The holiday season is just kicking off and everywhere you look, Christmas decor is already being displayed. With many children about to be on winter break from school, its time to start planning what to see and do for the holidays. The Festival of the Nativity returns to Tacoma for its ninth year. This year the event's theme is "Star of Wonder, Star of Light" and is sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Multi-stake Cultural Arts Committee. "This event really gets you into the Christmas spirit and is a great introduction to the Christmas season," said Linda Bird, Chairman of the Tacoma Festival of the Nativity. This large family friendly and free event will take place over a three day period from Friday, Dec. 2 until Sunday, Dec. 4.

While some of the nativities will be found outdoors, The Festival of the Nativity is proud to be the home of the largest indoor seasonal nativity and crèche display in the entire South Sound area. Over the past several years, this magical Christmas event has become a family tradition for many families in the community. The event boasts of over 900 nativities and crèches. Each nativity is different, whether it be handmade, elaborate, or even a bit whimsical. They also originate from many different countries across the globe. Guests will be in awe of the detailed displays and appreciate how each display celebrates the beauty and diversity of each Christmas Crèche. The event's centerpiece is a continual living nativity for all to enjoy.

There will be plenty of fun and family friendly activities to enjoy. The event features a performing arts venue, family activities, and a Life of Christ art display among others. The whole family will have the opportunity to wear period nativity costumes in the free photo booth. Photos will be posted on the event's webpage and available for download. Family and friends will also enjoy completing the scavenger hunt that will have you looking for particular nativities.

The Festival of the Nativity has become a fun way to bring the residents of several local communities together. Residents who live in Tacoma, Fircrest, University Place, Lakewood, Steilacoom, DuPont, Parkland, Summit,Puyallup, Sumner, and Bonney Lake will have their beautiful nativities and crèches on display. If you have thought about displaying your nativity or crèche, you are more than welcome to do so. There is still plenty of time to register to get your nativity included in the Festival of the Nativities. "It takes several hundred volunteers from over thirty congregations to put this event together," said Bird. "We are thrilled to celebrate the birth of Christ and to share the various ways different cultures celebrate it as well."

Non-perishable food donations for the Emergency Food Network will be collected during the event.

Festival of the Nativity, 1102 S. Pearl St., Tacoma, Friday, Dec. 2, 1 p.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 3, 1 p.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 4, 1 p.m.-7 p.m, tacomanativity.org