First United Methodist Church Living Nativity
**Events may have been canceled or postponed. Please contact the venue to confirm the event.
Date & Time
Fri, Dec 20 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Sat, Dec 21 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Address (map)
305 E. Anapamu St
Venue (website)
First United Methodist Church
As the holiday season reaches its peak, First United Methodist Church of Santa Barbara invites the community to pause and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas in a tradition that has captivated visitors since its inception in 1990.
Living Nativity takes place on Friday, December 20 and Saturday, December 21 from 5:30 to 7:30pm offering visitors a recreation of the Holy Night. Set beneath a towering Coast Redwood adjacent to the historic downtown church, the distinctive display features live camels, sheep, donkeys and goats alongside costumed participants portraying the Holy Family, the Three Kings, angels and shepherds gathered around the Christ child.
“This annual gift to our community provides a peaceful respite from the ‘busyness’ of the holiday season and invites visitors to reflect on the ‘why’,” said Senior Pastor Robb Fuesler.
The cherished tradition with multigenerational appeal includes an invitation to view the church’s 1927 Spanish Colonial Revival sanctuary, adorned with seasonal decorations including an extensive collection of creches from around the world. Complimentary hot cider and cookies will be served.
First United Methodist Church celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2017. It is located at the corner of Garden and Anapamu Streets, one block from the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. Free onsite parking is available, enter from Garden Street. For more information visit www.fumcsb.org, or follow us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/FirstUMCSantaBarbara