Bethlehem Event

Thank you all for another wonderful and meaningful Bethlehem Event in 2025!

Next Event: To Be Announced

The church building and touring the event is completely accessible.
ELC has accessible spots in our parking lot.

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. Please watch for the public registration link to go live in November 2025.

tour reservations

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."