Wonderful! What a great "live" and interactive experience of what a small town might have been like in that time period. Enjoyed the various craftsmen and craftswomen. Loved that they showed children and let them try various crafts. The period costumes and people acting in character, as well as the live animals, including camels, down to the sand brought in to cover the ground, all made this a very unique and truly enjoyable experience. This really brought us back to the true meaning of Christmas! read more

super cool. My family went last year...and didn't mention it til after they went. hmph. But this year I took my daughter and it was fun. I'm definately going to make this a new tradition. We were there for about two hours so we could visit all the shops and try out all the activities and witness the different parts of the show. You can't just watch the show all in one piece. You gotta plant yourself somewhere and watch one part, then walk around and watch another part, etc until you've seen every part, the birth, the entrance, the mean roman guards, the shepherds and the angels singing, the entrance of the kings and the kings singing and the dancing. It really reminds you what that city would have been like back then, with its crowded streets, mean guards, clothing, customs, etc. Not really worth it to get a snack or drink cuz you'll be so crowded you might spill. But as you walk away it's nice to warm up with the hot drinks they offer. And cool part, there is seating really close to the stable so the little children can see well, cuz everyone else will be standing. And then they get to see the LIVE camel (those things are huge!) up close. And it's less frustrating for the rest of us when people put their children on their shoulders to see and then you can't see from behind them. I understand. BUT REMEMBER THIS: there is sand everywhere. very realistic and my dad says it's always there because this is the daycare area. but that gets in your shoes. so come prepared. read more

This is our favorite Christmas event each year. You get to walk the streets of Bethlehem and imagine what the first Christmas really looked like. It's not as clean and pretty as the china nativity on your fireplace would suggest ... there are animals, dirt, cold and real people involved! MAKE THIS A PRIORITY TO CHECK OUT. You will love being yelled to "move along" by the roman guards, enjoy the real camels that bring the kings to see the baby, and enjoy the low pressure/short performance of the angels singing at the birth of Jesus. Totally appropriate for all ages, all faiths, all walks of life. Only thing - not stroller friendly on all the dirt. People bring them, but usually you see Dad's taking the strollers back to the car and carrying the kids, so plan ahead! read more

I had the pleasure of experiencing Santa Clara First Baptist's Bethlehem this year and it was an experience to remember! From the very beginning of the performance, I was impressed with the fire performer, the three wise men, and the live animals. While I wasn't expecting there to be so much singing, this Bethlehem performance is truly impressive. As an observer, I thought it was cool how the audience moves with the actors to the different staged areas of the performance. Physically entering the Bethlehem area was cool because the crowd control is managed by "Roman guards," and they even have a booth with the Census inside! The various booths set up in Bethlehem (wine-making, stables, blacksmithing, dye making, etc), is a great interactive activity for children, and cool to observe if you're an adult. The volunteers participating at each booth take their roles seriously, which adds to authenticity. Because I'm an animal lover, my favorite part of Bethlehem definitely had to be the live animals. They had a camel, a donkey that Mary rode in on, sheep, and even a llama! I also was super fortunate to run into a small child actor who was holding a newborn baby goat, which he let me pet. The baby goat was adorable, as was the child holding him! The llama that was in the stable was super patient with the audience, and tolerated many a person petting him. In the front entrance of Bethlehem were shepherds and sheep, which not only served as part of the performance, but sort of doubled as a petting zoo for kids. I learned that the church itself isn't that large in terms of membership, yet their event attendance reaches thousands over the span of their evening performances! If you have the ability to get to Santa Clara next year in the beginning of December, you should definitely come see Bethlehem! Even if you're not a religious person, I still think that this event will put you in the Christmas spirit, and is a great thing to experience at least once. It will put any previous nativity scenes you've seen in the past to shame! read more

Attended for the first time during covid 2020, so it was the striped down versión. I appreciate that they provided us something to enjoy and look forwaed to seeing the entire production possibly at the end of this year. read more

This year was my first year coming to this event. I had heard about it last year, but wasn't able to come because of work. I am very glad I came. The town was filled with little exhibits of crafts and trade from the year of Jesus' birth. There were a lot of activities and a lot of fun facts to learn. They also had a lively show with songs and dancing incorporating both of the gospel narratives of Jesus' birth. They also have an assortment of animals including a cool camel. The highlights were the fire dancer and the belly dancers. But, they were all very talented. The songs were great. This is not a full night activity. It is a small space and there is only enough stuff to entertain you for about 45 minutes, but it is a great 45 minutes. And, it is free. I am definitely coming back next year. I may try to come during the week because it was very crowded on the weekend. I especially recommend it for children because there is a lot of stuff for them to experience. read more

I came here for the 2nd time this year and had such a good time enjoying the performance and checking out the well-executed Bethlehem reenactment that this church provided. This church basically puts up an entire village of Bethlehem, all historically accurate, including different "booths" to demonstrate the different processes from back during this time: fabric dyes, wool making, fragrances, woodwork, carpentry, metal work, jewelry, pottery. Additionally, they show 30 minute reenactments of Mary & Joseph looking for a place to stay for the night before Christ is born. The whole production is so amazing, from the tons of sand they bring on to the property, to the live animals (sheep, llamas, a zebra, ponies, a donkey, camels), to the performers (those mean soldiers really stay in character!), etc. The event is free to the public, but I think it's always nice to donate!! read more

It is an amazing performance and organization. They play four times/day, so we have the opportunity to watch all steps of the play, that happens in different scenarios all long the patio. The play really touchs our hearts! read more

Beautiful show. Great costumes. Nice ancient craft fair that kids loved. Animals. Hot chocolate. Free. I'm not a believer but I've been going every year for a while read more

Extremely well-done live nativity! Amazing sets, music, and acting. Lots of interactive activities for the children. A fun night families of all ages will enjoy. read more

Bethlehem in Santa Clara, CA My friends and I were introduced to this event several years ago by a dear friend who lives in Santa Clara, I hadn't ever heard of it and was looking for something spiritual and family oriented to participate in or attend. This is definately a must for anyone who just wants to get the "real spirit" of Christmas. The event/show is fantastic and I've been 5 times already, it's now bookmarked on my calendar and I'll go again this year and continue. My aunt visited from Rhode Island last Christmas and I took her there; at home we have LaSallette Shrine which is in Taunton I believe or Attleboro, MA - a long time tradition in our family. My aunt thought this was great, it's sooooo real, everyone is into it and families and singles alike will enjoy it. Don't miss this, it's wonderful. Thanks for keeping this event live. read more

Our family along with a host of friends has been visiting this spectacular event for more than twelve years. It is free to the public and the message that it conveys is what everyone needs to hear. Love the belly dancers! We have been awestruck by the costumes, the sheep, camel, goats, the exquisite performances, the dedication and the "loving, spirit" of Christmas that pervades the entire event. Everyone must experience this! Thank you to the Church for providing a family-and adult friendly place to celebrate Christmas. read more

Amazing, educational, and fun! A great way to celebrate Christmas, learn about ancient times, great singing, and family time. It is free. They do quietly accept donations and it is certainly worth a donation. I plan on making this an annual holiday tradition. read more

Awesome event for the entire family to kickoff the holidays. The show is well-thought out (several acts are running simultaneously). Kids will love the animals and various stalls at the marketplace! read more

Just one word, Amazing !!! They have re-enacted the Christmas story in all its glory. Strongly recommend contributing. read more

Came here last week with a group of friends. It's a must see!! Even though it's the same show/ performance every year, I always try to come out every year! The church use their parking lot to reenact Jesus' birth, town of Bethlehem, and etc. They have live animals (CAMELS!, donkeys, sheep, goats, llamas, etc) and different stations that teaches kids/ adults how things were like during those days (wool knitting, metal making, coin making, jewerly making, perfume, brick making, etc), great characters and costumes! I'm thankful that the church put on this show every year! It's a lot of work and probably cost a lot of money, but it was free for everyone! They did great! read more

This is a beautifully done local church performance/presentation. The kids really like it and it is a great reminder of what Christmas is based on. read more

Incredible live show of the Christmas story. They have live animals, actors, it's a completely professional production. And it's free! (of course they accept donations too). Kids will love it. Make sure to dress warmly! read more

Unbelievable set of Bethlehem, with sheep, Roman soldiers, inns and of course, a manger. The three wise men enter on a camel, accompanied by a fire-dancer and musicians. Very crowded, but if you stay for a few performances every 30 mins, you can get a good spot to view the re-enactment of the birth of Jesus. Avoid the Christmas crowds and forget about all the shopping for an evening and relive the reason for celebration. read more

This experience brings to life the times in which Jesus Christ was born. I appreciate all the hard work and time that must have went into creating this amazing spectacle! An experience not to be missed! read more

My first time to attend. Great decorations, performance, and definitely super crowded. It was hard to see the play on stage due to crowd. But, overall nice experience. Thank you for doing a free show for all to enjoy. Free hot chocolate too. read more

This is a really fun and amazing event where you and your kids can experience the total Bethlehem event of Christ's birth for free. They invite a variety of pastors to share the christmas story, so it isn't even just their pastors, but truly a community event. You walk through the village, see the Roman Centurions, real animals, get to make crafts of the time, get educated about what it was like, and get hot cocoa at the end. The people there are friendly and hospitable. I just would caution that it can be very cold at night, depending on the year, and so you will need to bundle up as you are watching. We try to go every year, and our kids just love it and we do too. Plan to spend some time finding parking as well is my last tip. read more

This event has become a family tradition for us. Last year, we went twice because my children could not get enough. They bring in live animals and they must have a hundred members in the cast. The singing is beautiful and the energy that goes into this event is so warm and generous. You can of course read the Nativity Story but this event allows you to immerse yourself in the story. I highly recommend this event. read more

Amazing event! Wonderful recreation of the scene of the night Jesus was born. Must do for Christmas!! It really felt like we were part of Bethlehem. I am just blown away of how much effort the church put in to produce such a great event for the community. There are also live animals too for kids to see. I am so glad our friend told us about this event. read more

Amazing!!!!! Truly feels like I've gone back in time 2000 years! Love how there are multiple story areas, in and outside of "Bethlehem." And free hot chocolate - yum! read more

Second year for us! Great program! Cool set up costumes, acting, live animals! Love the free flow style and walking right in and around the actors and the sets! You're practically in the play as extras! read more

This is one of my favorite events to go to during the Christmas time. Wonderful event for the entire family, and its free!

What a fantastic event. My wife introduced me to it, and we wouldn't miss it for the world. Also, it looks like the City of Santa Clara is forcing them into a construction upgrade. If you like the show, think about making a contribution to keep it going. We will because we want to share this with our family in the years to come. read more

Wow, wow, wow. It was absolutely awesome!!! The animals, the play, the Bethlehem town, everything was a wonderful experience for the kids. We went Saturday night, so looking for parking is a problem. But it's all worth it. read more

Very worthwhile to go to, the young lady who plays Mary has the voice of an angel, and as she sings The Breath of God, it gives me goosebumps. I stayed to watch it 3 times, and then came home and found it on their website, so now I can listen to it anytime! http://www.bethlehemsc.com/music.cfm read more

Wonderful! We have gone for two holidays and it has been a very moving experience. You are transported to a totally different time and space! It is amazing how they create such an authentic experience. My only issues would be - wish they could do better crowd management, and wish they had written signs and explanations of what is going on. read more

Great family experience. Nice live action play repeats several times a day. Come any time they are open. Enjoy multiple different booths with different themes read more

We have been attending a "live" Bethlehem since our first child was about 2. Now my 3 kids are (18, 16, 12) and when I asked them what traditions they couldn't do without...this came up as one of their top 3. There is one in Redwood City that is lovely. My kids like this one the best though. Lots of things to watch, and participate in. Cool animals, ornaments to make, necklaces to bead, you can try making a mud brick, or stomp grapes, play some traditional games, smell frankincense and myrrh. At the end of the procession following Mary (on donkey) and Joseph to the manger...the wise men arrive on camels. The procession ends with the crowd singing Silent Night. Tears...every...time! You really must go. read more

This is absolutely a must-see! It is come-and-go, so it's great for kids. Lots of activities they can see and try, hands-on, from Bible days, plus free hot chocolate. Our family makes a point to be here each year. The drama is short enough for kids attention span and always first class! Thank you First Baptist Church! read more

This presentation of Bethlehem is not simply an onstage play where you just sit and watch but a highly imerssive experience as you are transported back in time to this historic City with its ongoing census, Roman guards all around directing foot traffic and even getting annoyed at you if you don't pay attention. Live animals, craft booths and towns people everywhere. Watch Mary and Joseph as they enter the city and end up in a stable with Jesus when they find no room at the inn. Just outside the city is a camp where the three wisemen study the star over Bethlehem and prepare to visit the savior of the world. Top notch costuming, acting and sets and an obvious attention to detail wisk you away to this city in Israel. This is a totally free event but donations are welcome. Thursday through Monday December 8-12 2011 five presentations per night. See you there! read more

What a great event! Bring the whole family to the FREE event, see what the season is all about. Great show and beautiful church. Very friendly and helpful people. read more

This was awesome! It was an amazing way to connect the story of the birth of Jesus with Christmas to our children. Like others have said, don't wear your good shoes and prepare to walk as you might have to park far off. read more

Very disappointed this year. Volunteers were RUDE! In the past one could walk around at will. This year they corralled everyone and made them walk with the actors as the scenes moved, and forced the crowd to funnel into the gates. That whole experience was the equivalent of 101 in rush hour traffic, MISERABLE! My 70 year old neighbor and I walk around the side of one of the stage areas trying to see. We were just standing there and an old man starts yelling at us that we couldn't be there. We were just standing there and he was so afraid that we were going to walk through the backside where he was watching, he overreacted to anyone near his station. I told him multiple times we were just watching and not walking through. When we walked out of the "city" the solders were lined up blocking the entrance. One turned around saw us, thought we had snuck by. He walked over put his hands on me (yes, he put his freakin hands on me) and tried removing me from the area. If holding this event is too stressful to manage with a mobile camel, then put the camel in a pen and reduce EVERYONE'S stress. Rewrite the whole thing and problem solve it to make it a better experience and let go of the production of the theater, because it's not working it could be a lot better. I used to tell everyone I knew every year to attend this.... Now I will tell everyone to AVOID IT! read more

Love, love, love this. This is the highlight of our Christmas and has been since before we became parents. It's even better with kids, or borrow your friends' children to see it all through their eyes. It's particularly special to know that it's all done by volunteers who set everything up and have to get up and go to work the next morning after shivering in their Roman guard togas and sandals. Donate if you can and GO! read more

Our family has been enjoying the performance for the last 6 years. It is the best Christmas event in the area.