IVINS – The 7th annual Christmas in the Canyon and Live Nativity performance opened to a standing-room-only audience Friday evening in the Tuacahn Amphitheatre.
The Live Nativity reenactment is a family favorite in the St. George area that tells the story of the birth of the Christ child through music, narration and acting.
Dozens of local groups volunteer their time, along with a supporting cast of horses, donkeys and camels bringing the audience a live nativity presentation.
Christmas in the Canyon runs through December 23 with two live nativity performances every Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening. The 20-minute shows are at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Tuacahn’s Festival of Lights features tens of thousands of Christmas lights providing holiday mood lighting to draw guests into the Christmas spirit.
In addition to the Live Nativity performances Ruby’s Inn of Bryce Canyon City has brought in its “Old Salty” train, offering holiday train rides during the event.
Of course, Christmas in the Canyon would not be complete without Santa Claus. Saint Nick is present nightly, ready and willing to hear the wishes of all the good little boys and girls. It’s a rich family photo opportunity.
Live holiday music fills the premises before and after the Live Nativity shows, provided by soloist Sarah Walther, and the Beans & Wheels duo of Audrey Sizemore and Greg Wheeler.
Concessionaires offer hot chocolate and other treats to warm up your insides while an open campfire blazes to warm up your outsides.
Christmas in the Canyon is presented with no admission charge as Tuacahn’s way of thanking the community for its support. Live Nativity and Old Salty rides are offered at minimal cost, see event recap for details below.
Click on photo to enlarge it, then use your left-right arrow keys to cycle through the gallery.
Holiday lights adorn the trees and buildings in Tuacahn Amphitheatre’s Festival of Lights, Christmas in the Canyon, Ivins, Utah, Nov 29, 2013 | Photo by John Teas, St. George
Music on the plaza is provided by the Beans & Wheels duo (left) and soloist Sarah Walther (right) at Tuacahn Amphitheatre’s Christmas in the Canyon, Ivins, Utah, Nov 29, 2013 | Photo by John Teas, St. George
Family groups warm up by the open campfire before the 8 p.m. presentation of the Live Nativity at Tuacahn Amphitheatre’s Christmas in the Canyon, Ivins, Utah, Nov 29, 2013 | Photo by John Teas, St. George
There are lots of fun family activities at Christmas in the Canyon, Tuacahn Amphitheatre, Ivins, Utah, Nov 29, 2013 | Photo by John Teas, St. George
The 7 p.m. opening performance of the Live Nativity played to a standing-room-only crowd, Christmas in the Canyon, Tuacahn Amphitheatre, Ivins, Utah, Nov 29, 2013 | Photo by John Teas, St. George
“No room at the Inn,” Live Nativity. Christmas in the Canyon, Tuacahn Amphitheatre, Ivins, Utah, Nov 29, 2013 | Photo by John Teas, St. George
Mary and Joseph wonder at the Christ child in the Live Nativity. Christmas in the Canyon, Tuacahn Amphitheatre, Ivins, Utah, Nov 29, 2013 | Photo by John Teas, St. George
This camel is one of the many live animals that are meaningful parts of the Live Nativity, Christmas in the Canyon, Ivins, Utah, Nov 29, 2013 | Photo by John Teas, St. George
Angels in the Live Nativity production, Christmas in the Canyon, Tuacahn Amphitheatre, Ivins, Utah, Nov 29, 2013 | Photo by John Teas, St. George
The three wise men bring their gold, frankincense and myrrh to the manger during the Live Nativity, Christmas in the Canyon, Tuacahn Amphitheatre, Ivins, Utah, Nov 29, 2013 | Photo by John Teas, St. George
Mr. and Mrs. Rowe from St. George entertain family at Tuacahn. Shown are: Maryanne Rowe (far left), Pat Lopez from Madera, Calif.; the Freddy family, from Safford, Ariz.; and Don Rowe (second from right). “Its beautiful, very inspirational, very moving, brought back many, many memories,” Pat Lopez said. Vikki Freddy said: “It’s our first time here and it is beautiful.” Christmas in the Canyon, Ivins, Utah, Nov 29, 2013 | Photo by John Teas, St. George
Ho, ho, ho said Santa to Paul Rumsey and family from Phoenix Arizona. They, along with other family members from Orem, Utah, are visiting the Bishop family and came to enjoy the Live Nativity at Tuacahn’s Christmas in the Canyon, Ivins, Utah, Nov 29, 2013 | Photo by John Teas, St. George
Tuacahn’s Christmas in the Canyon, Ivins, Utah, Nov 29, 2013 | Photo by John Teas, St. George News
Reece Jacobsen was busy opening night at the Tuacahn Amphitheatre Box Office, Christmas in the Canyon (free admission), Live Nativity performances ($2.00 each or $15 per family up to 10 members), Old Salty Train ride ($2.00). Tuacahn Amphitheatre, Ivins, Utah, Nov 29, 2013 | Photo by John Teas, St. George
Find it. Christmas in the Canyon, Tuacahn Amphitheatre, Ivins, Utah, Nov 29, 2013 | Map courtesy of Tuacahn Amphitheatre, St. George
Event recap
All events of Christmas in the Canyon, run nightly at Tuacahn Amphitheatre, Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturdays, 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m., through December 23
- Live Nativity, 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. $2 per person or $15 per family (up to 10 guests) Special group rates available upon request.
- Holiday train rides on the Old Salty Train provided by Ruby’s Inn, $2
- Santa Claus from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Photo opportunity)
- Hot chocolate & other delicious treats at concessions
- Christmas items and Holiday gifts at the Tuacahn Gift Gallery
- Christmas Lights & Holiday music on the plaza
- Open campfire
Resources
Tuacahn Amphitheatre’s Christmas in the Canyon webpage
Ruby’s Inn at Bryce Canyon City, website
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