter the world in unexpected ways! See the donkeys and other animals that may be gathered at the scene.

Austin
December 13, 5 – 7 pm
Bethlehem Church
Come to Bethlehem! Join us for our Live Nativity. This time we we will have the Holy Family inside and the animals outside. We’ll have treats and activities indoors for all ages!

Bloomington
December 6, 5 – 7 pm
Redemption Lutheran Church
This FREE community event will feature: Petting Zoo Live Nativity Games & Activities Cookies & Cocoa A warm, festive atmosphere to kick off the season Bring your family, invite your friends, and celebrate the joy of Christmas with us. We can’t wait to welcome you!

Buffalo
December 20 and 21, 5 – 7 pm
Zion Lutheran Church
A walk-through live nativity that emphasizes the humble birth of Jesus in a manger, animals and all!
Come anytime between 5:00pm-7:00pm on December 20th or 21st to walk through. Hot chocolate and apple cider available. Pony rides available for purchase.

Circle Pines
December 14, 4 – 6 pm
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Join us for…. Nativities on display Cookie Decorating Story time for children Games All ages welcome – We have something for everyone! Open house style

*CANCELED DUE TO COLD* Cottage Grove
December 13, 4 – 6 pm
Cottage Grove United Church of Christ
Come celebrate the joy of the Christmas season at the Live Nativity at Cottage Grove United Church of Christ on Saturday, December 13th from 4-6 pm. There will be live animals (sheep, goats, donkey, camel) to pet and take pictures with, a wonderful retelling of the Christmas story with live actors and animals at 4:30 pm and 5:15 pm, and hot chocolate, cookies, and a whole lot of festive fun for the entire family!

Duluth
December 3, 1:30 – 3 pm
Benedictine Living Community
You are invited to our 3rd Annual Live Nativity! Join us at 1:30 pm for the Memory Tree lighting, carols, and refreshments. Then our live performance will begin at 2:00 pm in the BHC parking lot. There will be live animals, Christmas treats, refreshments, + more! Entry is free.

Eden Prairie
December 7, 5 – 7 pm
Prairie Lutheran Church
Join us for our 2nd Annual Nativity Fair this Christmas season! From 5-6 PM, enjoy games, crafts, and scavenger hunts. At 6 PM, join us for a Chili Cook-Off dinner (non chili options avaliable, too) and an impromptu live nativity play! All are welcome at NO COST!

Edina
December 13, 3 – 5 pm
Cross View Lutheran Church

Elk River
December 5, 5 – 7:30 pm
Central Lutheran Church
Step into the city of Bethlehem and experience the Christmas story like never before! Every year, 200–300 kids and their families journey through this immersive event filled with hands-on fun, story encounters, and meaningful memories. This event is FREE and open to everyone — we’d love to see you there!

Elk River
December 6, 9 am – 12 pm
Lord of Glory Lutheran Church
Start your family Christmas festivities at the place where it all began, Bethlehem! Join families from around the area for a breakfast and interactive visit. Intended for adults and children in the community to come together to seek out and find the true meaning of Christmas. Come and celebrate the birth of the Christ child, experience the joy of giving and create a special keepsake.

Fosston
November 21, 5 – 6:30 pm
Ultima Bank
Join us on November 21st for cookies and hot cocoa as we celebrate the reason for the season! We will have a live nativity at Ultima Bank in Fosston on Friday, November 21st from 4-6:30.

Glenwood
December 18, 4 – 7 pm
Living Nativity as part of Magical Christmas in Glenwood. Details to come.

🚗 Goodhue
November 29, 4 – 6 pm
Grace Church
Come to our drive thru Live Nativity from 4 – 6 pm on Saturday November 29th. The event is free we ask you to bring a food shelf donation.

Hastings
December 6, 5 – 7 pm
St. John’s Lutheran Church
Join us 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 be served inside the church. Everyone is welcome!

Hinckley
November 30, 1 – 4 pm
St. Paul Lutheran Church
We will have animals outside from 1-3 to remind us of the first sights, sounds, and even smells of the first Christmas! Roast marshmallows and stay warm by the fires. Then join us inside for Christmas goodies and a warm drink. At 3pm we will have our concert with piano solos, choir selection, and handbells , as well as many familiar songs for everyone to join in singing!

Hutchinson
December 7, 5 – 7 pm
Vineyard United Methodist Church
Mark your Calendars! Join us for our second annual Live Nativity from 5:00 to 7:00 with a special performance at 6:00. We will also have hot cocoa and cookies to share.

Isanti
December 6, 3 – 6:30 pm
Long Lake Lutheran Church
Come see Mary and Joseph’s long journey to Bethlehem. This is a FREE event to start the holiday season. Tours of Bethlehem will occur approximately every half hour on the top and bottom of the hour, Later tours get very crowded, so plan to come early so we can accommodate your group. There will be a special showing from 2:00PM-3:00PM for those with wheelchairs, special needs and those who need assistance.

Le Roy
December 5, 5 pm
Bethany Bible Church
Come and witness the manger come to life at Bethany Bible Church’s Live Nativity. Get up close to the animals and characters of that night in Bethlehem and learn why we needed a Savior to come! You are also invited inside the church for a free community meal being served from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Our live nativity is in conjunction with Le Roy’s Jingle & Mingle celebration that kicks off the holiday season.

🚗 Lester Prairie
December 13 and 14, 2 – 6 pm
Harvest Community Church
Drive through and walk through experiences with caroling, family photos, and refreshments.

Lindstrom
December 6, 6 – 7:30 pm
First United Methodist Church
Join us for the Annual Living Nativity at First United Methodist Church Lindstrom. Show Times are 6:00, 6:30, and 7:00pm. Each Show lasts approximately 15 minutes. The event is outdoors, please dress warm.

Luverne
December 14, 4:30 – 6:30 pm
Grace Lutheran ELCA
Come enjoy the Live Nativity with live actors and animals outside, and inside enjoy a comforting soup supper meal, kids activities, and NEW this year, a Christmas Carol Sing Along beginning at 6pm in the church sanctuary!

Mayer
December 7, 4:30 – 6:30 pm
Zion Lutheran
Please park on the street and gather at the main entrance on the south side of the church to begin your tour. You’ll be guided to the stable-the birthplace of our Savior, Jesus. Tours run continuously. After the tour, come inside the church to enjoy music, cookies, beverages, and fellowship. We kindly ask you to bring a donation for the Gather & Grow Foodshelf.

Melrose
November 28, 4 – 7 pm
Birch Hills Community Church
Hope to see you at the Melrose Holiday Kickoff. We will be doing the Live Nativity again this year. Looking forward to seeing all of you. Pony rides for the kiddo’s.

Minneapolis
December 17, 6 – 8 pm
Crosstown Covenant Church
Free event to come and experience the true story of Christmas! Bring the whole family! There will be live animals and other activities.

Minnetonka
December 14, 4 – 5 pm
Minnetonka United Methodist Church
Experience the Christmas Story anew! Pet and feed the live animals, sip on hot chocolate and sing Christmas carols around the fire! All are invited and welcome.

Moorhead
December 7, 2 – 5 pm
Triumph Lutheran Brethren Church
Experience the Christmas Story like never before! The streets of ancient Bethlehem will be busy as everyone gathers for the census! Join Mary, Joseph, and others as you experience the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of ancient Israel! Taste Middle Eastern foods, build crafts and toys popular in ancient Israel, and meet the camels, sheep, and goats!

New Prague
December 5, 5:30 – 6:30 pm
New Prague Catholic
We’re bringing the Light of Christ to the community! Your evening includes: A Live Nativity with Real Animals: See the Christmas story come to life! We will have three shows at 5:30 PM, 5:50 PM, and the last show at 6:10 PM. FREE Hot Dog Dinner: Come hungry! Dinner is served before the parade kicks off. Live Music: Enjoy festive tunes that set the perfect holiday mood!

North Mankato
December 3, 6 – 7:30 pm
Crossview Covenant Church
“Travel back” to ancient Bethlehem and see what daily life was like when Jesus was born. Children will be able to craft jewelry, decorate cookies at the bakery, practice scroll writing, and more! Visit with friends in the Jewish home and learn about their customs and lifestyle. Before the night is over, the whole family will get to meet “Mary & Joseph” and hear about an amazing new baby, lying in the manger!

🚗 North Mankato
December 4, 5, and 6, 6 – 8 pm
Old Barn Acres
With the Christmas season quickly approaching, join us at our farm to be reminded of the reason for the season. We are hosting a drive-thru Live Nativity that the whole family can enjoy, from the comfort of your warm vehicle, from 6-8pm on Thursday, Dec 4, Friday, Dec 5th, and Saturday, Dec 6th. Click the link below for directions to our farm, just 3 miles west of North Mankato, right on Highway 14.

Ortonville
December 13, 4 – 6 pm
Living Hope Fellowship
Join us for an evening of Christmas joy at Living Hope Fellowship! Experience the live nativity and enjoy the warmth of community and fellowship. Chili & Soup Supper – Served inside Bake Sale – Perfect treats to take home Hot Cider & Hot Chocolate – To keep you cozy Free-will donations for the supper & bake sale will benefit local nonprofit organizations in our area.

Rochester
December 5, 5 – 8 pm and December 6, 3 – 8 pm
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The longest-running and largest free, annual display of nativity scenes and musical performances in Minnesota. Over 200 nativity scenes, live performances of Christmas music, and refreshments. Free admission, families and children welcome.

Rogers
December 6, 5 – 8 pm
NorthRidge Fellowship
Step into the city where hope was born. A Night in Bethlehem is an immersive Christmas experience where kids and families explore what life was like when Jesus entered the world. Through hands-on activities and interactive stations, you’ll discover the story of the most important baby ever—and the good news that Jesus came to save us.

🚗 St. Peter
December 12, 5:30 – 8 pm
First Lutheran Church
This free, one-night-only event is open to all. Guests can enjoy the Christmas story brought to life through live animals, beautifully crafted scenes, and a peaceful, uplifting atmosphere—all from the comfort and warmth of their vehicles. The event is designed to offer a moment of hope, light, and joy during the Christmas season.

Sandstone
December 6, 4:30 – 6:30 pm
Dell Grove Emmanuel Lutheran Church
Join us for a very special evening of fellowship and family fun as we prepare for the birth of our Savior. The Live Nativity at Emmanuel Lutheran is a highlight of the Christmas season. Animals, caroling, crafts, games and more! We can’t wait to see you there! All Are Welcome!

Sauk Rapids
December 6, 2 – 5 pm
Coborn’s Parking Lot
Living Waters Lutheran Church will present its Living Nativity from 2-5 p.m. on Saturday, December 6, in the parking lot of Coborn’s grocery store in Sauk Rapids. This reenactment of Jesus’s birth in a stable in Bethlehem will feature live animals and real people portraying kings, shepherds, and angels alongside Mary and Joseph.

Spring Lake
November 29, 1 – 5 pm
Sand Lake Alliance Church
Not a living nativity, but a festival of over 250 nativity sets on display. Christmas carol sing-along at 5 pm. Additional days for viewing are Sunday, November 30 from 1 – 4 pm and Saturday and Sunday, December 6 and 7 from 1 – 4 pm.

*CANCELED DUE TO COLD* Springfield
December 12 and 13, 7 pm
Springfield Area Community Center
See the nativity come to life at this annual, outdoor presentation. Local actors bring you the sights and sounds of the Christmas story, with Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus in a live manger scene, with real camels, dancing angels, and more. Enjoy Christmas music sung by the community choir. After the show refreshments are served at the Springfield Community Center.

Stillwater
December 21, 4 – 6 pm
Oak Hill Campus
Bring your entire family and experience the wonder of Christmas! Walk through short, immersive scenes with live actors and sets that bring the story of Jesus’ birth to life: Live animals Local vendors Treats and hot beverages Fun for the whole family—FREE and open to the community.

Stillwater
December 20, 21, 4 – 6 pm
Stone Gable Farm
Enjoy an outdoor immersive walk through the Christmas story (in its broader historical context), meeting characters (and animals!) along the way. It ends at the barn where there’s art from local artists, a craft, hot cider, and eventually a carol sing-along and short Christmas message, followed by free cookies and cocoa! Bonfires and marshmallows to roast as well. Open to all, but the walk may be challenging for some who are not sure-footed. Some people like to bring sleds to pull little ones. Dress for the weather!

🚗 Strathcona
December 7, 5 – 7 pm
18713 County Line Rd NE
The Strathcona Live Nativity will be on Sunday night, starting at 5:00p.m. and will cycle every 15 minutes.
This is a great event that you are still able to bring the whole family out to. You will be able to remain in your car and watch the live nativity unfold. The audio will be transmitted on to your FM radio on 101.7fm.

West Concord
December 6, 7 am – 11 pm
City of West Concord
Start your morning with homemade donuts and a smile, then warm up at Coffee & Cocoa with Council before exploring the Christmas Marketplace for local treasures. Don’t miss the Live Nativity program, Community Dinner, and plenty more festive fun throughout the day. From sunrise to starlight, come celebrate the magic of the season—West Concord style! Full schedule coming soon!

*CANCELED DUE TO COLD* White Bear Lake
December 13, 4:30 – 7:30 pm
St. Stephen Lutheran Church
Details to come.

Windom
December 10, 5 – 7:30 pm
American Lutheran of Windom
A soup and chili supper will be served for a suggested donation of $8 from 5pm-7pm with all proceeds going to our youth! The live nativity can be viewed starting at 5:30pm by foot or by car. There will be horse and carriage rides, a bake sale(with proceeds going to Christian Education and the youth program), popcorn, cider, music, and animals to adore. We will be collecting food for the Sharing Center as well.

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We will gladly add other events here to share with our readers if you know of others! Please let us know and we can add them.