Bethlehem A.D.

What a wonderful way to show the meaning of Christmas! I am amazed by all the people who volunteered to be part of this spectacular show. There are bakers, metal smiths, Roman soldiers, tax collectors, and lots of angels. Everyone is in full character. There are also a llama, goats, donkeys, sheep, and CAMELS (plural!)
It is a very fun family event. The line is really long to get in, but there are random fun things that walk by the line as you wait… like camels. In fact, this is the first time I have seen a camel cross the street in downtown Redwood City. People still do not believe me.
How in the world did they get camels to downtown Redwood City!!!

Seriously, the coolest thing I have ever seen. The line to get in is crazzzzzzzy, but it’s really nice that they had performers and CAMELS come around to entertain you while you wait.
Definitely interesting to see how Bethlehem would have looked during Jesus’s birth, and all the live animals were great to see. First time seeing a llama! Great time for the whole family :)

Coolest nativity I have EVER seen. It was amazing… there are over 200 cast members, and a ton of live animals, even camels.
The best parts: authenticity, the hot chocolate from the kids selling on the corner and the fresh donuts/​live music at the church across the street (Tapestry Church).
BAD: Parking can be difficult but totally worth it.
THIS IS A MUST GO.

What a great place to reflect on a unique moment in history. Whether you are Christian or not, this is an amazing production! For three nights each year (December 21 – 23), an empty lot becomes the bustling town of Bethlehem under Roman rule.
From the moment you step in line, you begin to immerse yourself in another time and place. Rooftop angels, Roman soldiers, slaves, dancers, and ordinary peasants — they have everything! Stand in line to sign the Roman Census and pay tax (don’t worry, the line is entertaining and moves quickly, and a tax «shekel» is provided). See the marketplace in action. Pet the animals, including a camel! And at the end, take in the scene at the manger.
I’m kind of a history geek, so I always wonder what life might have been like at various times and places. And I love coming here for a little taste of that. But rest assured, there is something to appeal to everyone. Bring your friends and family. Enjoy the experience, and tehn stop by the church across the street for a warm drink and a tasty treat. And if that is not enough, the entire event is FREE! And it doesn’t get much better than that!

Bethlehem AD is one of those Christmas traditions that I look forward to every year. I have been a participant in Bethlehem AD ever since I was 9 years old– when my now 16yr old brother played baby Jesus!
Walking through Bethlehem AD is like getting a peek at what life in the town of Bethlehem back during Bible times was like. Roman Centurians roam the streets, tax collectors register every traveller that enters, Rabbis sing and dance by the Temple, and townspeople run about carrying on their day to day lives. There are tons of live animals including sheep, goats, camels, chickens, rabbits, a zonkey as well as others too! At the end of the walk-​through, visitors find the manger with Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus inside and celebratory angels rejoicing and dancing around.
Bethlehem AD is truly an amazingly unique experience for children and adults of all ages. The whole production is beautiful and I am proud to say I am a part of it!
Do come early as parking can be difficult and the line does get long. December 21, 22, and 23^rd, every year :)

BETHLEHEM A.D. — Although I had heard about this years before, we attended for the first time in 2009. We took my six year old grandson, so we could enjoy a «Christmas time activity» together. I regret not attending earlier — this was a FABULOUS FABULOUS production that we all enjoyed to the MAXIMUM. This is a must do Christmas time activity and will be a family tradition every year. What a wonderful way to spend time during the Christmas season experiencing and soaking in the true meaning and message of the season. This re-​creation of the village of Bethlehem on the night of the first Christmas touched all of our senses, but most of all it touched our HEARTS!
Note — December tends to be rainy, so bring your umbrellas. IT IS WORTH THE WAIT AND POSSIBLE RAINY WEATHER.

This is a pretty neat event. I was impressed by how elaborate it is and how many people are involved.
Parking can be difficult and the line to get in is long but it moves fast.
The BEST part of the even is the homemade donuts in the church across the street. They were like little bites of heaven melted in my mouth!

I’m very surprised that I’m the first to review. This event gets a lot of people every year. Someone at work put up a poster for this and we decided to take the family there on a Saturday night. It’s a really big production that attracts a huge crowd, a lot more than I expected.
You don’t have to be a Christian to enjoy the show. It’s very interactive and family friendly and a well done reenactment. Get there at least an hour early as this event gets packed.