Southeast Baptist Church will hold their 39th Annual Bethlehem Marketplace next month.

On Saturday and Sunday, December 9 and 10, 2023, from 12 to 5pm, guests will be able to walk through a living reenactment that depicts how the village of Bethlehem may have looked the morning after Jesus' birth. The atmosphere and surroundings take visitors back 2,000 years with characters dressed in historic costumes to include Roman soldiers, prisoners, weavers, merchants in shops, census-takers, and more.

According to organizers, there will also be “LIVE” camels and other animals throughout the special theatrical event. Many have commented throughout the 39-year history about how they felt moved by the event, or how real everything seemed.

In years past, the presentation has drawn as many as 8,000 guests over the weekend from all across the United States. The event is free of charge, there is no admission, and nothing is actually for sale. No reservations are required and tour time averages about one hour, even at times of peak crowds.

Those who attend this December will be entertained in the sanctuary with Christmas music from local school choirs, groups, individuals, and more. Guest can also view videos while waiting their turn to enter Bethlehem at 708 Minerva Drive.

For more information and to see pictures of the Bethlehem Marketplace, visit the church website at sebaptist.org/Bethlehem-marketplace.