2018: Guide to Nativity Events in Des Moines

2018: Guide to Nativity Events in Des Moines

Find 2021 Christmas & Holiday events and activities here.

Many churches are hosting nativity events and live nativity scenes around Des Moines where the Christmas story is portrayed with actors and animals in an outdoor setting. Check out some of these spots around town where your family can experience the nativity scene.

Find more seasonal fun in our Holiday Fun Guide, on our Events Calendar and be sure to sign up for our Weekend Fun Guide.

Nativity events in the Des Moines area:

No Room at the Inn Festival

Valley United Methodist Church will host their 15th annual “No Room at the Inn” event. Kick off your Christmas season with an inspiring display of 400+ nativities in a beautiful candlelight setting. There will be a Children’s area and activities and free refreshments.

Where: Valley United Methodist Church; 4201 Ashworth Road; West Des Moines

When: Friday, November 30, 2018 at 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday, December 1, 2018 at 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday, December 2, 2018 at 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Cost: FREE admission. Donations will be accepted to support Habitat for Humanity.

A Night in Bethlehem

Come as a family to experience the sights and sounds of the night Jesus was born! Enjoy an interactive experience that brings the nativity to life. Families can make crafts, feed and pet the live animals and visit the shops in Bethlehem. An adult must be present with children.

Where: Meredith Drive Reformed Church; 5128 Meredith Drive; Des Moines

When: Sunday, December 2, 2018; come and go as you please 1:00 to 5:00 pm

Cost: FREE

Back to Bethlehem

If you are looking for a fun and meaningful way to celebrate the birth of Jesus, this event is for you! ‘Back to Bethlehem’ is where you can visit the town of Bethlehem, along with a special visit to the stable the morning after Jesus’ birth. Many hands-on activities, live stable animals, and Bible time characters will make your morning visit come alive, in what will become a family Christmas tradition.”

Where: Urban Heights Covenant Church; 7605 Aurora Ave, Urbandale, IA 50322

When: Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 9:00 am to 12:00 noon

Cost: FREE

Synchronized Lights & Live Nativity

Usher in the Christmas season by visiting Fellowship Community Church in Norwalk. Their property will be covered in 60,000+ LED lights that are synchronized to Christmas music. They’ll also have a live nativity with real animals. The best part is you can enjoy everything from the warmth of your vehicle…AND free cookies & hot chocolate will be brought to you!

Where: Fellowship Community Church, 225 North Avenue, Norwalk, IA

When: Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 5:30 to 8:00pm
Sunday, December 9, 2018 at 5:30 to 8:00pm

Cost: FREE.  Donations will be accepted and will be used to assist local needy families.

One Starry Night

Bring your family along for this tour through Bethlehem as you visit the tax collector, hear the message with the shepherds, join Mary and Joseph on their journey, watch the three wisemen visit King Herod’s Palace, and take the trek to a live nativity. Then spend time making crafts, having snacks, and exploring the marketplace.

Where: Grimes United Methodist Church; 801 W 1st Street A; Grimes, IA 50111

When: Thursday, December 13, 2018 at 6:00 to 9:00 pm
Friday, December 14, 2018 at 6:00 to 9:00 pm

Cost: FREE

Drive-thru Living Nativity!

This is going to be fun event for the whole family at Capitol City Church! Begin with a commercial Christmas featuring the Grinch, Minions, and cousin Eddie. Then make your way into Bethlehem with the wisemen, shepards, live animals, and the baby Jesus! This is an experience you don’t want to miss.

Where: 5990 NE 14th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50313

When: Friday, December 14 through Sunday, December 16, 2018 at 6:00 to 9:00 pm

Cost: FREE

Christmas Wonderland

The West Des Moines Christian Church will be celebrating the Christmas season with their 54th annual live nativity and Christmas Children’s Musical.  The entire family will enjoy this living nativity featuring costumed actors and live animals.

Where: 4501 Mills Civic Pkwy, West Des Moines, IA 50265

When: Friday, December 14, 2018 at 5:30 to 7:00 pm
Saturday, December 15, 2018 at 5:30 to 7:00 pm (there will also be a Christmas Children’s Musical)
Sunday, December 16, 2018 at 5:30 to 7:00 pm

Cost: FREE

Does your family attend a Nativity event in Des Moines? If so, let us know which one!