Bethlehem Revisited returns for 2021 in Waxahachie

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The interactive performance on a block-wide stage takes place for six nights in December.

(See our updated post on Bethlehem Revisited.)

The Waxahachie-based recreation of the story of the birth of Jesus from the Gospel of Luke takes on an interactive flair amid costumed actors, robed artisans, old-world style constructions and a cast of large animals in a block-wide stage for two weekends in December 2021.

Set for 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. on December 3 – 5, 2021 and again on December 10-12, 2021 on a lot behind Central Presbyterian Church at 402 North College near Downtown Waxahachie [map], Bethlehem Revisited gives visitors a chance to walk around and interact with the cast and witness Mary riding a donkey led by Joseph as they’re turned away from overbooked lodging and seek out rest in a stable.

Bethlehem Revisited is a three-hour interactive nativity scene in Waxahachie, Texas.

After giving birth to their son, Jesus, the trio is visited by wise men who were led to the nativity by a bright star in the east to visit the new king lying in a manger.

The block-wide, outdoor stage consists of streets filled with a variety of characters, from Roman Centurions and greedy tax collectors to humble shopkeepers, bakers and everyday citizens of the ancient City of Bethlehem.

Visitors to the free event can roam the grounds throughout the night while they converse with the characters, watch crafters do their crafts, browse the shops, and altogether take in the sights and sounds of how modern minds imagine that the ancient biblical story would have unfolded in what amounts to a three-hour, immersive live nativity scene with a cast of several dozen performers.

Bethlehem Revisited was started in 1997 by the members of Central Presbyterian Church in Waxahachie, Texas and has been a yearly event ever since. The goal of the performance is to make the story seem real and come alive to contemporary visitors through ancient-like constructions, props, costumes and special effects.

A main attraction of the performance, a cast of donkeys, sheep and camels perform as themselves.

In 2020, the event was cancelled due to public health concerns but is back for 2021. Each year, Bethlehem Revisited draws thousands of visitors from throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

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27 thoughts on “Bethlehem Revisited returns for 2021 in Waxahachie”

  4. Is there any one who would be willing to take a video tour of Bethlehem Revisited. I live in Navasota Texas which is located SE of College Station. I have a lot of trouble walking and I would love to see it one more time. Also 4 of my grandchildren were too young to remember. But all my family would consider it a treasure. My husband passed away over a year ago. Last year was to painful to think about but this Cmas it brings back happy memories maybe the Chamber would know of someone. I found the camels

    • It does not take 3 hours if you just walk through. But you can interact w shop owners as you visiting the city like you were there at that time. My grandkids and I slowly walk through and stop at every area or shop. As your shopping you might turn around and notice a donkey led by a young man and seated on donkey a young lady large w child. Just like you might have passed them if you were in Bethlehem. We take almost the whole three hours to go through. Do visit w the Roman guards wherever you see them

    • You get out of your car. It can take as long as you want it to take. You are free to walk around or you can pick a group of actors to follow as their journey takes them to the manger scene. You can follow the 3 Kings, the Shepherds, or Mary and Joseph. Each group has a different set of lines that they recite at different locations. It’s well worth the visit and makes Christmas come alive. You don’t want to miss it. There isn’t typically a line, just people walking around and enjoying it.

    • Do you have to have a ticket to go even if it’s free? I’ve been wanting to go, but I’m not sure if I need a ticket.

  8. We were visiting our daughter in Texas and we went to the reenactment on December 3rd. I’ve seen live manger scenes before but never an entire Bethlehem village with volunteers playing residents on that sacred night. How thankful I am for the birth of a baby who I believe is my redeemer and savior of the world. Thank you so much for allowing me a different perspective of Christmas night. If you get the chance go!

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