The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Red Deer, Lacombe and Three Hills are presenting an outdoor live nativity pageant again this year.
The event, a Christmas tradition for many central Albertans, includes the use of live animals, a stable, costumed actors and an outdoor manger.
Last year, the event had to be cancelled due to the pandemic.
The 20-minute-long pageant depicts the story of the birth of Christ as told in the Book of Luke with music, narration and acting.
“There was definitely no snow on the ground when Christ was born in Bethlehem, but the message is the same,” said Colette Burnham, who has overseen the event in Lacombe for nearly 20 years.
“The annual event is a chance to think about what Christ means to us and to celebrate his birth with members of all faiths in the community.”
The Red Deer event normally includes an indoor crèche display, but the Red Deer event will not include the indoor display of nativity sets this year. If you want to see an indoor crèche display, you’ll have to attend the event in Lacombe or Three Hills, said Burnham.
The free events are a Christmas gift to the community from local members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Red Deer, Lacombe, and Three Hills. All are welcome.
The Red Deer pageant takes place at 8 Keast Way on Dec. 22 at 7 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
In Lacombe, it is at 4049 63 Ave. Dec. 16-18 at 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
In Three Hills go to 749 2 St. N. where it can be seen Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Dec. 18 from noon to 6 p.m.
All events will follow the most current public health protocols. Masks will be required to view the indoor crèche displays in Lacombe and Three Hills. Masks will also be required for viewing the outdoor live nativity performance – unless social distancing is possible.