Streets of Bethlehem
Visitors take a self-paced walk through a living recreation of ancient Bethlehem, interacting with costumed Roman soldiers, tax collectors, and townspeople. The route leads through a bustling marketplace featuring spices, weavers, a working blacksmith, and live animals. Guests follow the story of Mary and Joseph seeking shelter, encounter shepherds visited by angels, and conclude at the manger with the Holy Family.
See more other Christmas activities near Salinas
Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Tickets
Free admission; no tickets or cost.
Hours
6–8 PM; shows begin at 6:00 PM and repeat about every twenty minutes; the last staging starts at 7:40 PM.
Ages
All ages
Food & Drink
A food truck is on the property before or after your walk; finish any food and drinks before entering Bethlehem.
Parking
Park at the shuttle lot in the Park Row area. Continuous buses run about five minutes each way. Street parking near the church is reserved for accessible needs.
Accessibility
Street parking near the church is reserved for accessible needs.
Pets
Please do not bring pets. Trained service animals are welcome.
Going?
Location
Tips & Advice
- Come on Thursday if you can, since it is usually the quietest night and the crowds grow through the weekend.
- Park at the Park Row shuttle lot and ride the continuous buses, which take about five minutes each way to the church.
- Dress for night weather, because the whole walk is outdoors and mist or drizzle will not cancel the event.
- Finish any food and drinks before entering Bethlehem, and visit the food truck on the property before or after your walk instead.
- Allow 45 minutes to two hours, since the walk through the village is self-paced and the shows repeat about every 20 minutes.
Links & Contact
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the walk through Bethlehem take?
It's self-paced and usually takes 45 minutes to 2 hours. You go through the gates and marketplace, past the live animals and the shepherds' field, and end at the manger. Shows repeat about every 20 minutes.
Which night is least crowded?
Thursday is usually the quietest night. Crowds grow through the weekend.
Can we bring food or drinks?
Finish any food and drinks before you enter Bethlehem. A food truck is on the property, so you can eat before or after your walk.
What happens if it rains?
Mist or drizzle won't cancel it. If it's fully rained out, the cancellation is posted on Facebook, along with same-night weather updates.
How can I volunteer?
More than 200 people take part in costume, with many more behind the scenes. Roles include drama and angels, marketplace trades, animal handlers, docents, the prayer team, set-up, security, costumes and clean-up. Volunteer registration is open for this year.
Latest Videos
Browse Christmas in Salinas
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.