Every Christmas, the friars of
St. Francis Seraph transform their living space into an extravagant Christmas village in Over The Rhine. Starting in the courtyard, visitors are welcomed by
a live nativity scene and petting zoo filled with goats, donkeys, and sheep. Beyond the
sanctuary, each room is filled with a different holiday display including Dickens's Christmas Village and a room filled with Santa Clauses.
 |
| Dickens's Christmas Village |
 |
| Room full of Santa Clauses. |
Most
remarkable is Brother Tim's collection of nativity scenes from around
the world. His collection started as a young boy by purchasing a $13.00
set for his mother while she was in the hospital. Since then, he has
acquired over 40 unique sets from Europe, Asia, Africa, and South
America.
 |
| Native American |
 |
| Uganda |
 |
| Peru |
 |
| Kenya |
 |
| India |
 |
| Africa |
 |
| Philippines |
 |
| Bangladesh |
 |
| Italy |
 |
| Africa |
 |
| Thailand |
 |
| Russia |
 |
| Ireland |
 |
| Indonesia |
 |
| Columbia |
 |
| Surprised Mary is one of my favorites. |
 |
| At the end of the exhibit is this massive nativity scene which takes up an entire room. |
Free and open to the public, guests can take a self-guided tour from 12:30PM - 4:30PM on Fridays through December 28.
Not available on Friday afternoons?
Then check out the
Spirit of Christmas Tour which includes a guided walk-through with Brother Tim on Saturdays at 10:30AM and 1:00PM.
