19th Annual Nativity Festival in Florence

Hundreds of nativities from around the world will be on display for the 19th annual Nativity Festival in Florence. Attendees will have a chance to explore the crèche tradition in the folk art of many cultures. The festival has grown from a one-day event displaying 119 Nativity scenes to a three-day festival with 400 crèches, tapestries and other art forms depicting the birth of Christ. The Christmas crèche-also known as a Nativity or manger scene is more than a decoration. For many, displaying a Christmas crèche is a way to focus on the real meaning of the holiday. And we’ve added homemade cookies and live music.

Most of the Nativity sets are on loan from local members of the community. These are cherished pieces to them that have become part of their family traditions. Many have been collecting for years and are eager to share their love of the Savior with you through their Nativity scenes. They can be made from many different materials and can vary from single piece displays to a whole entourage of shepherds, wise men, cattle and the Holy Family. Crèches come in all shapes and sizes, from traditional figures handed down through generations (the 3-legged sheep, the camel with the chipped nose) to ethnic interpretations, or from children’s paper cutouts to expensive collectibles.

The event will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Dec 4-6 from 1-5pm each day at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ local building located at the corner of Munsel Lake Road and North Fork Road (2705 Munsel Lake Road). This is an event for the entire family. Admission is FREE and open to the public. Children are welcome.

Make this an annual tradition in your family. Homemade cookies, kids’ activities and music make it even better.