Hundreds expected as more than 30 churches unite to bring the Luke 2 story to life at the Walker County Fairgrounds
A Longstanding Community Tradition
Journey Through Bethlehem, now in its 23rd year, takes place Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7, at the Walker County Fairgrounds. Organizers Jana Brown, Chuck Fields, and Kia Morris shared that setup began early this week as teams constructed city walls, redesigned shop spaces, and prepared the walk-through experience that has become a major Christmas tradition in Huntsville.
A Walk-Through Encounter With the Christmas Story
Guests begin at King Herod’s court before moving to the angel stage, where shepherds hear of Christ’s birth and lead visitors into Bethlehem. Inside the city, more than 20 shops offer hands-on activities, including basket-making, pottery, brick-making, wheat processing, and tasting tables featuring homemade Ezekiel bread and honey butter.
The experience concludes at the stable, where families visit Mary, Joseph, and a live baby portraying Jesus. Clyde the camel from Williams Ranch returns this year, along with miniature donkeys, cows, goats, and sheep in a nearby petting area.
Built and Staffed by the Community
More than 30 local churches participate annually, working together across construction, sewing, hospitality, and shop operations. Brown emphasized that Journey Through Bethlehem does not highlight any specific church — the focus remains on telling the story of Christ’s birth and offering a shared Christmas tradition for families throughout Walker County.
Fields oversees the Roman soldiers and Bethlehem’s jail, where visitors can donate a dollar to have someone “escorted” by soldiers as part of a lighthearted fundraiser supporting event expenses. He also credited trustees from the Windham Unit for their significant help in constructing the city each year.
Prepared for Crowds, Rain or Shine
Organizers added canopies outside to protect waiting guests in case of rain. The interior paths are set on packed dirt, and additional benches — built by volunteers from First Christian Church — provide resting spots throughout the walkthrough.
Affordable Family Admission
The cost to enter is $2 per person, which organizers refer to as the “tax paid to Caesar or Herod.” While admission is typically cash, those without cash may pay at the gift shop using a card. Once inside Bethlehem, all activities — crafts, demonstrations, tastings, and interactions — are free.
A Gift Shop Supporting the Nativity Message
Visitors may stop at a gift shop featuring nativity-themed ornaments, T-shirts donated by Northside Baptist Church, wood-burned Journey Through Bethlehem logos, and items selected specifically because nativity gifts have become harder to find in stores.
A Tradition That Touches Families Each Year
Brown read one visitor comment saying the event has become a yearly tradition for their family and helps them feel “a little closer to sharing the experience of the birth of our Savior.” Organizers said messages like these are what motivate the entire team as the event opens for another year.
Event Details
Location: Walker County Fairgrounds
Dates: Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7
Time: 6 p.m.–9 p.m.
Admission: $2 per person
Website: journeythroughbethlehem.com