Dates:
Saturday, Dec. 9 from 5 PM to 8 PM
Sunday, Dec. 10 from 5 PM to 8 PM
Starts at the Bakersville Fire Department by the Creek Walk
Get a Google Map
The Journey to the Manger comes alive again and this year’s event promises to tell more of the events Mary and Joseph experienced on their journey. The journey begins with scenes that are a preview of the biblical accounts along the way. Your guides will introduce each scene as the stories come alive.
Journey to the Manger will be bigger and better this year with music at each scene, and professional sound!
The following scenes along the Creek Walk lead travelers to the Manger. Begins at the Fire Department. Allow 30-40 minutes to navigate the Journey.
Scenes have been created by individuals, families and churches, to include:
- Decree to Participate in the Census
- John the Baptist Birth
- Gabriel Appears to Mary
- Angel Appears to Joseph
- Mary Goes to Joseph (The Betrothal)
- No Room at the Inn
- Shepherds Plan to Visit Baby Jesus
- Star in the East and Maji
- Bethlehem Market
- Nativity – Birth of Jesus
- At the Cross and Empty Tomb
The Manger Scene includes: Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, and a heavenly host of angels. At the base and around the scene are animals from days of old. Donkeys, cows, a goat, and lambs appear with their keepers.
An empty tomb and cross follow the nativity presentation. This scene will share the rest of the story.
As you travel under the bridge and to the pavilion, you can enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, cider or coffee and some snacks made by local church youth groups. Christmas music will be presented by talented performers from the area.
Vans will provide participants with rides back to their vehicles at Bowman School or the parking lot at the future Sheriff’s Office.
Parking
- Park at Bowman Middle School with shuttles to the Fire Department.
- Park at the parking lot where the new Sheriff’s Department will be located (used to be Quality Plus) and walk across the road.
- Limited Handicapped Parking will be designated with signs at the new Sheriff’s Department in the front.
- Take a shuttle back to your vehicles. (Please do not turn around at the end of the Journey and walk back down the Creekwalk against the flow of traffic with guided tour).
Food
Snacks and hot chocolate will be available.
Partners for Journey To The Manger
Mitchell County Churches
Altapass Baptist Church
Bakersville Baptist Church
Bear Creek Baptist Church
Beaver Creek Baptist Church
Berry Chapel Baptist Church
Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church
Central Baptist Church, Spruce Pine
Little Rock Creek Baptist Church
Mitchell / Yancey Methodist Churches
Mine Creek Baptist Church
Rebels Creek Baptist Church
Roan Mountain Baptist Church
Roan Valley Baptist Church
Spruce Pine First Baptist Church
Union Hill Freewill Baptist Church
Vians Valley Presbyterian Church
White Oak Baptist Church
Individuals/Families/Agencies
Anonymous
Bakersville Auto Parts
Bakersville Computer Repair
Bakersville Music Store
Bowditch Antiques
The Blanton Family
Wes and Donna Brewer
Cardinal Insurance
Ms. Jessica Charapata
D & S Propane
The Garner Family
Harrell Hill Farms
The B. Hensley Family
Ms. Bethany Laws Grindstaff
Mr. and Mrs. James Laws
Andy and Silvie Palmer
Theresa Lewis Photography
Ryan and Katie McKinney
The J. Masters Family
The Michael Runion Family
Morgan Oil
The Neil Payne Family
Rick and Julie Phillips
The B. Pittman Family
The A. Presnell Family
The Chris Rathbone Family
The Rowland Family
United Community Bank
Mayor Charles Vines & Mrs. Beverly Vines
Mr. Larry Wall
The Bruce Woody Family
Young’s Fuel
Please support The Journey to The Manger. Your purchases will go toward next year’s Journey.
Buy Journey To The Manger T-Shirts
Show your support for our festival by purchasing a T-shirt with the Journey to The Manger logo. Jump to how to order.
Purchase A Luminary
Honor or remember others during this season. Each night of the Journey to the Manger, volunteers will light luminaries for a special person(s) in your life. Luminaries are only $5 each and will be aglow both nights during your trip to the manger. Here’s how to order.
Questions and Answers About Journey to The Manger
What does Journey to the Manger cost?
The Journey is free to the public and is provided by area churches, individuals, and families. Donations are always accepted as our goal is to help people grow in the God. All donations will be utilized for the 2024 production.
What are the times for Journey to the Manger?
Journey to the Manger will begin at 5 pm and will end at 8 pm on Saturday, the 9th and Sunday, the 10th. If you are in line, you will be able to participate.
Where does Journey to the Manger start?
The event begins on the fire department end of the Creek Walk and will end after you go under the bridge on the Creek Walk. Shuttle Vans will pick you up and return you to your vehicle. Please respect other guests and refrain from going back down the creek walk in the opposite direction. Thank you for taking shuttles back to your vehicle.
Where should we park?
Parking will be available in the parking lot of the planned Sheriff’s Department across from the fire department or at Bowman Middle School. Shuttles will pick up attendees in the Bowman lot and will return them. We will have shuttles rotating from Bowman to the Drop Off at the Fire Department. Shuttles will pick up at the end of the event under the bridge at Morgans Oil.
Handicapped Parking & Rides
There will be limited handicapped parking at Lee’s Country Café and in the new Sheriff Department Lot. Look for the blue signs. Please be considerate and only ask for a spot if you really need it.
We are also asking several people who have quiet golf carts to help our guests who cannot walk. Please allow only those who truly need to ride the carts. Family members can walk beside the carts.
What should we wear?
Make sure you dress for the weather. Journey to the Manger Short- and Long-Sleeve T-Shirts are perfect for the event. They can be worn over your other warm clothes. They are available at the Welcome Center in Bakersville, and Bowditch Antiques. Even if you cannot attend, purchasing a shirt is a wonderful way to support the 2023 event. All proceeds from t-shirt sales are earmarked for next year’s event.
Where can we purchase Luminaries to honor or remember a Loved One?
It will help our committee if you order and pay for your Luminaries prior to the event. They are available at Bowditch Antiques and Collectibles or at the Welcome Center and are only $5. Churches will also have forms. Proceeds benefit next year’s event.
Please share information with your friends, fellow church members, and neighbors and make every effort to attend.