See 22 Michigan Live Nativity Scenes 2023 This Christmas + Drive Thru | Dates and Times | Grand Rapids, Detroit, Lansing, Ann Arbor, Flint, St Joseph Regions

Article:  Where to See 22 Michigan Live Nativity Scenes 2023 This Christmas + Drive Thru 


Chris and I enjoy seeing Michigan live nativities each Christmas as they tell the true meaning of the holiday. Many nativity scenes are accompanied with delightful holiday festivities including lighted parades, breathtaking fireworks, horse and carriage rides, joyful Santa visits, sparkling tree lighting, caroling and so much family-friendly Christmas cheer! You enjoy Michigan Christmas towns along the way!

Make live nativities an annual tradition or favorite Michigan holiday activity for your family!  You can sing carols in the car, enjoy snacks, and see Christmas lights! Many nativities are drive through or walk through.

Below, Chris and I list several live nativities all across Michigan for you to enjoy! There are several spots in Northern, Center, Southwest and Southeast Michigan. Check out live nativity scenes in Grand Rapids, Troy, Detroit, Lansing, Ann Arbor, Flint, St Joseph, Mt. Pleasant regions. Merry Christmas, Everyone!


Interactive Map of Michigan's Live Nativity Scenes This December

1. Monroe's Tree Lighting + Live Nativity | Monroe | Dates and Times

Where: Loranger Square for the annual Monroe Hometown Tree Lighting! 

When: Friday, November 17, 2023, 5:30PM to 8:30PM. Tree will be lit at 7pm sharp! 

Monroe's Tree Lighting Activities include:

• Visit with Santa Claus 🎅 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
• Horse and wagon rides 🐎 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
• Barnyard Petting Farm 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Live Nativity 🌟 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
• Children's Activities and Games 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
• Visits with Characters 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
• Chestnut Roasting 🔥 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
• Strolling Victorian Characters 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
• Crafts and Nutcracker Dancers at Ellis Library 5:30 - 7:00 PM
• Food Trucks 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
• Christmas Carols and Music! 🎵


2. Flushing's Annual Candlewalk and Live Nativity | Flushing Michigan | Dates and Times | Mid Michigan

  • When: December 7 and 8, 2023, 6:00-9:00pm.
  • Where: Main Street, Downtown Flushing, Michigan | Mid Michigan, located just west of Flint.

Come on out for Flushing's Annual Candlewalk for a Live Nativity by Mayfair Bible Church!  Enjoy seeing Bible characters and live camels! Your family can also enjoy a Parade of Lights that brings Santa into town to receive the key to the city.

Then, watch as the official Christmas tree is lit. Perfect way to get into the holiday spirit! Wander Main Street for some fun "old fashioned" holiday festivities!


3. 2023 Immanuel Lutheran Church's Living Nativity | Saginaw Michigan | Schedule | Near Frankenmuth Michigan

Where: Immanuel Lutheran Church of Frankentrost, 8220 Holland Road, (M-46) Saginaw, MI 48601 | Near Frankenmuth Michigan

When:

  • Friday, December 1, 2023: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, December 2, 2023: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, December 3, 2023: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.


Travel to the ancient town of Bethlehem to pay your taxes and be counted in the Roman census. Hear the shepherds talk about the angels’ proclamation. Listen to the prophet talk of signs and wonders.

Enjoy the city alive with activity and no room at the inn. Avoid the anger of the Roman soldiers and tax collectors. See the babe asleep in a manger. Experience all this and more at the “Living Nativity” in Saginaw, MI. Perfect December Michigan activity for kids, families, couples and friends! 


4. Frosty Parade & Fireworks with Live Nativity in Downtown Linden | Southeast Michigan | Free Event!

  • When: December 1, 2023
  • Where: S. Bridge Street, Linden, Michigan | Between Flint and Brighton, near Fenton

Full event schedule for the Frosty Parade, Fireworks and Live Nativity

  • Frosty Parade & Fireworks in Downtown Linden. December 1, 2023. 
  • 5:00 P.M. - 9:30 P.M. Tree lighting, shopping, food trucks, Elf hunt until 7:00 P.M. 
  • 7:00 P.M. is the Lighted Frosty Parade 
  • After the Parade until 9:30 P.M: Meet Santa Claus in the Community Center, horse and carriage rides, enjoy a Live Nativity scene presented by Linden Methodist Church (South Bridge Street and E. Broad), trackless train rides (Mill Street) and more
  • 8:30 P.M. Frosty Fireworks over the Millpond.


5. 2023 Star of Wonder: Live Drive Thru Nativity | Rodney Michigan | Dates and Times | Mid Michigan

  • When: December 1, 2, 3, 2023, Time: 6:00pm –8:30pm each night 
  • Where: CranHill, 14444 17 Mile Rd. Rodney, MI 49342 | Near Big Rapids, Northwest of Mt. Pleasant

This Christmas, see the story of Jesus’ birth come to life at CranHill’s Star of Wonder: Journey to the Manger. This drive-thru LIVE nativity is complete with actors, animals, lights, and narration. FREE event! Remember the true story of Christmas! Donations will be accepted to support CranHill’s Camper Scholarship Fund.


6. 2023 Somerset Beach Campground and Retreat Center's Drive-Through Live Nativity | Somerset Center | Dates and Times | South Michigan 

  • When: December 1 and December 2, 2023, 7-9 pm each night 
  • Where: 9822 Brooklawn Ct, Somerset Center, MI 49282. Located south of Jackson Michigan

At Somerset Beach, watch the story of Christmas come alive with a living re-enactment of the story of the birth of Christ with a drive through live nativity. Somerset Beach Campground with provide a snack, narration and a map, and your family can visit each scene as you drive through. What delightful holiday festivities; perfect for creating cherished memories with your loved ones!

Go back in time to that sleepy little village in Nazareth and experience the wonderful story of Christmas.  There is no cost for this activity, but a box for donations will be available. Excellent Michigan winter activity.


7. Live Nativity in Chelsea During Hometown Holiday Event | Outdoor Event

  • When: December 1, 2023, Permormances of the Nativity are at 7pm and 7:30pm
  • Where: “Nativity Field”, at St Mary of Chelsea Catholic Church, 14200 E Old US Hwy 12, Chelsea, MI 48118

Dress warmly and bring your family and friends to listen to one of the greatest stories ever told! After the traditional outdoor Nativity story, enjoy hot chocolate, Creche scenes from around the world, a large scale model train display and crafts for the kids in the church hall. 


8. Living Christmas at Brighton Assembly of God | Brighton Michigan | Dates and Times | FREE Christmas Event

  • When: December 1, 2, 3, 2023, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm each night. 
  • Where: Brighton Assembly of God, US-23 at Lee Road Exit. Follow the search lights!

FREE drive-thru for the whole family telling the Christmas story (the life of Christ). Wonderful December event for the whole family.


9. Live Nativity During Bellaire's 14th Annual "Light Up the Night" Christmas Event | Bellaire Michigan | Parade of Lights, 5k Elf Run, Tree Lighting, Caroling 

  • When: December 2, 2023. The Live Nativity will be 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
  • Where: Next to the Bellaire Bar on N. Bridge Street, Bellaire Michigan

Are you ready for a festive wonderland of holiday delights? Chris and I surely are!  Pack up the family and head to northwest Michigan during Bellaire's Light Up the Night event on December 2, 2023 where you can eat, shop and celebrate! There will be a soup cook-off, visits with Santa after the Parade of Lights, 5k Elf Run, Tree Lighting, Caroling, and a Live Nativity! Add this event to your winter fun list!

Get your Christmas shopping started as local stores will be open all day for unique gifts for those on your holiday shopping list. Warm up in cozy coffee shops and restaurants like Short's Brewing Company or Bee Well Mead and Cider. 

Make this live nativity a wonderful annual tradition for your family! So many fun things to do in December

Make Bellaire a Quick Winter Getaway!

By the way, Chris and I think Bellaire is a perfect location for a northern Michigan winter activity road trip or quick winter getaway. It's close to Shanty Creek Resort for Nordic skiing, alpine tubing, snowshoeing, fat tire biking and snowmobiling! Experience a northern Michigan winter wonderland!


Interactive Map of Michigan's Live Nativity Scenes This December

10. Bay Shore Camp and Family Ministries Living Nativity | Sebewaing | Dates and Times | East MI

  • When: December 2, 2023, 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm. Festivities begin at 5:00 pm
  • Where: Bay Shore Camp and Family Ministries, 450 N Miller St, Sebewaing, MI | Located in East Michigan in the northern "thumb"

Living Nativity - A Family Friendly Event! FREE to all! Experience the incredible LIVING NATIVITY! 


11. 25th Annual Critter Barn Live Nativity | Zeeland | See Cute Barn Animals: Sheep, Goats, Cows, Donkeys
 

When: December 5-9, 12-16, 19-23, 27, 28, 2023. The Critter Barn Live Nativity is at various times.

Where: Critter Barn, 2950 80th Ave, Zeeland, MI 49464

Live Nativity days will always feature performances at 11am, 1pm, 3pm, and 5pm. 

Activities include:

  • Celebrate the birth of Jesus
  • Enjoy new display of the Holy Land 
  • Visit Critter Barn Animals
  • Sheep, Goats, Cows, Donkeys


12. Woodside Bible Church Nativity - Troy Campus  | Live Stage Experience | Metro Detroit, Southeast MI

  • When: December 8-9 and 15-16, 2023. Save your spot at one of their performances!  
  • Where: Woodside Bible Church, 6600 Rochester Road, Troy, MI, 48085

This December, enjoy one of Woodside’s favorite Christmas traditions: The Nativity! At Nativity, you’ll experience an on-stage retelling of the Biblical Christmas story. Through storytelling, acting, music, and more you’ll be reminded of the true joy of Christmas - perfect for all ages! 

There's also outside fun-filled Christmas activities and holiday festivities including their Nativity marketplace with local vendors, Christmas lights, a petting zoo, hot cocoa and donuts, a sledding hill for snow tubing, and so much more. This will be a memorable and fun experience for the whole family this Christmas season!


13. HorsePlay Equestrian’s Live Nativity and Winter Wonderland | Hudsonville (Near Grand Rapids) | Dates and Times

  • When: Friday, December 8, 2023, 5:00pm - 8:00pm
  • Where: Horseplay Equestrian, 8966 76th Ave Hudsonville, Mi 49426

Bring your whole family and experience the story of Jesus. We invite you to come and see why He came, how he came, and why it matters. 

Come on out to see Horseplay Equestrian's ranch transformed into a Winter Wonderland with thousands of twinkling Christmas lights! Enjoy different activities and stations!

The half hour show will begin at 6:00 PM, perfect family-friendly activities and Christmas events this season. Enjoy animals in the Candy Cane Corral, doughnuts and refreshments in the Peppermint Cafe, decorate cookies in the Cookie Cottage, and SOO much more!  


14. A Christmas Journey | Caro | See Live Animals! | East Michigan (East of Frankenmuth)

  • When: December 8 and 9, 2023, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Where: Caro Assembly of God, 1882 Mertz Rd, Caro, MI 48723

A Christmas Journey - This December, bring your family for an outdoor adventure! Travel back in time to hear the shepherds and wise men describe what they saw when the Messiah was born. See live animals, including Hummer the camel!


15. Live Nativity at Shiloh Community Church Campground | Free!

Where: Shiloh Community Church Campground, 1494 Jones road, Fenwick Michigan.

When: December 8, 2023, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Live Nativity, Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides, Cookies, Hot Chocolate, Live characters and Animals. Free!


16. See "The Christmas Journey" at The Potter’s House Family Worship Center

  • When: Thursday, Friday and Saturday, December 7, 8 and 9 from 6:30 – 8:30 PM.
  • Where: The Potter’s House Family Worship Center, 5346 E. Deerfield Rd. Mt. Pleasant, 48858

You and your family are invited to The Christmas Journey which is the Christmas story told like never before. Walk the fire-lit paths, enjoy music, see live animals, listen to the stories that take you back in time. There will be delicious hot cocoa and cookies after the tour to warm up! Tours begin every 15 minutes and the doors will open at 6pm. This is a free outdoor event that's fun for the whole family!


17. "Walk Through Bethlehem" Now a Drive Through Live Nativity Experience | Clare Michigan

  • When: December 14, 2023, December 15, 2023 and December 16, 2023, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. 
  • Where: Rebak Way and S. Clare Avenue, Clare Michigan | Mid Michigan, North of Mt. Pleasant Michigan

Travel to Bethlehem 2,000 years ago to be counted in the Roman Census. Hear the angels announce the birth of the Messiah. Listen as shepherds, a prophet, and wise men talk of signs and wonders. See it all, including a newborn babe asleep in a manger during this drive through Bethlehem.

This lovely Michigan Live Nativity, Drive Through Bethlehem, has been popular in the Clare community for over 10 years! Experience the Christmas story, from beginning to end as you near the place where Jesus lay. 


18. Christmas on the Kiwidinok Yak Farm | Michigan Live Nativity in Boyne City Michigan

  • When:  December 14, 2023, 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM EST
  • Where: Kiwidinok Tibetan Yak Petting Farm, 1735 S. Wilson Rd., Boyne City, MI 49712

This special Christmas event is a great opportunity for families and friends to experience the magic of the season in northwest Michigan.  Inside Kiwidinok Tibetan Yak Petting Farm's rustic barn, you'll get to meet their cute and friendly Tibetan yaks, alpacas, and other animals that proudly adorned with Christmas spirit. Warm up with deliciously creamy hot cocoa and find cool yak-inspired gifts from their gift shop. What a lovely way to spend a chilly December Michigan afternoon!
 
Relax among the warmth of the twinkling lights in this charming rural setting. Your family will enjoy the Michigan live nativity scene which can be your backdrop for original and charming holiday photographs. You can even feed treats to the barnyard animals.  So come make cherished memories with your friends, family (grandma will love this!) and heck, make it a Michigan date night!  


19. Pennway Church of God's Living Nativity | Lansing Michigan | Dates and Times | Indoor Living Nativity

  • When: December 15 & 16, 2023
  • Where: Pennway Church of God, 1101 E Cavanaugh Rd, Lansing, MI 48910

Living Nativity has three event times to hear the incredible story each night. Times are 7:00PM, 7:45PM and 8:30PM.

You and your family can also enjoy coffee and/or hot chocolate, yummy cookies and snacks, and listen to joyful Christmas music. Hear the beautiful story of Jesus’ birth through Scripture reading and songs.


20. Faith Lutheran Church Live Nativity Drive Through | Mt Pleasant, MI | Dates and Times

Faith Lutheran Church is presenting the true meaning of Christmas by hosting their live nativity scene with live animals.  This is a "drive through" event. 


21. Living Nativity at Grace Lutheran Church | St Joseph Michigan | Southwest Michigan | Dates and Times

When: Alternating years. No Living Nativity, 2023, but it will be held December 2024, 6:00-7:30 pm.

Where: Grace Lutheran Church, 404 Glenlord Rd, St Joseph, MI 49085

Walk through a live storytelling of the celebration of Jesus Christ and his birth. Register on line for a timeslot! Walk-ins are also welcome. 


22. Jenison Bible Church's Christ is Born | Hudsonville Michigan | Dates and Times

This Christmas season Jenison Bible Church invites you to an indoor visual and dramatic presentation.  Free admission, but you will need to register as seating is limited for each performance.‍

Where: Jenison Bible Church, 6360 14th Ave, Hudsonville, MI 49426

When: December 2023 tbd




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