Journey to Bethlehem

Online registration is open! Most timeslots are full, however we are accepting walk-in guests. Wait times will vary.

With Dramatic Actors, a Live Nativity and Real Animals

Experience the true historical story of Christmas and the excitement of our Savior’s birth in a spacious outdoor setting with dramatic actors, a live nativity and real animals. Unique to this event, you will walk with the Biblical characters along candlelit wooded trails on the Journey. Interact with shepherds and merchants, and receive items to assist you as you Journey to Bethlehem.

2023 Dates: Friday & Saturday, December 8, 9, 15, 16

Fridays 6:00-8:30 p.m. Saturdays 5:00-8:30 p.m.

Scene 1: "Mary is Pregnant"

Mary and Joseph wrestle with the implications Mary’s pregnancy has for them, both as a couple and in their community.

Scene 2: "No Room in the Inn"

Experience the disappointment of finding no room in the Inn.

Scene 3: "The Marketplace"

(NEW 2023) The people of God grapple with their need for a Messiah through song and dance.

Scene 4: "The Shepherd’s Field"

Join the shepherds around a warm crackling campfire watching their sheep by night when suddenly angels appear in the sky and proclaim the news of Jesus’ birth!

Scene 5: "The Stable"

Hurry along with the shepherds to the stable and experience the quiet wonder of finding Baby Jesus in the manger.

Scene 6: "Wise Men Still Seek Him"

Wise men wrestle with a decision: do they leave their comfortable palace to begin a long, dangerous trek through the desert, just for a chance to meet some far-off king?

Additional Details:

Reserve your tentative time slot at this link
Plan to arrive 15-20 minutes before your tentative scheduled time slot.
Entire group must be present when entering IRC building to begin the Journey.
“Journey to Bethlehem” participants will be welcomed to Woodcrest Retreat with over 300 luminaries lining the entrance and trails.
Parking: Upon arrival, guests will be directed to the parking area and then proceed to Census Registration.
Every 10 minutes, groups of 30 will board an open air wagon and be transported to the top of the hill to begin “The Journey to Bethlehem”.
“The Journey” will take approximately 45-60 minutes. You will want to allow for extra wait time.
A bus will transport guests back to the parking area.
Since the “Journey” takes place outside, participants will need to dress warmly and wear water resistant shoes or boots.

Volunteers Needed:

Over one hundred volunteers are needed to make the “Journey to Bethlehem” come alive. Please check your calendar and prayerfully consider volunteering. Perfect for individuals and/or families to share the true meaning of Christmas.

Commitments are needed for 2 or more nights. Preferably ages 15 and older.

Fridays: 5:00 – 10:30 PM
Saturdays: 4:00 – 10:30 PM

ACTORS: Enthusiastic persons to portray the Christmas story.
(Mary, Joseph, Angel, Innkeepers, Shepherds, Wisemen)

PARKERS, TOWNSPEOPLE, MERCHANTS, ANGELS , WAGON HOST, SOUND & LIGHTING ETC. :
These vital roles require minimal or no speaking. Memorization of lines is not required in these roles.

Please call (717) 738-2233 or email adam@WoodcrestRetreat.org.