Union United Methodist Church will once again bring the town of Bethlehem to life as it hosts the 32nd annual drive-through living nativity, The Living Christmas Story, December 5–7 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. each evening.
For more than three decades, the church’s parking lot has been transformed into a re-creation of the night Jesus Christ was born — offering the community the chance to witness the story from the comfort of their vehicles. The tradition is a free gift to the community, with no admission required.
The Living Christmas Story features real people from the Irmo area — along with live animals — portraying scenes from Bethlehem. As vehicles make their way through the display, visitors encounter villagers, a blacksmith, the innkeeper, Herod’s court, a bustling marketplace, and many other depictions that bring the biblical narrative to life. The presentation has become a cherished holiday tradition for thousands; over the past 31 years, more than 167,000 visitors have experienced the event.
Traffic will be guided by the Irmo Police Department and church volunteers. Carpooling is encouraged. Guests may also avoid the line by riding a Union UMC church bus through the event; buses will depart from the parking lot between Lizard’s Thicket and O’Reilly Auto Parts at the corner of St. Andrews Road and Thames Valley Road. Union buses and institutional vehicles with logos will receive expedited entry.
To learn more about The Living Christmas Story, visit the event website. For information about Union United Methodist Church, visit the church’s homepage.