Bethlehem Live returns to celebrate Christmas

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Bethlehem Live Christmas
Bethlehem Live is now in its fourth year and has become a popular tradition for families wanting to experience the spirit of Christmas.

The Christmas event with more than 8000 annual visitors will return next week as the gates to Bethlehem Live open on Tuesday.

Central School oval in the heart of Bundaberg will be transformed into the ancient village of Bethlehem as it was more than 2000 years ago, for Bethlehem Live, in the lead-up to Christmas.

Bethlehem Live is now in its fourth year and has become a popular tradition for families wanting to experience the spirit of Christmas.

Event Director Lisa Hardie says it’s an opportunity to share a little about the meaning of Christmas, but also a way to give something back to the community.

“Now in its 4th year, Bethlehem Live, a project of Scripture Union Queensland and the local Christian churches of Bundaberg, aims to bring a glimpse into what the city of Bethlehem might have been like over 2000 years ago, at the time of Jesus’ birth” Lisa said.

“Our city of Bethlehem is an interactive experience”.

“We want families to come down to the Central State School oval and experience the sights, smells and feel of a moment in history and to do so in a way that doesn’t involve spending heaps of money”.

Bethlehem Live Christmas
Christmas celebrations in full swing as Bethlehem Live officially opens on Tuesday, 17 December.

Bethlehem Live official opening on Tuesday

The event begins on Tuesday, 17 December with an official opening ceremony at 5.45pm.

Bethlehem Live is on from 17-20 December, running from 6-9pm in the grounds of Central State School in Bundaberg. 

“Each night visitors to the ancient city can interact with merchants, travellers and soldiers, visit the baby animals in the petting zoo and hear the story of the birth that changed the world from a locally written play,” Lisa said.

“Kids can even enjoy activities aimed just at them, like signing up at the Roman Soldiers recruitment centre, participate in several craft activities, Bethlehem games and a follow the star cryptic clues trail.”

Outside the city, families can enjoy our free photo booths, an array of food vendors and live musical acts including a special one-hour community Christmas carols from 8pm on Thursday.  

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