- January 30, 2026
Parkview Church, located at 5435 Belle Terre Parkway in Palm Coast, held its annual Palm Coast Living Nativity from Dec. 10-13. The free, walk-through event recreated the story of Jesus’ birth with multiple sets, live animals, and a cast of volunteers portraying shepherds, townspeople, angels, and other figures from Bethlehem.
Guests were able to arrive at any time between 6 and 8 p.m. each evening. Upon entering, attendees moved through a series of scenes designed to represent different aspects of life in Bethlehem during the first Christmas. Live animals including sheep, donkeys, and camels were part of the display, with volunteers assisting in their care and ensuring the safety of both animals and guests.
Food was available for purchase from local vendors, including Chick-fil-A and Sweet Melissa’s, which offered meals and seasonal treats for visitors.
The production involved more than 200 volunteers who contributed to various aspects of the event. Responsibilities included acting in scenes, managing the live animals, constructing and decorating sets, greeting and directing guests, providing crowd management, and assisting with parking and traffic flow. Many volunteers also worked on lighting, sound, and logistical support to ensure the walk-through experience operated smoothly each night.
Lead Pastor Greg Peters said the event is designed to be accessible to the entire community.
“At Parkview Church, we are committed to serving our community, and one way we do that is by hosting free events for people of all ages to enjoy with friends and family,” Peters said. “We are incredibly grateful to the more than 200 volunteers who donated their time and talent to make the Palm Coast Living Nativity a memorable part of the Christmas season.”
Church services during the weekend took place on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1 p.m. No services were held on Saturday, Dec. 13, to allow volunteers and staff to focus on the Living Nativity.
The Palm Coast Living Nativity was open to the public without tickets or reservations, allowing families, individuals, and groups to participate. The walk-through format enabled visitors to experience the nativity scenes at their own pace while viewing each set and interaction in sequence.
Organizers noted that the event provided multiple entry points, rest areas, and clear pathways to accommodate the flow of guests. The nativity included lighting effects, props, and signage to guide attendees through the story, from the journey to Bethlehem to the scene of the birth of Jesus.
