Visits with Santa, incredible holiday lights displays… there is so much excitement around the Christmas season. But for many families, amongst the hustle and bustle of cookie exchanges and wrapping presents, it’s important to remember the true reason they celebrate Christmas. Local churches put on remarkable live nativity productions that bring everyone back to the meaning of Christmas. These events are almost always free, and often include extra treats such as hot cocoa, activities, and more.

Churches with a Live Nativity for 2022 in the Chicago Suburbs

Nearly all of these events are free and open to the community, but check the websites for details.

Journey to Bethlehem (Tinley Park)
November 25 – 27, 2022 | 4:30pm or 6:30pm
Walk through the nativity story with hot cocoa and snacks to keep you warm. Tours run every 10 minutes.

Live Nativity (Glen Ellyn)
November 25, 2022 | 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Tours will be guided through the production, along with activities and snacks.

Strollin’ to the Stable (Naperville)
December 3, 2022 | 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Outdoor events, plus an indoor laser light show, help celebrate the season. You’ll need a mask for the indoor portion, and optionally for outside festivities, which include a live nativity, carriage rides, and a petting zoo. Registration is required.

Christmas Wonder – A Journey to Bethlehem (New Lenox)
December 3, 2022 | 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Photo booths, guided tours through the nativity, snacks, activities, live animals, and much more.

Live Nativity (La Grange Park)
December 4, 2022 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Live animals and nativity scenes outdoors, with additional fun inside.

Trinity Lutheran Church & School (Lombard)
December 10, 2022 | 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Live animals, pony rides, hot cocoa, music, and snacks. Please consider bringing canned goods for the local food pantry.

Bethel Lutheran Church’s Christmas Street Fest (Westmont)
December 10, 2022 | 4:30pm – 6:30pm
Song performance by the preschool and donkey rides during the walk-by nativity.

Live Nativity (Naperville)
December 11, 2022 | 2:00pm – 7:35pm
Registration is not required for this event with live actors and animals. Last entry is at 7:30pm.

Drive Through Christmas Nativity (Batavia)
December 11, 2022 | 4:00pm – 6:00pm
This drive-thru display will be narrated as well as filled with live actors.

All Saints Lutheran Church (Palatine)
December 17, 2022 | 4:00pm and 5:30pm
This live nativity will bring the Christmas story to life. It is a drive-in movie style nativity with 50 spots per time, and you’ll stay in your car for the duration. Reservations needed!

Live Nativity at Faith (Aurora)
December 17, 2022 | starts 6:00pm
Watch the performance, and stay for snacks, petting zoo, and activities afterwards.

Live Nativity at Oswego Presbyterian Church
December 16-17, 2022 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Performance, hot cocoa, cookies, pet the goats and pony, and warm up inside with music and a puppet show (Friday only).

Live Nativity and Christmas Story (Elmhurst)
December 22, 2022 | 4:00pm, 5:00pm, 6:00pm
Sheep, goats, alpacas, and other animals join Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus at this live nativity that also tells the Christmas story at each of the three time slots.

Live Nativity at First Congregational Church (Western Springs)
December 24, 2022 | 2:00pm
Nativity with live animals. You will be directed to walk past the nativity starting at the corner of Woodland and Chestnut.

Churches with Live Nativity Plans To Be Announced

These churches hosted events last Christmas, but have not yet announced their plans for 2022. Check their websites for the most up-to-date details.

• The Center (Palos Park)
• Downers Grove Community Church
• Chapelstreet Church Mill Creek Campus (Geneva)

Did we miss any live nativity events happening near you? Let us know in the comments or on our Facebook page! Then, check out more holiday fun for 2022 or winter activities to do with your kids.