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 2026

🚗 Alexandria
December 6, 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!

🚗 Anoka
December 12, 4 – 8 pm
United Methodist Church of Anoka
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.

Bloomington
December 5, 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!

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

Duluth
December 9, 1:30 – 3 pm
Benedictine Living Community
We are excited to invite you to our Live Nativity on Wednesday, December 9th, 2026! The performance begins at 1:30 and 3:00 pm, followed by a festive social gathering filled with carols, Christmas treats, live animals, joyful music and more. Don’t miss this heartwarming event—entry is free and everyone is welcome!

Edina
December 5, 10 am – 1 pm
Cross View Lutheran Church

Elk River
December 4, 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! Bring your family, invite a friend, and enjoy a festive night together!

Elk River
December 5, 9 am – 12 pm
Lord of Glory Lutheran Church
Free Family Event – Start your holidays focused on the “Reason for the Season”. Come and experience activities to learn about the true meaning of Christmas! Activities include: Live Nativity Free Breakfast Take a walk through the Nativity Scene Gallery Craft project Bake Sale benefiting missions

Hastings
December 5, 5 – 7 pm
St. John’s Lutheran Church
Join us at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 202 W. 8th St. Hastings on Saturday December 5, 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 are part of the performance. Free refreshments will be be served inside the church. Everyone is welcome!

Hinckley
November 29, 1 pm
St. Paul Lutheran Church
Please join us on November 29th to hear and see some of the events of the first Christmas! Enjoy a live nativity with live animals, marshmallow roasting, photo ops, and cookies from 1-3 p.m. There willl be small crafts for kids inside! At 3:00 p.m., join us inside the sanctuary for singing, piano and vocal solos, and a handbell performance!

Lindstrom
Date TBD
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 6, 4:30 – 6:30 pm
Grace Lutheran Church
Spark the Christmas season by remembering the nativity story with LIVE animals, LIVE actors, fire pits and hot cocoa outdoors. Indoors, enjoy the soup supper and a Christmas Singalong beginning at 6:00pm in the Sanctuary where we will sing a variety of Christmas favorites.

Mayer
December 6, 4:30 – 6:30 pm
Zion Lutheran
Come experience the wonder and joy of the Christmas story with us from 4:30–6:30 PM! Bring your family and friends as we kick off the Christmas season by celebrating the true reason for Christmas—the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We look forward to celebrating this special season with you!

North Mankato
December 2, 6 – 8 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 3, 4, and 5, 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! Drive-Thru from 6-8pm on Thursday, Dec 3rd, Friday, Dec 4th, or Saturday, Dec 5th.

Rochester
December 4, 6 – 8 pm and December 5, 4 – 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 5, 5 – 8 pm
NorthRidge Fellowship
Experience the wonder of Christmas through a fun, interactive family adventure! See, hear, smell, touch, and taste your way through the Christmas story with hands-on activities and meaningful discoveries. Come explore together and discover the incredible gift of Jesus!

Sauk Rapids
December 5, 2 – 5 pm
Coborn’s Parking Lot
Living Waters Lutheran Church will present its Living Nativity from 2-5 p.m. 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.

Springfield
December 12 and 13, 6 pm
Springfield Area Community Center
The 40th Annual Live Nativity Pageant will be held on Saturday, December 12, 2026 & Sunday, December 13, 2026 starting at 6 pm. Bleacher seating available. Pageant is 40 minutes and was voted the “Best of Minnesota Live Nativity” by WCCO television viewers in 2017. Presented free of charge—a gift from the Springfield Area Nativity Theatre Association and the Springfield community.

Stillwater
December 13, 4 – 6 pm
Oak Hill Campus
As twilight settles in at our Stillwater Campus, bonfires glow and the sights and sounds of Bethlehem come to life. Walk among live animals and costumed actors as you experience the wonder of Jesus’ birth in a setting that feels like stepping back in time. Then head inside to warm up with hot cocoa, treats, and local vendors. Bring the whole family and experience this Christmas tradition together!

Stillwater
December 18, 6 – 8 pm, December 19 and 20, 4 – 6:30 pm
Stone Gable Farm
Step into a unique Christmas experience, immersing yourself in the story of Christ’s birth in the context of what happened before and after! As you walk through history, engage your senses: look for signs and symbols, listen to historical characters, feel the ups and downs of the journey with your legs, and let your heart be touched by the hope of Christ’s coming. (The Friday event is a stationary barn adaptation.)

🚗 Strathcona
December 6, 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 before exploring the Christmas Marketplace for local treasures. Don’t miss the Live Nativity program (5 pm), Community Supper, and plenty more festive fun throughout the day. From sunrise to starlight, come celebrate the magic of the season—West Concord style!

White Bear Lake
December 12, 4:30 – 7:30 pm
St. Stephen Lutheran Church
Details to come.

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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.