The renowned Lobethal Living Nativity is a Christmas gift to the visitors and townsfolk of Lobethal from the Hills Christian Churches, and is a feature of the “Lights of Lobethal” celebrations each year. It is a re-enactment of the biblical events of the first Christmas, complete with a real baby “Jesus”, Mary, Joseph, shepherds, angels, wise men; and an assorted menagerie of animals featuring camels, donkeys, goats, lambs, calves, alpaca, and two tame doves that sit in the stable eaves. All the costumes have been beautifully designed and created to depict the Biblical era.
Each nightly performance involves approximately 40 cast and crew, and a choir. These people are mostly from the local hills community who happily volunteer to be a part of the Nativity for a night or two – or more.
The stable setting strewn with hay transports visitors back in time with the appropriate sights, sounds and smells of that first Christmas! A biblical narrative with carols accompany the 20 minute performance which is scheduled at 8.50 and 9.20 each evening, beginning on the second Sunday of December and running until, and including, 23rd December. The re-enactment is free to view; however there are donation boxes near the seating area for those who may wish to help with a monetary contribution to defray costs.
The Living Nativity committee received the Adelaide Hills Council’s “Community Event of the Year 2012” award at the Australia Day Celebrations. Christmas 2015 marked the 23nd year of the Nativity’s inception.
Thousands of people gather before the stable setting at the amphitheatre each December to view the Nativity. It prompts people to consider the REAL meaning of Christmas.
- Performances: 8.50pm – 9.10pm and 9.20pm – 9.40pm
(The first performance on opening night is a little later as it follows the fireworks display which is at 9.00pm)
- At the amphitheatre area, 52 Main Street, Lobethal
- Enrolment forms for cast and crew are distributed from outlets in Lobethal every October
Enquiries:
Janet LePage: 0432 445 220 janet.lpg@gmail.com
Sue Miller: 8389 6542 bobandsue@internode.on.net