Come celebrate the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ and remember the miracle of the first Christmas.

The first weekend of December each year, community members bring their nativity sets created by artists from around the world to the exhibit. Local choirs and instrumental groups perform Christmas music and provide a wonderful atmosphere for this joyful celebration. Let us come together as friends and neighbors as we each remember the reason for the Christmas Season - God's Gift to the world, His Son, Jesus Christ.

Please come to enjoy the nativity displays and the music.

Come see the restored Armstrong-Smulekoff Nativity
The nearly life-size 12-piece white plaster nativity scene that graced the windows of Armstrong's Department Store and later of Smulekoff's Furniture over the past several decades is a Cedar Rapids treasure. It was considered lost due to damage from the 2008 flood, but after 230 hours of volunteer labor, it has been completely restored.

The Nativity Celebration is a non-denominational event open to everyone. This event is FREE! Guests are invited to bring a donation for the Catherine McAuley Center: canned/dry food items or full-sized personal care items are needed.

Music Schedule

As they perform each year, the musicians and vocalists at the Nativity Celebration represent the great talent found in our communities, denominations, and organizations throughout the area.

December 1, 2023
11am: This time is very quiet and not always well-attended. If you don't mind playing as "background music" for a small audience, we can book you to play during this time. Otherwise I'd encourage you to reserve a later time or a time on Saturday!
6:00pm: Sally Lange- Piano/flute
6:45pm: setup
7:00pm: St. Paul's Carilonneurs (Handbell Choir)

December 2, 2023
11:00am: New Horizons Band
12:00pm: Young at Harp
12:45pm: Marcy Luxa and Friends- Instrument Combo
1:30pm: Heart of Marion Choir
2:00pm: Collins Aerospace Band
3:00pm: Matthew Lang- piano/vocal
4:00pm: Cedar Rapids Stake Primary Choir
4:30pm: Heather Schliemann- piano/vocal

Paper Snowflakes:

Christmas Star Activity
Join Jamie Brocco at the Cedar Rapids Nativity Celebration on Saturday, December 2nd, from 1 - 3 PM. We will be focusing on the Christmas Star as we develop our Paper Snowflake Skills. This is a family friendly activity, no previous experience required. Adult assistance will be needed for young children who are still developing scissor skills.

Family Activity Room

Our young guests will enjoy making a Christmas craft. They can also wear nativity costumes and pose for a take-home photo in a manger scene.

Date: December 1-2, 2023

Time:
December 1, 2023 from 11:00am to 9:00pm
December 2, 2023 from 11:00am to 7:00pm

Cost: Free

Location:
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,
4150 Blue Jay Drive NorthEast,
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402.

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