Seven Founding Hills

If you’ve never been to a live nativity before, you should go! Thursday was the first night of Bethlehem at Santa Clara First Baptist Church, and it was such a memorable experience for our family.

I know this isn’t every San Franciscan’s cup of tea, but if you are a person of faith,or simply curious to learn more about the biblical story of Christmas in a low-pressure, welcoming environment,I highly recommend checking out this live nativity this weekend.

I honestly can’t think of a better way to teach kids about the story of baby Jesus than by letting them experience it firsthand, walking through a little Bethlehem themselves.

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Things to See

A Live Reenactment of Jesus’s Birth

Guests can walk alongside Joseph and Mary as they search for an inn in Bethlehem, or follow the journey of the wise men as they travel to meet baby Jesus. Each experience culminates at a manger scene on stage, bringing the Christmas story to life in a meaningful and engaging way.

Interactive Stalls About Life in Judea

Inside Bethlehem, there is a bustling marketplace filled with interactive stalls where families can learn about daily life in Judea. You can write your name in the census book, make a bracelet with the jeweler, learn about Tyrian purple dye, and explore many other hands-on activities throughout the town. Every volunteer we met was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. My kids’ favorite booth was the blacksmith.

Kids Can Become a Legionnaire

This was a huge hit with my kindergartner and preschooler. Outside of Bethlehem, kids can see if they have what it takes to become a Roman legionnaire. They put on Roman-style armor, pick up a sword and shield, and follow simple choreography to learn basic Roman drills. It’s energetic, interactive, and surprisingly educational.

Animals

While there isn’t a traditional petting zoo, there are plenty of animals to see. One of the wise men rides in on a camel, shepherds walk alongside live sheep, and there are llamas in a pen that can sometimes be petted if they’re in a friendly mood. In the “town near the black smith are two gorgeous white geese my kids loved watching. My toddler is animal-obsessed and kept pulling me back to see the llamas and geese again and again.

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Questions and Answers

Where is it?
Santa Clara First Baptist Church

Address: 3111 Benton St Santa Clara, CA 95051

When is it?
December 11–15, 2025

6:30 PM – 9 PM

How do I find out more?
Visit the Santa Clara First Baptist Church website or search for “Bethlehem Live Nativity Santa Clara” for event details, parking information, and performance times.

Do I have to be Baptist to attend?
No. Our family is practicing Catholic, and we were originally recommended this nativity by another mom at our church. Families of all Christian backgrounds are welcome. If you are not religious, it’s still important to attend respectfully, as this event reflects the beliefs and traditions of the hosting community.

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Looking for More San Francisco Christmas Activities?

If you’re building out your holiday calendar, don’t stop here. I’ve put together a full guide to the best Christmas activities in San Francisco and the Bay Area, with festive outings, meaningful traditions, and family-friendly ideas you can actually enjoy.

Click here to explore the best San Francisco Christmas activities and start planning your holiday adventures.