Miracle of Christmas – Live Nativity at the Zoo – A Christmas Tradition for Sixteen Years – FREE Event

ByOlivia Bada

richmond zoo nativity

Miracle of Christmas – Live Nativity at the Zoo – A Christmas Tradition for Sixteen Years – FREE Event

The 2018 pageant will be presented at 7:00, 7:45 and 8:30 p.m. on December 21, 22, and 23. Gates open at 6:15 pm.

One of Richmond’s favorite holiday attractions, Miracle of Christmas-Live at the Zoo, returns for its 16th season December 21-23. The annual pageant is a reenactment of the Christmas Story. This live event includes zoo animals and cast member(s) set against a period appropriate backdrop. Participating animals include camels, donkeys, sheep, and goats. Together they recreate actual events that took place more than 2,000 years ago. The annual average total attendance for our pageant is 10,000 people.

Each pageant lasts twenty minutes with three performances per evening. Musical performances from local community, school, and church instrumental and vocal groups will precede each pageant. The pageant is open to the community free of charge thanks to many volunteers who donate their time and talent.

Miracle of Christmas- Live at the Zoo began when Jim Andelin, Director of the Metro Richmond Zoo, was designing and building the 120-acre facility in Moseley, Virginia, more than twenty-three years ago. “I wanted to create a Christmas tradition with our zoo animals that brought our community together to focus on the true meaning of Christmas.” Andelin explained, “Over the years, I have witnessed our community come together to celebrate the true miracle of Christmas, Christ’s birth.”

Others shared Jim’s dream seventeen years ago and with the help of his and neighboring churches the Miracle of Christmas- Live at the Zoo began.

The 2018 pageant will be presented at 7:00, 7:45 and 8:30 p.m. on December 21, 22, and 23. Gates open at 6:15 pm. The Metro Richmond Zoo is located at 8300 Beaver Bridge Road, Moseley, VA- behind Grange Hall Elementary School off Hull Street Road in Chesterfield County, VA. Admission and parking are free. Overflow parking is available at Grange Hall Elementary School with free shuttle service to the zoo. Refreshments will be sold for a nominal fee to benefit local charities.

For more information, call the Metro Richmond Zoo at (804) 739-5666, email info@metrorichmondzoo.com , or visit the website at www.metrorichmondzoo.com

Author

  • bada

    Olivia Bada is one of the driving forces behind WilliamsburgFamilies.com, a trusted resource for locals and visitors alike. With over 14 years of experience curating the best family-friendly events, activities, and attractions in Williamsburg, VA, Olivia has become a trusted writer in the community. Her passion for connecting families to their local area is evident in the comprehensive guides, event listings, and reviews she shares on the site. She shares information on local events including Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens, Water Country USA, Jamestown Settlement, Historic Yorktown, American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, New Town, Merchants Square, York River State Park, Chippokes State Park and Yorktown Battlefield View all posts CEO

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