Courtesy photo.
Free Community Event
First United Methodist Church of Santa Barbara
305 E Anapamu St (at Garden)
December 20, 21 5:30 – 7:30pm
SANTA BARBARA — As the holiday season reaches its peak, the First United Methodist Church of Santa Barbara invites the community to pause and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas in a tradition that has captivated visitors since its inception in 1990.
Living Nativity takes place on December 20 and 21, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., offering visitors a recreation of the Holy Night. Set beneath a towering redwood tree adjacent to the historic church, this distinctive display features live animals including camels, sheep, donkeys, and goats, alongside costumed participants portraying the Holy Family, the Three Kings, angels, and shepherds gathered around the Christ child.
“This annual gift to our community provides a peaceful respite from the ‘busyness’ of the holiday season and invites visitors to reflect on the ‘why’,” said Senior Pastor Robb Fuesler.
The free event transforms a simple grassy area into a humble wooden stable that brings the Biblical account to life. Visitors are also invited inside the church’s historic 1927 Spanish Colonial Revival sanctuary, adorned with seasonal decorations including a collection of crèches from around the world. Docents will be available to share information about the historic building and its notable stained-glass windows. Complimentary hot cider and cookies will be served.
The First United Methodist Church celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2017. It is located at the corner of Garden and Anapamu Streets, one block from the Santa Barbara Courthouse. Free on-site parking is available, enter from Garden Street.
For more information, visit www.fumcsb.org, or follow the church on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/FirstUMCSantaBarbara