The month of December is filled with a number of fun activities throughout the Heber Valley to help you and your family get into the Christmas holiday spirit. Most events are free of charge or donate proceeds to a local charity. Feel good about supporting these local events this holiday season.
The Creche
Q: What Is A Creche?
A: A Representation Of The Scene At Jesus Christ’s Birth
For 30 years, Holly Zenger has been sharing her crèche collections with the world.
It all started in Palo Alto, California. Zenger and her friends decided to share their crèche collections with their congregation. “So many people came,” recalled Zenger. Ten years later, Zenger moved to Midway and began sharing her crèche collections with thousands, organizing the Interfaith Crèche Exhibit.
“CNN picked up the story…We got a call from friends in Japan who had seen us on the news wondering what it is I was doing,” Zenger said as she remembered the first year of the crèche exhibit in Midway. She opened up her home allowing 4,300 people to view her personal collections.
“They (crèches) have always been fascinating to me,” explained Zenger. “Seeing all the different crèches causes people to the think of other cultures. Other countries believe in Christ and they all have their own way of telling the story of His birth.”
Even after 20 years, the crèche exhibit continues to be a highlight of the holiday season drawing more than 5,000 people to Midway during the first weekend of December. This year’s exhibit will be held in the Midway Town Hall and Community Center. The experience will include hundreds of crèche displays in the Town Hall and children’s activities consisting of craft areas, marionette shows, dress ups, and photos along with some children’s crèches in the Midway Community Center.
“There will also be an outdoor stable with a live nativity,” added Celeste Johnson who has been involved in the event for the past five years.
In conjunction with the exhibit in the Town Hall, Zenger will open her home to the public displaying her own personal collections.
“It’s what Christmas is supposed to be about,” said Johnson. “It’s a chance to do something that has nothing to do with buying gifts or receiving gifts. It’s just focusing in on the spiritual component.”
Zenger said that with the commercialization of Christmas, attending the crèche exhibit is a great way to “put Christ back into Christmas.”
December Month Long Activities
North Pole Express
what: ride to the North Pole with Santa and his elves on board the Heber Valley Historic Railroad
when: 11/24 to 12/23
how: hebervalleyrr.org
The Great Christmas Adventure
what: interact with Santa’s elves in an indoor, holiday playland
when: 12/1 to 12/23
how: thegreatchristmas
adventure.com
My Fair Lady
what: High Valley Arts presents My Fair Lady. Hailed by critics and audiences for its heart and its wit, beloved by all.
when: 12/9 to 12/22
(no Sundays or Mondays)
how: highvalleyarts.org
Santa Sleigh Ride at the Homestead Resort
what: bring your family for a horse-drawn ride to see Santa Claus. Rides begin at 3:30PM and run through the evening.
when: 11/26 to 12/23
how: rockymountainoutfitters.com
