our annual christmas event
The 2024 Wonder of the NativityView Invitation Invitación en Español
The longest-running and largest free, annual display of Nativity scenes and musical performances in Minnesota.
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Friday, December 6, 2024
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Saturday, December 7, 2024
3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
2300 Viola Heights Drive NE
Rochester, Minnesota 55906
Free Admission — Families Welcome
The wonder of the nativity
2024 Event Highlights
Nativity Display
The 200+ nativities come from all corners of the world. Over 40 countries are represented. Each nativity is loaned by community members throughout SE Minnesota.
More about the nativities:
- There is a wide range of sizes—some are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, while others have figures 14 inches tall.
- The nativities are made of all kinds of materials: wood, stone, clay, porcelain, glass, resin, cloth, metal, and even gourds.
- They are created using all forms of artistry, including molding, carving, cutting, and laser etching.
- We have a wide variety of formats. Some nativities are sets—others are one piece. Paintings, wall-hangings, and other formats are also shown.
- The nativities are shared from the private collections of individuals. Many are one-of-a-kind nativities, including original art and carvings.
children's activities
This is a family-friendly event, and children of all ages are welcome! They are invited to join us in the Children’s Activity Room, where they can participate in a nativity-themed craft, activities!
Here are other ways you can help make this event more meaningful for your children:
- Share the story. Read the nativity story together and discuss what it means to your family.
- Prepare your child. Tell them what to expect, look at images of nativities beforehand, and then attend musical performances that most interest you.
- Make it fun. Find similarities and differences in the nativities, help your child see how unique each nativity is, and ask questions that spark discussion.
- Bring the good feelings home. Talk about what they saw and learned. Set up your own family nativity or make one.
musical performances
For years we have been delighted with beautiful and sacred Christmas musical performances. We are pleased to have numerous vocal and musical performances from a wide variety of musical genres that celebrate Christ and Christmas. Please join us as we celebrate the birth of our Savior through music.
Friday, December 6
- 5:00 p.m. – Brass, Etcetera
- 5:30 p.m. – Joyful Voices Children’s Choir
- 6:00 p.m. – Youth/Young Single Adult Choir and Live Nativity
- 6:30 p.m. – Silver Winds
- 7:00 p.m. – Polished Brass
- 7:30 p.m. – Zumbro Valley Chorus
Saturday, December 7
- 3:30 p.m. – Joyful Voices Children’s Choir
- 4:00 p.m. – Young at Heart Singers
- 4:30 p.m. – Farmer’s Market Ramblers
- 5:00 p.m. – Hometown Opera Company
- 5:30 p.m. – Rochester Sax Ensemble
- 6:00 p.m. – Youth/Young Single Adult Choir and Live Nativity
- 6:30 p.m. – Rochester Flute Choir
- 7:00 p.m. – Amaré Piano Trio
- 7:30 p.m. – Boldt – Denny Duo
- 7:45 p.m. – Christmas Carol Sing-Along
service activity
One of the most rewarding activities is the service activity, which is based on providing “Christmas to Seniors,” in conjunction with Family Service, Rochester. Come choose the name of a senior in the Rochester community and help in gifting them packages to brighten their Christmas season.
live nativity
The youth of our church will perform a live Choral Nativity, with around 40 youth between the ages of 12-18 participating in this performance.
light refreshments
Gingerbread cake and hot cider will be served.
find quick answers
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost?
The entire event is free. There are no hidden costs, no free-will offerings, and no requested donations.
do I need tickets to attend?
No tickets are required. You may wish, however, to arrive early for musical performances in the chapel.
how long does it take to walk through?
You may come and go as you please. Some people come for a few minutes; others stay for longer.
what should I wear to the event?
This is a welcoming event. Therefore, casual dress is fine. Some choose to wear church clothing.
is the event accessible?
Yes! The entire event is accessible to those with canes, walkers, and wheelchairs.
is this a proselyting event?
This is not a proselyting event. The only activities offered at this event are listed above.
can children come to the event?
This is designed as a children-friendly event, and we would love for you to bring your family.
a message from our stake presidency
“With the fall season upon us and Christmas soon to follow, we are reminded of the wonderful gifts our Heavenly Father has blessed us with, most notably the amazing gift of the birth and life of His son, Jesus Christ. Each year for the last 25 years, our stake has hosted a nativity event where we have invited the entire community to celebrate together our shared faith in and love for our Savior Jesus Christ.”
—Randal Thomas, Michael Kendrick, & Darren Calley