Organiser Alison Moir says she was inspired by the nativity scenes she experienced when she was visiting Florence.

“Each church would present a beautiful display and tourists would be advised about where to go to see them each day,” she says.

Alison took the idea back to her hometown. She asked each church to participate, and organised volunteers to perform the roles, as a gift to the community.   

“The idea works so well in Queanbeyan as the churches are close together. People can easily walk around, it’s flat and wheelchair accessible,” she says.

“The Nativity Trail is an opportunity to interact with the characters, talk to them and have photos taken.”

Alison says that visitors will firstly meet a Roman Orator at the Salvation Army on Morrisett Street who will hand out passports to be stamped at each location. The three wise men will be stationed at St Raphael’s Catholic Church in Lowe Street. The Uniting Church on Rutledge Street will host the shepherds and an angel.

“Across the road is HOME community centre that served 14,000 meals to people in need this year,” says Alison.

“At HOME you will meet the innkeeper and can have a tea or coffee, as it will function like an inn.

“Next door, at the Anglican Church will be the whole nativity scene, including a mum, dad and their newborn baby as the holy family.”  

Queanbeyan Nativity Trail, 4pm-6pm, December 20. Trail commences at the Salvation Army, 9/10 Morrisett Street.