CHRISTMAS SHOW
A Live Animal Christmas Production!
2024 SHOW TIMES
Celebrating 50 Years
The Live Animal Christmas Show of Washington, Iowa
Tuesday, December 10
6:00pm
Showing open for groups of 4 or more, for ASL, and those with Special Needs.
SHOWING FULL
Wednesday, December 11
6:00pm
Showing open for all Washington County and local residents.
Friday, December 13
6:00pm
Saturday, December 14
10:30am
Showing open to the public. No reservations needed.
Saturday, December 14
2:00pm
Saturday, December 14
5:30pm
Showing open to the public. No reservations needed.
Sunday, December 15
10:30am
Showing open to the public. No reservations needed.
Sunday, December 15
2:00pm
Sunday, December 15
5:30pm
Showing open to the public. No reservations needed.
About the Show
The history of the Live Animal Christmas Show.
In 1974, Marion Avenue Baptist Church put together the very first Live Animal Christmas Play, now known as the Live Animal Christmas Show. What started out as a simple production has turned into a Christmas event that inspires thousands each year. People from all over the Midwest have made the Live Animal Christmas Show a family Christmas tradition.
Taking place in the church auditorium, the show features a series of theatrical scenes bringing to life the Christmas story. The journey will take you from a market place in Nazareth to the Bethlehem manger where Jesus was born. You will be inspired as you watch the angel appear to the shepherds bringing them “good tidings of great joy.”
A vast array of animals are also included throughout the show. From Mary riding a donkey down the center aisle to a wiseman entering in on a full-sized camel, you will experience the Bible times come to life all around you. Enjoy the music of Christmas all throughout the show as the actors sing heart-warming songs of the season.
“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)
FAQ
Answers to your questions about the Christmas Show!
When does the work for the Christmas Show begin?
The Christmas Show preparation and production begins in October every year.
How many people are involved in the production?
About 300 church members are involved in different areas. This includes actors, costume crew, hair and make-up artists, set designers, prop crews, audio/visual team, nursery workers, lighting, special effects, attic crews and countless others who help to make the show a success. They all work on a volunteer basis.
Who makes the props, stage sets, and costumes?
All the props, sets, and the majority of the costumes are made by our church members.
How does the angel fly?
She is wearing a harness connected to a complex fly system designed by Hall Flying Associates.
How does the cow, horse, mule, and camel get into the church building?
Right up the steps – just like you did! We are thankful for our animal handlers that do such a great job of keeping the animal’s happy!
If the entrance cost is free, how do you fund the expense of putting on this show?
A free-will offering is taken at the conclusion of each showing, however, the bulk of the cost is covered by the sacrificial giving of the people of the Marion Avenue Baptist Church. They are passionate about showing people the true meaning of Christmas!
