Skip to content
Live Nativity

About the Live Nativity

A free outdoor walk through the story of the Savior’s birth, offered each December. Here is what to expect, what you will see, and how to plan your evening.

What to expect

  • Walking journeys start every 15 minutes.
  • The journey takes about 30 minutes along wheelchair accessible paths.
  • It is an outdoor event, so dress warmly.
  • Free hot chocolate and tours of the Temple grounds follow your journey.

Three scenes, one story

  1. Scene One
    A group of young costumed villagers in robes and headscarves walk arm in arm past market stalls and stone building facades on the torchlit Bethlehem set at night.

    Bethlehem

    Arrive at the bustling marketplace and watch citizens and travelers as they buy and trade goods, play children’s games, and get ready for the day to come.

  2. Scene Two
    A man and two children dressed as shepherds lean on wooden staffs beside a large boulder, gazing upward with sheep grazing nearby in a wooded field lit by a small fire.

    Shepherds

    The fields surrounding Bethlehem were home to numerous flocks of sheep. The shepherds would have stayed up most of the night laboring beneath the crystal sky of the desert plateau.

  3. Scene Three
    Mary and Joseph kneel beside a wooden manger cradle in a straw-strewn stable while two wise men in richly colored robes look on by warm lantern light.

    The Stable

    The infant child, Jesus Christ, is born in a stable because there is no room in the inn. His earthly parents, Mary and Joseph, love and care for Him as visitors from all around come to see Him.

Walk the journey

“To catch the real meaning of the Spirit of Christmas we need only drop the last syllable and it becomes the Spirit of Christ.”

Plan your visit

Reservations help us arrange for the best possible experience for all who attend. Please note reservations are encouraged but not required to attend. We welcome you to come and enjoy the nativity with or without a reservation however, those without reservations may experience longer wait times.

Reservations open soonEverything you need to know
Dates
Dates announced soon
Hours
6:00 to 8:00 PM, last presentation at 8:00 PM
Address
2100 California Circle, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
Admission
Free

From past years

See the gallery
  • Mary and Joseph lean close over their newborn wrapped in white cloth, lit by warm lantern light.
  • Three young women in headscarves hold woven basket lanterns and smile together at night.
  • Mary and Joseph kneel together over their newborn laid in a straw filled wooden manger as wise men look on.
  • A large choir in white robes sings behind shepherds, women, and children gathered on an outdoor stage at night.
  • A Roman soldier in profile wears a bronze helmet with a red plume, calling out while holding a spear against a dark background.
  • A soldier wearing a bronze crested helmet with a red plume gazes forward, gold jewelry visible at his collar.

Questions people ask

Do I need a reservation?

Reservations are not required, but they are recommended. The objective is to minimize your wait time. We are expecting a large number of visitors, and reservations help us to plan appropriately so everyone has the best experience possible. If you can’t or didn’t get a reservation, you will not be turned away.

Reserve a free time

How early should I arrive for the Live Nativity?

We recommend arriving 15 to 20 minutes before your reserved time (especially if you have the 6:00 PM reserved time as groups head to Bethlehem 10 minutes before).

What if it rains?

Rain notifications will be published on this website. The Live Nativity is outdoors but light to medium rain won’t stop the show, however heavier rain could cause cancellations.

How long will the event take and what should I expect?

The presentational tour through three beautiful outdoor scenes set in ancient Bethlehem will take about 30 minutes. This does not include check in time. Guests will check-in at the church building gym entrance which is the building on the left side of the temple. Groups will head to Bethlehem 10 minutes before the first scene begins. A new group will start the journey every 15 minutes. Free hot chocolate and tours of the grounds of the temple are available before or after your Bethlehem journey.

Is the Live Nativity wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The walking paths and ramps are all wheelchair accessible. If you have special needs, please feel free to contact us ahead of time and we will do all we can to accommodate you.

All questions