New Cedar Rapids Nativity Logo for 2021

December 2023

We are pleased to announce the Cedar Rapids Community Nativity Celebration and Exhibit the first weekend in December 2023.

We are looking forward to an uplifting, enjoyable, and safe event. Hand sanitizer stations are available in the lobbies.

Please come to enjoy the nativity displays and the music. We look forward to seeing you December 1st and 2nd.

 
Armstrong-Smulekoff Nativity Display


Cedar Rapids Nativity Celebration
Community Nativity Exhibit
and Music Program

Come celebrate the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ and remember the miracle of the first Christmas.

The first weekend of December each year, community members bring their nativity sets created by artists from around the world to the exhibit. Local choirs and instrumental groups perform Christmas music and provide a wonderful atmosphere for this joyful celebration. Let us come together as friends and neighbors as we each remember the reason for the Christmas Season - God's Gift to the world, His Son, Jesus Christ.

 

Come see the restored Armstrong-Smulekoff Nativity

The nearly life-size 12-piece white plaster nativity scene that graced the windows of Armstrong's Department Store and later of Smulekoff's Furniture over the past several decades is a Cedar Rapids treasure. It was considered lost due to damage from the 2008 flood, but after 230 hours of volunteer labor, it has been completely restored. Here is a photo and history of the restored nativity.
 

Admission is free


The Nativity Celebration is a non-denominational event open to everyone. This event is FREE! Guests are invited to bring a donation for the Catherine McAuley Center: canned/dry food items or full-sized personal care items are needed.
 

Participate

Would you like to submit your nativity set or artwork to be displayed at the exhibit? Would you like to volunteer to help during the Nativity? If so, please click the Hand below to sign up.
VolunteerSignup

Event Hours
Friday Dec. 1rd 11 am to 9 pm
Saturday Dec. 2th 11 am to 7 pm
 

Music Schedule
As they perform each year, the musicians and vocalists at the Nativity Celebration represent the great talent found in our communities, denominations, and organizations throughout the area.

We invite your performance group to sign up in one of available time slots for Friday or Saturday.


Please contact Valerie Earnest to sign up your group

Click here to view the 2023 Music Schedule.
 

Paper Snowflakes:

Christmas Star Activity


Join Jamie Brocco at the Cedar Rapids Nativity Celebration on Saturday, December 2nd, from 1 - 3 PM. We will be focusing on the Christmas Star as we develop our Paper Snowflake Skills.

This is a family friendly activity, no previous experience required. Adult assistance will be needed for young children who are still developing scissor skills.

More information is available at this Event Link.

Family Activity Room


Our young guests will enjoy making a Christmas craft. They can also wear nativity costumes and pose for a take-home photo in a manger scene.
 

2023 Publicity Materials
2023 8.5x11 Flyer
Handout Cards - Front Side
Handout Cards - Back Side

Please click to Like us on Facebook:

 


The Nativity Celebration is sponsored by the Cedar Rapids Iowa Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We are grateful for the participation of individuals and groups from community organizations and other Christian denominations throughout the area.
 

Location
The Church of Jesus Christ

of Latter-day Saints

4150 Blue Jay Drive NE,

Cedar Rapids, Iowa




View Larger Map

This is not an official site of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints