NATIVITY EXPERIENCE — 75TH ANNUAL

6-8 p.m. December 10-30, 2022   |   4-6 p.m. Christmas Eve   |   Closed Christmas Day

Admission is free. Gratefully accepting non-perishable food donations for area food banks.
Nativity Experience December 10-30, 2022

The Comboni Missionaries hosted their first Nativity Experience in 1947, in the carriage house of their new Sacred Heart Seminary on Beechmont Road. Called the “Crib” in those days, the outbuilding recreated the Italian tradition of celebrating Christmas with scenes of the Nativity. Seminarians gathered rocks and moss from the area and created an impressive diorama of the Palestinian countryside, complete with cardboard starry sky, rivers, hills, and villages. Imported statuettes of the Holy Family, the ox and ass, angels, shepherds, kings, sheep and even a dog all had a role as dramatic lights and music carried a magical retelling of the Christmas story.

Now in its 75th year, the Nativity Experience has grown to be a family favorite for generations. We hope you’ll join us again this year in celebrating the birth of our Savior. From our family to yours, Merry Christmas!

animated nativity

Animated Nativity Display

For 75 years families have enjoyed visiting the Comboni Missionaries to view this unique, animated Nativity display. Narration is available in English and Spanish.

Fr Joe gives a tour of the mission museum

Mission Museum

The Comboni Mission Museum has been curated by our missionaries for decades. There are items from our missions and items special to our mission countries. Enjoy a self-guided tour or ask a Comboni Missionary to show you around.

animated nativity

Nativity Displays from Around the World

View Nativity Displays from more than a dozen countries. Each Nativity display is lovely and unique. Let us know which one is your favorite!

Nativity Displays in the Mission Market

Mission Market and Christmas Boutique

Shop the Christmas Boutique for thrifty holiday gifts and decorations. Shop the Mission Market for unique gifts from our missions and local artistans from around the world.

Special Thanks to our Sponsors:

Mission Champion: Beechmont Automotive Group

Mission Leader

Mission Partner

IPR Group, Inc.

Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish

Fr. Rudy’s Fabulous Five Parishes

Knights of Columbus #12359

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