Festival Brings Nativity Scenes From All Over the World to Dixon

A unique festival is in the works at that speaks of the very essence of Christmas.

Now in its second year, the will be taking place at Dixon United Methodist Church on Sunday, Nov. 27, and will be held in conjunction with the Children’s Christmas Workshop.

“Each year we had a holiday open house and it was just to get people from the community to come in and preview the church and see what we have, it always goes along with the Christmas Children’s Workshop,” said Lenesse Rasmussen, outreach coordinator at Dixon United Methodist Church. “So what we decided to do is, we came up with an idea (of) Festival of the Nativity, moving it to the first day of Advent to make it a more a holiday experience. A lot of our congregation members collect Nativity scenes when they travel.”

Festival of the Nativity showcases different styles of Nativity scenes from all over the world, adding an international flavor to the event. The church places the call out to its congregation and the community so they can add their Nativity scenes to the festival lineup.

“There’s quite a variation (of Nativity scenes),” Rasmussen said. “From very traditional … to, we have a ‘Veggie Tales’ one. There’s ones on here that are from Africa, so they are very different. There’s knitted ones, there are all kinds. It’s everything.”

What is it about a Nativity scene that makes it central to Christmas?

Rasmussen explains: “It really gives that visual of Jesus and the people surrounding him and the wise men and it’s really the core of the Christmas story. That visual, when you think of Christmas, you think of that Nativity scene.”

While the adults are enjoying the Nativity Scene, children will have the opportunity to participate in the church’s Children’s Christmas Workshop, where they will get to create various Christmastime arts and crafts and enjoy snacks.  

To have your Nativity scene featured during the festival, contact the church at (707) 678-2191.

Everyone is invited to the Festival of the Nativity on Sunday, Nov. 27, 1-4 p.m., at Dixon United Methodist Church, 209 North Jefferson Street, Dixon. The event is free and refreshments will be served. For more information visit the church at www.dixonumc.com