Nativity Festival opens Thanksgiving Weekend!

Creches tell the Nativity Story using materials, symbols of local culture

Each culture has its own rendition of the nativity. Baby Jesus may lay in a manger made from clay, wire, papier-mache, corn husks or terra cotta. Mary may be dressed

as a Renaissance figure or in contemporary clothing holding a Starbucks cup.

St Pauls Lutheran Church, exhibits more than 300

nativities from around the world in its fifth annual Nativity Festival. Staged among themed, decorated trees and tablescapes, the creches are surrounded by

a colorful array of sights and sounds.

Live music on Friday nights 6-7pm includes Amanda Worthington and Eric Dickey on Dec 8 and Michael Brown on Dec 15. Organ or harpsichord music can be heard in the European styled sanctuary decorated with 14’ trees. Transiberian music with coordinated light show can be heard in the MakerSpace with planned activities for children on Saturdays from 12-2pm. Opening and closing concerts for the festival have become an important tradition.

Aesteria String Quart will perform Sun Nov 26 at 4pm and Academy Brass Quintet on Sun Dec 17 at 4pm. Both are candlelight programs in the St Pauls sanctuary accompanied by slides and stories of the nativities and artwork on exhibit.

The Nativity Festival is free and open to the public, but donations accepted. Parking is free in the KWIK Park adjacent to the church building, which is handicap accessible. This is St Paul's Christmas gift to the community. All are welcome to enjoy these beautiful sites and sounds of the season! Contact kate@stpaulstoledo.org for more information.