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Dec. 21-23

New Live Nativity Pageant in Red Deer this Christmas

Dec 20, 2022 | 2:31 PM

The 41st annual Outdoor Live Nativity Pageant will be bringing a different experience to Red Deerians this year.

Held on Dec. 22 and 23 at 8 Keast Way, new pageant directors Shanna and Nolan White decided that instead of having the audience seated with actors moving to an outdoor stage, this year’s live nativity will invite audience members to make the journey to discover the Christmas story.

“In past years, the audience has sat and watched a manger scene,” said Shanna. “This year, the audience will be led by a guide and follow Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. We’re hoping the experience will be more intimate and personal.”

They say there will be new sets and scenes as well as outdoor fire pits to keep people warm.

The Indoor Crèche Display will be held from Dec. 21 to 23 and with more than 300 nativity scenes from around the world. Hot chocolate and cookies will be available for guests.

While the Whites say they have never directed a Christmas pageant before, Shanna says she has directed several major productions in the past including an Easter cantata that was ranked the number one Easter activity in Edmonton by the Edmonton Journal newspaper.

Despite past successes, they say there is always a bit of worry when trying something new.

“The pageant has never been done like this anywhere before,” said the Whites. “There may be a few unexpected surprises, but change can be good. We’re hoping that the journey to Bethlehem will bring Christ back into Christmas and cause people to think about their own life journey.”

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints says the two free events are their Christmas gifts to the community, welcoming people of all faiths.

The Indoor Crèche Display will run from 5 – 9 p.m. each night. The Outdoor Live Nativity Pageant will take place on Dec. 22 from 6 – 8:30 p.m. and on Dec. 23 from 5 – 8:30 p.m., with shows running every 30 minutes.