20th Anniversary
2003-2022The Miracle of Christmas is back in-person for December 2022
You Are Invited
to the 20th anniversary of Miracle of Christmas, a live nativity pageant at the Metro Richmond Zoo.
Join us as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, through a live re-enactment of the Christmas Story featuring animals from the zoo.
The twenty-minute pageant will be presented 3 times each evening. Live musical performances before and after each pageant will be provided by local churches and performing arts groups.
DATES
December 20, 21, 22
TIMES
3 shows each evening – 7:00 PM, 7:45 PM, 8:30 PM
Zoo gates open at 6:15 for the first show
LOCATION
The Miracle of Christmas takes place outdoors at the entrance of the Metro Richmond Zoo
8300 Beaver Bridge Road, Moseley, VA 23120
Please dress appropriately for the weather
PRICE
Admission and parking are FREE
Doughnuts and hot chocolate are on sale; the proceeds will benefit local charities
A Christmas Tradition for Richmond Families
Our Gift to the Community
Each Christmas season we offer this pageant as a gift to the community to celebrate Christ’s birth. The Miracle of Christmas – Live at the Zoo has become a Christmas tradition for thousands of families.
2022 marks the 20th anniversary of The Miracle of Christmas, and we are pleased that the nativity is returning for in-person performances after being virtual for the past two years.
We invite you and your family to join us this year.
Be an Angel: Give a Helping Hand
We are hosting a canned food drive for Chesterfield Food Bank to support local families in need.
If you would like to participate, please drop off non-perishable food in boxes at the zoo entrance during the 3 nights of The Miracle of Christmas.
Meet and Greet
After each performance, the cast and animals will be available for a short Meet and Greet.
| Dec 20 | Dec 21 | Dec 22 | |
| 6:30 PM | Branches Baptist Church Festival Bell Ringers | Chester United Methodist Church Chancel Choir | Rebekah & Spencer Walmer with Travis Richins |
| 7:30 PM | Rebekah & Spencer Walmer with Travis Richins | Virginia Richmond Mission Choir of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints | Community Singers |
| 8:15 PM | Lucy Hansen | Chesterfield Baptist Church Choir | The Richmond Chorale of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints |
If you would like to participate as a future performing artist, please send all inquiries to [email protected]
December 20
6:30 PM: Branches Baptist Church Festival Bell Ringers
7:30 PM: Rebekah & Spencer Walmer with Travis Richins
8:15 PM: Lucy Hansen
December 21
6:30 PM: Chester United Methodist Church Chancel Choir
7:30 PM: Virginia Richmond Mission Choir of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
8:15 PM: Chesterfield Baptist Church Choir
December 22
6:30 PM: Rebekah & Spencer Walmer with Travis Richins
7:30 PM: Community Singers
8:15 PM: The Richmond Chorale of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
If you would like to participate as a future performing artist, please send all inquiries to [email protected]
FAQs
What is The Miracle of Christmas?
The Miracle of Christmas-Live at the Zoo is an annual nativity pageant at the Metro Richmond Zoo. The show is narrated and tells the story of the birth of Jesus Christ using scripture. The pageant features a live cast of actors and animals.
When is The Miracle of Christmas?
The Miracle of Christmas is December 20, 21, and 22.
Where is The Miracle of Christmas?
The Miracle of Christmas takes place outdoors at the entrance of the Metro Richmond Zoo.
8300 Beaver Bridge Road
Moseley, VA 23120
How much does the event cost?
The Miracle of Christmas is FREE admission and parking. It is our gift to the community.
What times are the performances?
There are 3 shows each evening at 7:00 PM, 7:45 PM, and 8:30 PM. Zoo gates open at 6:15 PM for the first performance.
How long is the performance?
The performance itself is about 20 minutes long.
Is the event rain or shine?
Yes. The event continues even in rain or snow. If the rain is heavy, a performance may be delayed until severe weather passes.
Is there live music?
Live music will be provided by community groups before the show starts while guests are entering the seating area.
What is the seating like?
The first half of the audience sits on wooden benches in front of the stable or stage. The second half of the audience sits on metal bleachers located behind the benches. Many people bring blankets to place on their seat for extra warmth.
Is there seating reserved for guests who use wheelchairs?
The edges of the wooden benches are reserved for guests who use wheelchairs. Please see a host upon arrival to be accommodated in these areas.
Where do I park?
Parking attendants will direct you where to park in the zoo’s parking lot. Parking is free.
Will traffic be backed up entering and exiting the zoo?
Where do I drop off canned food donations?
We are hosting a canned food drive for Chesterfield Food Bank to support local families in need.
If you would like to participate, please drop off non-perishable food in boxes at the zoo entrance during the 3 nights of the event. Roman soldiers guarding passageways into the zoo can help if needed.
How long do I have to wait to enter the zoo?
There will be a line to enter the zoo, but it moves quickly once the gates for the next performance open.
Are restrooms available?
Yes. Restrooms at the front entrance of the zoo are available for use.
What animals are in the nativity?
Bactrian camels, sheep, goats, and a donkey are the animals in the show.
Can I meet the cast?
Yes. After each performance, the cast and some animals are available for a quick meet and greet.
Will the zoo be decorated with Christmas lights?
Of course! Come see the zoo entrance twinkling with thousands of Christmas lights.
Will the rest of the zoo be open during The Miracle of Christmas
No. Only the entrance will be open to host the event. The zoo’s gift shop is closed during the event.
Does the zoo close early on December 20-22 in preparation for the show?
Yes. The zoo closes early at 4:00 PM on December 20-22 to prepare for the show. Zoo gates open back up again at 6:15 PM for the first pageant.
Who sponsors The Miracle of Christmas?
Hundreds of people volunteer countless hours to make this nativity pageant a reality each Christmas season. The Miracle of Christmas-Live at the Zoo is sponsored by the Metro Richmond Zoo and the Richmond Virginia Midlothian Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with help from many other community groups and churches.
Tribute to Terry
Terry Felker played the role of “Prophet Jeremiah” in The Miracle of Christmas from 2012 to 2019. He loved volunteering his time with the pageant, and he was the first cast member to agree to return this year. Unfortunately, Terry passed away on July 12, 2022, at the age of 84. We are grateful for his contribution to the nativity, and we will miss him.
The Miracle of Christmas-Live at the Zoo is sponsored by the Metro Richmond Zoo
and the Richmond Virginia Midlothian Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Additional Supporters
We want to give a special thanks to the following supporters and performers:
Branches Baptist Church
Lucy Hansen
Rebekah and Spencer Walmer and Travis Richins
Chesterfield United Methodist Church
Chesterfield Baptist Church
Community Singers
Manchester Rescue Squad
Sunbelt Rentals
The Richmond Chorale
Virginia Richmond Mission Choir
If you would like to become a future sponsor, please contact us at [email protected]