Festival of Nativities on display this weekend

By Alexandra Noad - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on December 6, 2024.

The Festival of Nativities, an indoor display of 550 nativities, is going into their 10th year.
The nativities can be viewed from 1 p.m. until 9 p.m. until Sunday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints next to the VisitLethbridge.com Arena.
The Festival of Nativities are run by volunteers, many who are members of the faith.
The theme of the festival is Back to Bethlehem because the original committee wanted to go back to what many Christians believe is the true meaning of Christmas.
The gym portion of the display remains the same every year with a manger center piece along with carpentry and stables to help take the viewers into Bethlehem.
The displays also branch out to other rooms where the nativity scenes and decorations portray different moments in Jesus’ life including his ministry, miracles, his last week as well as his resurrection and a final room dedicated to his hopeful return, which many Christians believe.
There is also a photo room where groups can dress up as their own nativity scene and can take pictures.
Along with the nativity sets, there will also be five community concerts in the chapel of the building which will take place Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
The performances will also be broadcast on YouTube and Facebook for those who are unable to attend in person.
Nancy Bly, who helped with advertising along with setup of the festival says she hopes visitors will leave feeling the spirit of Christmas.
“Our why is just to help people feel the true spirit of the Christmas season (and) to bring people to our saviour Jesus Christ,” said Bly.
Everyone is welcome to the Festival of Nativities and both the festival and the concerts are free to attend.

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