REVIEW: Alpine Live Nativity

Alpine Live Nativity
Park at LDS church located at 900 N Main Street in Alpine, UT.
For dates and to reserve tickets, visit the Alpine Live Nativity website.

We have been hearing for a few years how amazing the Alpine Live Nativity is, so this year we reserved our tickets early, and headed down there tonight.

This is a FREE event, but they only allow so many people each night, so you have to reserve your tickets online early. They sell out fast! They were expecting over 5,000 people tonight alone!

Because there are so many people visiting the live nativity, you have to park at the LDS church on 900 N Main Street in Alpine. (Take the Highland/Alpine exit from I-15, which is the same exit as Lehi/Thanksgiving Point. Head East off the exit.)

When you arrive, it will seem like there are a lot of people, but the line moves very fast. I was amazed at how organized the volunteers were! They have many shuttles to transport the large crowds of people to and from the live nativity.

The live nativity is set on a large residential property, and there is a lot of walking involved (approximately 1/4 mile total). When you arrive, you will be greeted by shepherds that will tell you all about the special event that happened 2,000 years ago that you are about to be a part of.

There are fire pits scattered throughout the experience, so take time to warm up if needed. You experience the nativity at your own pace, so make sure you take time to see what each little area is about.

One of the first things you will notice is the Star of Bethlehem. Take a journey to follow that star, where you will see shepherds, Roman guards, camels, cows, donkeys and other animals along the way, just like those that took the same journey many years ago.

The path will guide you to the busy city market of Bethlehem, where you will visit with basket weavers, blacksmiths, leather crafters, camels, donkeys, sheep, various birds, bakers and more!

After leaving the bustling market, you will be greeted by the Three Wise Men, who will tell you all about the gifts they have brought for the newborn King. Continue to follow the star, and you will find the King wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

Upon entering the stable, it stops you in your tracks to hear a real baby cooing and making noises. A hush comes over the group, and it really takes you back to the sights, sounds and smells of that night over 2,000 years ago. (Because of the quiet, reverent nature found in this specific area, you will not find any pictures from it on my post. I felt that pulling out a camera would have taken away from it.)

My daughter made the comment that this was her favorite thing we have done so far this year, and she definitely wants to return every year. It’s amazing that so many people volunteer their time and talents to help us feel the Christmas spirit!

Tips when visiting the Alpine Live Nativity:

• Dress warm! Depending on the weather, you may even want to bring hand/feet warmers. 
• Wear good walking shoes/boots with good traction. It is Winter time, and the path may get a little bit slippery.
• Arrive early. There is so much to see and do, and you don’t want to feel rushed or miss any of it.
• Bring donations if you can. Even though this is a free event, they collect money for various charities. If you can bring cash to donate, it is greatly appreciated.

About the Alpine Live Nativity:

This is a free event put on by all volunteers from the community. This charity event is organized by the Hayes and Larsen families, the Don Watkins Family, the Will Jones Family, and many more giving members of this community. Read their touching story of the first year doing the live nativity and why they decided to share it with the community.

Learn about volunteer opportunities.