Continuing a Christmas tradition in communities across Canada, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints presents free performances of live nativity pageants and crèche displays to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ as portrayed in the biblical account.
As the doctrine and scriptures of the Church centre on the role of Jesus Christ as Redeemer, Saviour and Son of God, it is natural for Church members to celebrate His birth. Attendance at these annual pageants has become an annual tradition for many families.
Local dignitaries and members of other faiths often take part in these performances, which are open to the public.
A sampling of this year’s locations, dates and times includes the following:
Brampton, Ontario — Live nativity pageant at The Barn at Chinguacousy Park (parking lot entrance off Central Park at Hanover), December 17 at 6:30 p.m., 7:15 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island — Nativity pageant at 10 Northridge Parkway, December 10 and 11 at 7:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Edmonton, Alberta — Interdenominational Christmas Chorale Festival and Nativity Display at 2090 Sherwood Dr., Sherwood Park, December 1, 5:00–8:00 p.m.; December 2, 5:00–8:00 p.m.; and December 3, 12:00–4:00 p.m.
Kindersley, Saskatchewan — 28th live outdoor nativity pageant at 820 1st St. West, December 18 at 6:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Meet the animals and cast after the show, and enjoy hot apple cider.
Kingston, Ontario — 40th annual live nativity pageant at 2245 Battersea Rd., Glenburnie, Ontario, December 21 to 24* at 6:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. (*the last performance on December 24 is at 7:30 p.m.).
Newmarket, Ontario — 29th annual “A Journey to Bethlehem” at Fairy Lake Park (on Water St. in downtown Newmarket), December 21, 22 and 23 at 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; December 24 at 7:00 p.m. only.
Ottawa, Ontario — Live evening presentations on December 16 and 17 at 7:00 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. (the 7:45 p.m. presentation on December 16 will be in French); hot chocolate and petting farm. More details at TheNativity.ca.
Prince George, British Columbia — “Faces of the Nativity” at 4180 5th Ave., November 30, 3:00–8:00 pm.; December 1, 3:00–8:00 p.m.; December 2, 12:00–8:00 p.m.; and December 3, 12:00–8:00 p.m.
Spruce Grove, Alberta — Outdoor live nativity pageant at 400 McLeod Ave., December 22 and 23 at 6:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (free hot chocolate).
Toronto, Ontario — 2nd annual nativity pageant at 1990 Jane St., December 16 at 7:00 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. (free hot chocolate).
Trent River, Ontario (formerly Sea Horse Banquet Hall) — 8th annual Christmas nativity display, December 2, 6:00–9:00 p.m.; December 3, 2:00–9:00 p.m.; and December 4, 2:00–6:00 p.m., followed by a special video presentation of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s “Home for the Holidays” from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. (light refreshments).
Winnipeg, Manitoba — Live nativity at The Forks (historic tourist site in downtown Winnipeg, 123 Main St.), December 9 at 6:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and December 10 at 5:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
For dates and times in your area, please contact the local meetinghouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.