CARLSBAD — The Christmas Story is a familiar tale about the origins of Jesus Christ.
But rather than sitting passively and listening to the story or simply watching a play, “Journey to Bethlehem” makes you a part of the fictional Gaddiel family in the steps of the Christmas Story.
“We had our last practice for the play this last Sunday, and overall we’ve been rehearsing for about two months,” said Jerri Prentiss, play organizer.
Jerri Prentiss and her husband Bob Prentiss said that it takes the whole year to get everything prepared and ready, including the over 150 costumes, preparing the props, building the stations and then, of course, rehearsing.
“Journey to Bethlehem” is performed just outside of Carlsbad at the Paradise Chapel at Paradise Ranch, 74 Pueblo Rd.
The ranch lends itself to the play, as it is transformed into the biblical site of Bethlehem.
Along the journey you may pass by the three wise men, a marketplace filled with merchants, all while being on your guard for Roman soldiers and thieves.
The pathway is lit with luminarias, but the trail can be challenging as you walk through the night.
As they prepare to start their fourth year of the journey, organizers of “Journey to Bethlehem” hope it will become a Carlsbad tradition that locals attend every year.
The couple said that they hope “Journey to Bethlehem” will be recognized as an annual tradition just like Christmas on the Pecos is recognized.
“We feel it ties in with Christmas on the Pecos and all of the other Christmas programs that take place around this time of year,” Jerri Prentiss said.
Bob Prentiss said that last year about 700 people attended the event.
This year they are adding on a show and hope they can increase that number.
“Journey to Bethlehem” will be performed from Dec. 2 through Dec. 5 with tours taking place every 15 minutes, starting at 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Bob Prentiss said that they are limiting group sizes this year so people will be able to hear the actors.
Bob Prentiss said that every year they’ve received a great response from those who see it.
There is no fee into Bethlehem, but Prentiss said reservations are appreciated. For information or to make reservations, call the "Journey to Bethlehem" marketing team at 575-200-5665.