Journey to Bethlehem returns to Walnut Creek, drawing families and volunteers

Journey to Bethlehem will transform parts of Walnut Creek into a multi stop, mostly outdoor retelling of the biblical birth narrative on Dec. 5 and 6 from 4 to 8 p.m. Organizers describe an immersive, noncommercial live nativity that culminates at The Farm with a marketplace, inn scenes, Herod, shepherds, magi encampments and a live nativity in the horse barn. The typical tour takes two to three hours, and both walking and driving are required.

The production has grown substantially since it began with a few hundred attendees. Over 15 years it has expanded to nearly 10,000 visitors across the two nights, roughly 5,000 people per evening on average, and that scale shapes logistics and local impact. The Farm will place about 1,000 luminarias to light the trail, and the tour will feature approximately 20 wagons and 40 horses, with spare teams available for wagon rides. Shuttles will operate from parking areas to the nativity and encampment sites to manage vehicle flow and accessibility.

Hundreds of volunteers staff the event as greeters, wagon drivers, tour guides, ushers, parking attendants and census workers. Volunteer meal service and housing logistics are coordinated at The Farm, keeping costs low and reinforcing the faith centered community emphasis. The volunteer driven model reduces operating expenses and channels activity into local charitable effort rather than commercial gain.

Local businesses and vendors also participate. Concessions along the route will include kettle corn, marshmallow roasting, Rice Krispies Treats, Amish cinnamon rolls, chocolate covered pretzels, apples, cheese, hot chocolate and coffee. A local bakery produced 112 pans of Amish cinnamon rolls for the 2024 event, an example of direct sales and in kind contribution from Holmes County businesses. The marketplace at The Farm provides an opportunity for small vendors and artisans to connect with visitors during a typically slower tourism season in early December.

Practical information for attendees includes registration and first stop census at Elite Flooring and Tile, 2433 State Route 39, Sugarcreek. Organizers note that the event is mostly outdoors and family friendly, and visitors should plan for a two to three hour experience. For more information people can call 234 301 0325.

As the event approaches, residents should expect increased traffic and parking activity near Walnut Creek and The Farm on both evenings. The growth of Journey to Bethlehem over a decade and a half highlights its role as a major seasonal draw that supports local vendors, mobilizes volunteer effort and sustains community traditions in Holmes County.