Bethlehem Village – where the real Christmas story comes to life – returns to Afton, Virginia this Dec. 16-20 nightly at 6 p.m.
The Village, a ministry of Rockfish Valley churches and community members, is one of the longest running and largest reenactments of its type in the U.S. and a Central Virginia tradition for more than 15 years. New this year will be a “raised platform manger area” for better viewing of the nativity and singing angels and a working forge and updated marketplace.
Comprised of many village buildings including a working olive press, carpentry, music, scribe and weapons shops, live camels, over 75 costumed characters, a nativity, inn and the ever-popular narrative singing angels, “Bethlehem” has become synonymous with Christmas for thousands of residents and travelers throughout the Rockfish Valley and Piedmont region of Virginia.
Free, and open nightly from 6-9 (weather permitting – early open at 5 PM on 12/18!), “Bethlehem Village” invites visitors to become a part of the true Christmas story as they literally walk through 1st Century Bethlehem.
As visitors wander the Village they’ll find that the inn is full, the streets are crowded with the masses in town to register for the census, livestock in the nearby stables seem restless, and there is a palpable energy as an inexplicably bright star beams brightly into the Afton night. As Roman guards patrol the streets, little does anyone in Bethlehem realize they are on the precipice of history as the birth of the coming Messiah takes place in a meager stable, changing the world and its course forever.
For more information on the Village including directions and special events during the week please visit the website at www.hebronafton.org or phone Hebron Baptist Church at (540) 456-6863. Media contact for the event is Ken Bryant who can be reached by email at [email protected].
Visitors are encouraged to dress warmly, bring a flashlight and be ready to become a living part of history.
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