One of our annual Christmas events is an evening in Waxahachie at Bethlehem Revisited, an incredible re-enactment of the birth of Jesus, as well as a glimpse into the daily life of the people who lived there. It’s really amazing! Provided by the Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce and area churches, the evening is FREE with donation accepted!
Bethlehem Revisited runs the first two weekends in December, and is open from 6-9pm! The story is constantly repeating itself throughout the evening, giving you the chance to experience it from Joseph and Mary’s point of view, as well as the Shepherds and the 3 Kings.
We started by watching as the 3 Kings approach King Herrod, asking for information on the birth of the Messiah!
The kings have 3 camels with them, too!
It’s very hands on, with goats and sheep that you can pet!
The first stop of people inside the City Walls is a visit to the Tax Collector to pay taxes.
We watched with the shepherds as Joseph and Mary came by, headed into Bethlehem to pay their taxes.
You can follow along with them as they inquire about lodging, and are told no. Of course, one of the innkeepers allows them to stay in their stable.
We follow them to the stable, and when they emerge from behind the barn doors, they have the baby with them! It’s such a beautiful program!
Of course, there are plenty of barnyard animals there, too!
The Shepherds are the first to arrive, following the big star above the stable. They then head out to spread the word of the birth of Jesus!
Soon the 3 Kings arrive with their gifts for the baby!
Afterwards, we headed out to explore the town of Bethlehem. Our first stop was to the pottery makers, where we watched as they made a vase! My son asked how much the vase sold for, and he was told 2 pieces of silver. I love how interactive it is!
We were told he was making a flute for the festival the next day.
We sat and listened to the story of King David when he was just a shepherd boy and fought the giant, Goliath.
They even have scarves to try on!
As we were walking around, the re-enactment was still continuing. Here the 3 Kings are asking the innkeeper if he knows where they can find the new baby.
The buildings are really amazing.
They are permanent structures and stay here all year long, although the event is only open 2 weekends a year. It then sits closed up for the rest of the year.
They are well decorated, too!
We looked in to see the bed of one of the shop keepers!
At the market, they had fruits and vegetables, as well as live chickens and goats. Of course, it’s not really for sale.
Can’t imagine doing this 10 hours a day, 6 days a week!
We watched as they made thread for scarves.
They also showed us how they used walnuts, tree roots and even bugs to dye the wool and cotton for their clothing.
My son didn’t love trying to pick out all the seeds from the cotton, something he was told was a normal job for a 10-year-old child after school. He said he was happy that he can just go home and just play with his friends!
Know Before You Go
Wear comfortable shoes, there is a lot of walking.
They provide hot chocolate for a donation, but there are no food or drinks.
Pets are not allowed.
Things To Do in Waxahachie
Play
Downtown Waxahachie has a cute courthouse square, filled with antique shops, boutiques and restaurants! Come early to spend the day!
Waxahachie Creek Hike and Bike Trail runs for 4 miles, and is a great place to walk, run or take a family bike ride. Click HERE to read more.
Brown-Singleton Park offers a FREE disc golf course.
Eat
We usually stop for dinner at Tuscan Slice before or after we go! We love their wood fired pizza, and my son and his friends enjoyed making their own pizzas!
Stay
The Chaska House Bed and Breakfast offers luxurious accommodations, and a full Southern breakfast in the morning.
Bethlehem Revisited
402 N. College St., Waxahachie
Click HERE to visit their website.
Keep Having Fun in the Texas Sun!
Michelle
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