December 5-8, 2024

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

outdoor nativity

Streets Of bethlehem

STREETS OF BETHLEHEM

December 5-8, 2024
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

A free community outdoor Christmas experience!
Come to Bethlehem to witness what it might have been like on the night of Jesus' birth. Walk through the busy marketplace and watch out for the Roman Soldiers. See Mary and Joseph as they search for a place to stay.
Peek into the manger to see God's gift to us- His Son. 

ABOUT

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PARKING

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STREETS OF BETHLEHEM

December 5-8, 2018

6:00 PM - 8:30 PM

We are blessed to be able to offer this event to our community each year without having to charge admission. We believe that the Gospel has always been intended to be shared freely and we do not want cost to hinder people from hearing the true story of Christmas.  At the same time, it takes a great amount of time and energy from our volunteers and finances from our donors. If you would consider donating to help support this community event, your gift would be received with gratitude.

Thank You!

STREETS OF BETHLEHEM

December 4-7, 2019

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

FAQ

STREETS OF BETHLEHEM

December 5-8, 2024

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Is there a cost to attend?
No, the event is free, however donations are gratefully appreciated. If you wish to donate to Streets click the donate button.

Do I need a ticket?
Tickets are not required. Admittance is on a first come first serve basis. Shows repeat every 20 minutes starting at 6:00pm, the last show of the night starts at 8:00pm.

Where do I park?
Parking is available at Park Row, please click on the view map button for directions to parking. Shuttle buses will take you on a short 5 min ride to and from the event. 

The event will take place at: 
First Baptist Church of Salinas
1130 San Vincente Avenue
Salinas, CA 93901
Street parking at the church is limited so please use shuttles from Park Row.

What is the best night/time to attend?
Thursday nights are the least crowded night to come. Each night after gets progressively more crowded. Also, any nights starting around 7pm are usually less crowded. 

Can I bring in food or beverages?
Please consume all food and beverages before entering Bethlehem. There will be a food truck on the property if you would like to purchase dinner before or after attending the event.

How long should I plan to stay?  
Plan to be at the event 30-45 minutes. 

Can I bring my pet?
Please do not bring your pets, trained service animals are okay.

Will I need a jacket?
Streets of Bethlehem is a fully outdoor Christmas nativity experience, please dress for that night’s weather or possible rain.

What happens if it rains?
A mist or drizzle does not cancel streets. Rain cancellations will be announced on our Facebook  page.

Is there a lost and found?
Yes, at the First Aid Station.

How do I leave a prayer request?
Email prayer@fbcsalinas.com to send us your prayer request.

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ABOUT

Like the boy shepherd who serves as our logo, Streets of Bethlehem has been in the process of growing up. What began as only a dream in the mind of three individuals came to life in 1992. With the desire to share the gift of the true meaning of Christmas to the community, the idea for a live re-creation of that tiny village on that first Christmas night was born. Streets of Bethlehem was cared for and nourished by the loving hands of dedicated scriptwriters, skilled carpenters, gifted artists and set designers. But what makes Bethlehem special is the way it comes alive when hundreds of volunteers don period costumes and go back in time to "become" those village citizens once again.

Over the years there has been ongoing growth, adaptations and variations, but the story of the birth of our Savior has always, and will always remain the focal point. As we celebrate our 31st anniversary of Streets, we rejoice in the way God has guided and protected our efforts and made it into a cherished annual tradition for many. From only a few hundred visitors that first year, to thousands of travelers each night, God has truly made Streets a blessing. We look ahead to what God will continue to do through the dedicated volunteers who make Streets a reality each year. 

Behind the Scenes:
Did you know that production of this four day Christmas experience takes a full year to plan and implement? Behind the scenery, costumed citizens, and musicians; behind the animals, beggars, and kings, thousands of hours of work have already been completed.

Early each year, the Streets board meets to discuss the previous year's performances and make changes or build on that year's strengths. This board will meet throughout the rest of the year, planning out each detail of the presentation, including the street itself, parking, shuttles, advertisements, city requirements, security, and other important topics. During this time sets are painted, costumes are sewn, and volunteers are assigned roles.

Then in just a few short weeks the streets of a town of 2000 years ago appears in the parking lot of First Baptist Church. After months of planning, painting and building have passed, suddenly the set is ready. After each piece of the set is erected and ready for inhabitants the "street" is missing only one important component: dirt. The contemporary asphalt of the parking lot is generously littered with hay, just as one might expect to see in biblical Bethlehem. With the addition of lights for the aid of our late evening visitors, Bethlehem is ready for its residents.

Finally, in addition to the scenery and the hundreds of costumed performers that flood the streets, there are many who remain literally "behind the scenes." These people prepare meals for the performers, baby-sit for volunteers, warm, and help care for, baby "Jesus," run sound and lights, and take care of all the necessary tasks to keep the show up and running.

Our History

VOLUNTEER

In 1992, an outdoor community Christmas experience began called "Streets of Bethlehem." The impact and wonder of this unique event continues to grow and expand with each passing year. Last year, there were over 200 persons in costume, two-dozen security volunteers, numerous construction and clean-up personnel and scores of support service providers -- all helping to give thousands of guests an unforgettable experience. As we look forward to another fantastic opportunity to celebrate the miracle and marvel of God coming to earth we need YOUR help.

Please fill out this form if you are looking to volunteer.

Por favor de llenar esta forma si esta interesado en darse de voluntario.

PLEASE NOTE:   If you would like to be a performer please call   
(831) 422-9872 
to discuss with us the performance requirements/opportunities at Streets of Bethlehem.

With deep and sincere thanks,

The Board of Directors

Streets of Bethlehem

STREETS OF BETHLEHEM

December 5-8, 2024

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Available Positions

STREET PERFORMERS (ENTERTAINERS)
Magicians, dancers, storytellers, musicians, jugglers (and others) are all welcome at Streets of Bethlehem!

DRAMA PERFORMERS (THE STORY!)
The Holy Family, Roman soldiers, Wisemen (and their entourage), Shepherds, Innkeepers ... actors of all ages (no experience necessary!) are needed to be a part of the telling of the story that is the real meaning of Christmas! (Rehearsal attendance is required.)

THE MARKETPLACE
Spices, perfumes, candles, cloth, wood-working and much more are on display in the busy maretplace of Streets of Bethlehem. Outgoing individuals are needed to tell about the items at each "suka" and help our guests feel the atmosphere of Streets of Bethlehem.

TRAVELING TOWNSPEOPLE
Walk the Streets of Bethlehem talking to our guests and share information about the happenings of the day and the wondrous events of the evening. Families or ages 16+ only, please.

ANIMAL HANDLERS (AGES 10 & UP)
Help with the many animals that are a part of the Streets of Bethlehem (Training will be provided.)

COSTUME ASSISTANTS
Help set-up, organize, assign, and/or maintain our huge costume inventory. (These people usually volunteer before and/or after the event as well as during the evenings of the event.)

SET DESIGN/SET-UP
Help construct, paint and decorate Streets of Bethlehem.

SECURITY (AGES 18 & OLDER ONLY)
Help to provide a safe and secure environment in and around the Streets of Bethlehem and designated parking sites. (Training and equipment provided.)

CLEAN-UP CREW
Help take down Streets of Bethlehem and store the props and set pieces away properly for the next year.

OTHER AREAS NEEDING YOUR HELP!
NATIVITY/MOUNTAIN ANGELS (JH and HS Student Dancers)
ROMAN SOLDIERS (MEN-18 & OLDER ONLY)
GREETERS (engaging persons to welcome at the front gate)

CONTACT US

MAIL:
Streets of Bethlehem
c/o First Baptist Church
1130 San Vincente Ave
Salinas, CA 93901

FAX:  (831) 422-5980

For more information about this event, you can contact us through one of the following methods:


STREETS OF BETHLEHEM

December 5-8, 2024

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

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STREETS OF BETHLEHEM

December 5-8, 2018

6:00 PM - 8:30 PM

STREETS OF BETHLEHEM

December 5-8, 2024

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM