English Lutheran La Crosse
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Bethelhem Event

Thank you all for another wonderful and meaningful Bethlehem Event in 2025!
Picture
The church building and touring the event is completely accessible.
ELC has accessible spots in our parking lot.
Here's what to expect...
... You will embark on a remarkable journey, experiencing what it was like in Bethlehem during the time of the birth of Jesus.
... Take some time to relax during the busy Christmas rush to spend time with family, friends, and others during this special trip. Visits average around an hour.
... Enjoy the smells, and have a chance to taste some of the foods of this time.
... Experience the bustle of Bethlehem - everything from dancers to live animals: goats, sheep, chickens, and more.
... When you step into the stable, you'll be amazed. You will know the "reason for the season."
Experience the sounds and smells of ancient Bethlehem at the time of Christ’s birth at English Lutheran Church in La Crosse, WI in December 2025! Much of the church turns into the village and many of its members and others become its residents for “The Bethlehem Event.” Cast and crew of around 300 recreate the city of David at the time Christ was born more than 2,000 years ago.

“You get the idea of what it was like the night of Christ’s birth,” says Paul Sannerud, who has coordinated the production that first ran in 1980, and has run nearly every four years since. Pete Bemis coordinated this event in 2022, and in 2025, Pamela Strittmater and Mary Fitzpatrick are co-chairing!

A 70x14’ mural that includes city streets, a wash house and a peek outside the city walls, serves as the backdrop for the indoor recreation of Bethlehem. Goat herders - with live goats - goldsmiths, perfumers, cheesemakers, bakers, and other townspeople retell what happened. Planners rely on historical accuracy and detail to make the re-creation of the first Christmas a memorable experience.

The Bethlehem Event is from Noon until 5:00pm on Saturday and Sunday, December 13 and 14. Admission is free, but visitors must register. Free-will donations are accepted.
Thank you to volunteers of all ages, talents, and abilities that helped this year!
*embed Bethlehem timelapse video here
CHECK OUT THE PICS!

Bethlehem Event 2025
Bethlehem Event 2022
Bethlehem Event 2017
Bethlehem Event 2013

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608.784.9335
[email protected]
1509 King St, La Crosse WI 54601

​

About

Who We Are
Our Story
Leadership & Staff
​
Call Process
Contact Us

I'm New

Welcome!
Plan Your Visit

Newcomers Orientation
​Connect Card

Worship & Music

Livestream
Music & Worship
Worship Bulletin Archive
© COPYRIGHT 2026. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Small Groups

OWLS
Parent Group
Las Margaritas Bible Study
Seekers Bible Study
Matthew Study
Coffee Fellowship
Christlers
Quilters
​Mary Circle

Education

7/8th Grade Confirmation
9th Grade Confirmation
Adult Sunday School
Sunday School
VBS
​Devotions

Serve

Volunteer
Prayer Request
Give

Rites & Sacraments

Baptisms
Weddings
Lutheranism 101
Holy Communion
​Funerals

Updates

Calendar
News & Photos
​Minutes
Annual Meeting
Constitution & Bylaws

Other

Bethlehem Event
Scrip Cards
Picture

Worship Schedule

Saturdays: 5:00pm
Sundays: 9:00am (livestreamed)

Get in touch.

1509 King Street, La Crosse, WI 54601
Office Hours: 
Mon-Thurs 8:30am to 1:30pm
​   OR by appointment

608.784.9335 | [email protected]
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  • Home
  • About
    • Who We Are
    • Our Story
    • Leadership & Staff
    • Call Process
    • Contact Us
  • I'm New
    • Welcome!
    • Plan your visit
    • Newcomers Orientation
    • Connect Card
  • Worship & Music
    • Livestream
    • Worship & Music
    • Worship Bulletin Archive
  • Small Groups
    • OWLS
    • Parent Group
    • Las Margaritas Bible Study
    • Seekers
    • Matthew Study
    • Coffee Fellowship
    • Christlers
    • Quilters
    • Mary Circle
  • Education
    • 7/8th Grade Confirmation
    • 9th Grade Confirmation
    • Adult Sunday School
    • Sunday School
    • VBS
    • Devotions
  • Serve
    • Volunteer
    • Prayer Request
    • Give
  • Rites & Sacraments
    • Baptisms
    • Weddings
    • Lutheranism 101
    • HOLY COMMUNION
    • FUNERALS
  • updates
    • Calendar
    • News & Photos
    • Minutes
    • Annual Meeting
    • CONSTITUTION & BYLAWS