The 37th annual presentation of the Live Nativity at First Baptist Church of Fort Walton Beach will take place Monday, December 15 through Sunday, December 21, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. nightly.
Presented as the church’s free gift to the community, the Live Nativity tells the complete story of salvation — from the miraculous birth of Jesus to His crucifixion and resurrection.
Located beside the church sanctuary at the corner of 2nd Street and Church Street, the Live Nativity offers plenty of free parking just across the street. Guests are invited to step back in time as they witness scenes featuring Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus, along with angels and the three Wise Men.
Upon arrival, each visitor’s photo is taken as a keepsake and printed on-site for pickup before departure. From there, guests journey to the Shepherd’s Field, where they can meet friendly animals and even help feed them. Handheld feeding trays are provided to keep fingers safe while sharing sweet feed and carrots with the animals.
The field features sheep, miniature donkeys, and two beloved camels — Naomi, a longtime favorite, and her young son Nicodemus (Nico), returning for his second year. Helping to keep things tidy are the “middle school shepherds,” affectionately known as super-duper scoopers, who make sure the field stays clean and safe for everyone.
To ensure all can participate fully, the church also provides golf cart rides through the Live Nativity for guests with mobility challenges.
As visitors continue their walk, they’ll encounter a Roman guard at the cross and an angel at the Empty Tomb asking, “Why do you seek him here? He is risen!” Children will delight in a stop at the Candy Cane Booth, where they receive a candy cane and hear the story of its invention. At the Deacons’ Table, free Bibles are available to take home.
The evening concludes with live seasonal music from the church’s music ministry, cookies, hot chocolate, and coffee enjoyed around glowing fire pits — a perfect way to end this heartwarming experience.
The Live Nativity remains a no-cost, no-donation event, lovingly presented each year by the First Baptist Church family. For both the costumed volunteers and guests, it is a time of joy, reflection, and community — a celebration of the true meaning of Christmas and the love of Jesus at His birth.
