Experience the magic of the season with a Live Nativity event! These enchanting reenactments bring the story of the first Christmas to life, complete with actors, live animals, and beautifully crafted sets.

Get ready to be transported back in time, to a starry night in Bethlehem. The events below include walk-through, drive-through, and completely immersive experiences.

Check out our huge, day-by-day list of holiday happenings -- including festivals, tree and menorah lightings, Santa visits, light shows, and more!

What is a live nativity?

A live nativity is a reenactment of the birth of Jesus Christ, typically featuring real people dressed in period costumes, and sometimes live animals. This event brings the traditional Christmas story to life, allowing viewers to experience it in a more immersive and engaging way.

Live nativities can vary in scale, from simple setups with just a few characters to elaborate productions with multiple scenes and interactive elements. They are often organized by churches or community groups during the holiday season.

At some local Atlanta events featuring Live Nativity scenes, you’ll find concessions for purchase — or even free cookies, cider, or cocoa.

2024 Live Nativity Events around Metro Atlanta

The events are roughly in chronological order.
As always, click through the links for more info.

Bascomb Live Nativity

Thursday, December 5, 2024
6 to 8 p.m.
Bascomb United Methodist Church
2295 Bascomb Carmel Rd.
Woodstock, GA 30189

Details: Live animals and actors, music, free cocoa and cookies. FREE and open to the public.
More info

Christmas ALIVE Drive-thru Experience

December 6th to 8th, 2024
6 to 8:30 p.m.
High Point Baptist Church
12025 Hwy 36
Covington, GA 30014

Details: This is a FREE, drive-thru nativity scene featuring live camels, llamas, and other animals. You’ll see scenes with music and actors, and much more.
More info

Annual Live Nativity Experience

Saturday, December 7, 2024
6 to 9 p.m.
St. Teresa’s Episcopal Church
5725 Fords Rd.
Acworth, GA 30101

Details: This FREE outdoor experience includes a narration that starts every 30 minutes. Live animals, free parking.
More info

A Walk through Bethlehem (Lawrenceville)

Sunday, December 8, 2024
5 to 7 p.m.
McKendree United Methodist Church
1572 Lawrenceville Suwanee Rd.
Lawrenceville, GA 30043

Details: An immersive event, featuring market stalls, shepherds, live animals, and all the familiar elements of the Christmas story. Drop off a food donation at the food collector’s tent, if you’d like. Free to attend.
More info

A Walk to Bethlehem (Dunwoody)

Sunday, December 8, 2024
3 to 6 p.m.
Dunwoody Baptist Church
1445 Mount Vernon Rd.
Dunwoody, GA 30338

Details: The nativity takes place on the church grounds, along a walking trail, for an immersive version of the Christmas story.  Groups will start on the path every 15 minutes, and the walk takes about 30 minutes. Golf cart rides will be available for those who need assistance. Stay for free hot cocoa, s’mores, and a petting zoo on the sports field.
More info

A Walk through Bethlehem (Simpsonwood)

December 13th to 15th, 2024
Hours: 7-9 on Friday/Saturday and 6 to 8 p.m on Sunday
Simpsonwood Park
411 Jones Bridge Circle
Peachtree Corners, GA 30092

Details: This is the most elaborate live nativity scene you’ll find in Metro ATL! It is completely immersive: you’ll walk along a straw-strewn path through a village market, visiting the stalls, until you reach the manger scene. Highly recommended.
More info

Interactive Nativity Play

December 13th to 15th, 2024
6 to 7:30 p.m.
WildeWood Farm
5150 Oak Grove Circle
Cumming, GA 30028

Details: This story is carefully narrated to reflect the Biblical and historical account and is in brought to life with actors and animals, and music.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids over age 3.
More info

Haygood Live Nativity

December 14th and 15th, 2024
5 to 7 p.m.
Haygood Memorial United Methodist Church
1015 East Rock Springs Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30306

Details: This live depiction of the Christmas story features live animals. Free cocoa while supplies last.
More info

Chamblee Live Nativity

Sunday, December 15, 2024
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Chamblee United Methodist Church
4147 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd.
Chamblee, GA 30341

Details: The scene includes live characters and animals. Stay for cookies and cocoa afterward.
More info

Northminster Live Nativity

Sunday, December 15, 2024
5:30 to 7 p.m.
Northminster Presbyterian Church
2400 Old Alabama Rd.
Roswell, GA 30076

Details: Live nativity scene, music, crafts, petting zoo, and free cocoa. FREE and open to the public.
More info

Live Nativity & Christmas Market

Saturday, December 21, 2024
4 to 7 p.m.
Hapeville First Baptist Church
612 College St.
Hapeville, GA 30354

Details: Live nativity scene with live animals, plus a market with food and arts/crafts vendors. FREE to attend.
More info

Snellville Live Nativity

Tuesday, December 24, 202
6 to 8 p.m.
Snellville Community Church
2428 Main Street East
Snellville, GA 30078

Details: An outdoor live nativity scene with live characters and animals, on the front lawn of the church. Free to attend.
More info