HARLINGEN — Travel back in time this weekend as you take a journey through a nativity scene with actors and live animals at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Harlingen.
Members of the church will host their annual two-day Nativity Nights event this Saturday and Sunday from 5 to 8 p.m.
In addition to a live nativity, there will also be a variety of musical performances, a photo booth, free food, gifts and a kids section with face painting.
More than 3,500 people attended Nativity Nights last year. Director, Schawn Wreden said the event has continued to gain popularity and adds new activities each year.
Wreden said families enjoy walking through the live nativity so much that they visit it multiple times to be able to experience it over and over.
“Guests usually tell us that the event is a great way to start off their Christmas season,” Wreden said. “I love that kids are amazed when they walk through the live nativity and want to stay in there looking at the live animals.”
From baking dozens of cookies and serving food, to working behind the scenes and participating as actors, hundreds of volunteers have been working diligently to create the event.
“It’s a big job to put on and involves a lot of volunteer hours, but it’s just one of the most rewarding things that I think we do,” Wreden said. “I think for us it feels like it’s our way of giving a Christmas gift to our community.”
IF YOU GO
WHAT — Nativity Nights
WHEN — Saturday, Dec. 1 and Sunday, Dec. 2
TIME — 5 to 8 p.m.
WHERE — St. Paul Lutheran Church, 602 Morgan Blvd., Harlingen
COST — Free
INFOBOX: Nativity Nights activities
Music
Free gifts
Photo booth
Live actors and animals
Nativities and angels from around the world
Free hotdogs, hot chocolate and popcorn
