Tuacahn’s live nativity tells story of first Christmas

Performers in the Tuacahn live nativity, Ivins, Utah, date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Tuacahn, St. George News

IVINS — A live nativity, an open warm fire, the Old Salty Train ride, Santa Claus, camel rides, hot chocolate, holiday music, hundreds of thousands of sparkling Christmas lights and more, all framed within the red walls of Padre Canyon, invite community and family to a Christmas experience Tuacahn-style.

Tuacahn’s Christmas in the Canyon invites and welcomes community to come enjoy holiday cheer.

Lights at the Tuacahn, Ivins, Utah, date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Tuacahn, St. George News
Lights at Tuacahn Center for the Arts, Ivins, Utah, date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Tuacahn, St. George News

The live nativity, presented in the Tuacahn Amphitheatre, is an annual highlight, with improved production this year bringing new scenes and music. The cast of up to 87 changes nightly as it is made up of community volunteers who come to tell the story of the first Christmas.

Volunteers arrive early and are fitted with ancient period attire from the costume shop. They receive rehearsal instruction from Ryan Norton, Tuacahn’s associate producer. After one walk through and a final run with lights and music, the cast is ready to tell the miracle of Christmas.

“The nativity at Tuacahn is a great opportunity for family and friends to participate in a holiday event that only the magic of Tuacahn can facilitate,” Norton said. “It is a unique experience because the community gets to be a part of a nativity production on a scale and grandeur like no other, with a backdrop actually similar to the environs of old Jerusalem.”

Before and after the nativity, visitors can enjoy other activities. Children will have a chance to tell Santa what they would like for Christmas, and an open fire will be roaring to warm guests’ hands while they sip on hot chocolate from concessions. Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride on Friday and Saturday nights, or a ride in the Old Salty Train can accommodate both young and old.

This year, Tuacahn is supporting the Toys for Tots drive to help insure every family has a wonderful Christmas.  Please bring a toy with you for donations.

There is no admission charge to visit Tuacahn and Christmas in the Canyon. It’s Tuacahn’s way of saying “thank you” to the community for its support, the center’s news release said, and to remind all of the true meaning of Christmas. There is, however, a $2 fee per individual or $15 fee per family (up to 10 guests) for the live nativity to cover production costs. Small fees also apply for train and carriage rides.

Event details

  • What: Christmas in the Canyon at Tuacahn
  • When: Nov. 27-Dec. 21; Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 6:30-9 p.m. (Live nativity shows in the amphitheatre at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.)
  • Where: Tuacahn Amphitheatre, 1100 Tuacahn Drive, Ivins
  • Website | Telephone 435-652-3300.

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @STGnews

 

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2 Comments

  • 42214 December 14, 2015 at 7:48 pm

    Tuacahn is getting public funding and doing nativity scenes? Oh no!

  • .... December 15, 2015 at 4:58 am

    Barfffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff

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