‘Christmas in Kirtland’ Expands to Two Locations

The award-winning “Christmas in Kirtland” Nativity display will celebrate its 20th anniversary by expanding to two locations in Kirtland, Ohio.

For the past 19 years, the popular exhibit has been housed at the Historic Kirtland Visitors’ Center. Growing crowds and new heirloom Nativity donations have prompted the addition of a second venue at the Kirtland Temple Visitors’ Center.

“Christmas in Kirtland” has received numerous awards over the years, including an honor from the national Friends of the Creche society. This organization is dedicated to preserving the artistry of Nativity scenes.

The display consists of numerous variations on the traditional scene with Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus, along with sheep, camels and donkeys. Some creches feature not-so-traditional lions, giraffes, a hippo, a snake and even a turtle.

The creches, representing more than 70 countries — including South Africa, Liberia, Thailand, Germany, France, Italy, Peru, Indonesia, Rwanda, China and India— have all been handcrafted from traditional fabrics, natural materials, glass, porcelain, wood carvings, clay and even a disk brake drum and shovel head.

To help celebrate the 20th anniversary, interfaith communities throughout Ohio will share their Christmas traditions with visitors at live musical performances every Sunday evening throughout December.

Both exhibits are open until January 6. Their hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.; and Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The exhibits will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.