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By Chris Godsey For two evenings in early December, Crossroads College’s humble, wooded campus glows with the school’s annual Living Nativity: a Christmas story told in 12 scenes, beginning with one that represents the prophecy of Christ’s birth, traveling through pivotal parts of his life, and ending with three empty crosses. “It’s a reminder that this holiday represents the essence of the Christian community,” says Crossroads Alumni and Church Relations Director Sharon Moreland, who has been instrumental in every Living Nativity since its 1993 inception at the school (which used to be known as Minnesota Bible College). “It’s a story of hope in a rather confused world. Kind of like getting back to the basics. We’ve received notes from people telling us that they consider this the true start of their family’s holiday seasons.” The event is a serious undertaking, requiring 100 people from the college, its associated congregations, and other community groups; 11 animals (sheep, donkeys, llamas standing in as camels, and one horse); and strict attention to guiding the 2,000-4,000 visitors who drive the 10-minute route. Donations are accepted, to help defray costs. This year’s Living Nativity runs December 4 and 5, from 6-9 p.m., at 920 Mayowood Road SW. Rochester knows how to celebrate with elegance, and the Living Nativity is one of many fun and tasteful winter-holiday events, perfect for all ages, running in Rochester almost daily from late November till late December. Whether you are a long-time resident or taking in the sights as a visitor, there are always new events to discover in this welcoming community. Best of Times—with help from the Rochester Convention and Visitors Bureau (www.rochestercvb.org) and the Diversity Council (www.diversitycouncil.org)—gathered information about a few others: The Rochester Public Library, at 101 Second Street, SE (and at www.rochesterpubliclibrary.org or 507-328-2300), will show holiday-themed movies at 10:30 a.m. on all four Saturdays of December, then every day between Dec. 28 and 31. Historic Homes Mayowood Estate was developed between 1911 and 1938. Its 38-room mansion, set among 10 wooded acres and multiple ornamental gardens, now functions as a museum, maintained to reflect the era when it was last lived in by Mayo’s family. Plummer House, on 11 acres atop an area called Pill Hill—because of how many physicians built homes there—was started in 1924 by Dr. Henry S. Plummer, a Mayo Clinic co-founder, and his wife, Daisy B. Plummer. Dr. Plummer died in 1936; Daisy and their two children lived there until 1969, and in 1971 the family gave the house, fully furnished, to the Rochester Art Center, to be operated as an arts center, which it still is. The children-focused community theater group, Northland Words, will stage A Christmas Carol in the Mayowood Stone Barn six times during the first two weeks of December. Information about show dates, times, and ticket prices is at www.northlandwords.com or 507-358-6651. Olde English Christmas at Plummer House, which includes a gift bazaar and coffee house, takes place in late November. Information can be found at www.ci.rochester.mn.us or by calling 507-328-2525. Mayo Civic Center During the Hiawatha Homes Festival of Trees, from Nov. 24-29, the Civic Center’s Exhibit Hall is filled with a forest of decorated Christmas Trees. Senior admission is $4. The Rochester Dance Company (RDC)—along with 75 young dancers from in and around Rochester, and a few professional guests—will perform The Nutcracker four times on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 27 and 28. Senior tickets are $19. Then there’s the Christmas music: The Canadian Brass on Nov. 29; the 20th anniversary production of An Intimate Christmas with Lorie Line on Dec. 3. On Dec. 5, Riverfest Live! presents Yule-Fest, a long-time annual Rochester holiday tradition, which features RDC selections from The Nutcracker, Mannheim Steamroller’s “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” and Alan Silverstri’s “The Polar Express Symphonic Suite.” Yule-Fest defines the Christmas experience for more than a few Rochester families—cozy sweaters, lefse and cider or cocoa at intermission, and a general atmosphere of cheery warmth. Acapella quartet Tonic Sol-fa plays on Dec. 12, Robert Robinson’s Holiday Concert is Dec. 18, Mannheim Steamroller’s Music of Christmas show is on Dec. 19, and the Oak Ridge Boys put on their Christmas show on Dec. 21. Houses of Worship Countless pageants, cantatas, and other events are hosted by Christian churches. Two examples include the Rochester Symphony Orchestra’s Dec. 5 “Hallelujah Chorus” performance at Christ United Methodist Church (http://cumethodist.com and 507-289-4019) and Christmas with the Choral Arts Ensemble on Dec. 12 in Lourdes Chapel at Assissi Heights convent (www.choralartsensemble.org or 507-252-8427). Information on Hanukkah celebrations can be found at the city’s two synagogues. B’nai Israel synagogue can be contacted via www.bnaiisraelmn.org or at 507-288-5825 and Chabad Lubovitch synagogue is at www.chabadrochestermn.com or 507-288-7500. African-American worship traditions are observed at Rochester Community Baptist Church (www.rochestercommunitybaptist.com and 507-288-8706), Word of Life Church of God in Christ 507- 252-8187), Wind & Fire Christian Center (www.windandfire.net and 507-252-8167), and Prince of Peace Fellowship of Praise (http://princeofpeacefellowshipofpraise.com and 507-529-9100).
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A Rochester Holiday