One of Richmond’s favorite holiday attractions, Miracle of Christmas-Live at the Zoo, returns for its 20th season December 20-22. The annual pageant is a reenactment of the Christmas Story. This live event includes zoo animals and cast member(s) set against a period appropriate backdrop. Participating animals include camels, donkeys, sheep, and goats. Together they recreate actual events that took place more than 2,000 years ago. The annual average total attendance for the pageant is 10,000 people.
Each pageant lasts twenty minutes with three performances per evening. Musical performances from local community, school, and church instrumental and vocal groups will precede each pageant. The pageant is open to the community free of charge thanks to many volunteers who donate their time and talent.
Miracle of Christmas- Live at the Zoo began when Jim Andelin, Director of the Metro Richmond Zoo, was designing and building the 120-acre facility in Moseley, Virginia, more than twenty-seven years ago. “The Miracle of Christmas- Live at the Zoo brings our community together to celebrate the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ ” Andelin explained, “Each year it grows in audience and I hope this 20th year will not be any different. In a world full of turmoil, there is always hope in Christ.”
Others shared Jim’s dream twenty years ago and with the help of his and neighboring churches the Miracle of Christmas- Live at the Zoo began.
The 2022 pageant will be presented at 7:00, 7:45 and 8:30 p.m. on December 20, 21, and 22. Gates open at 6:15 pm. The Metro Richmond Zoo is located at 8300 Beaver Bridge Road, Moseley, VA- behind Grange Hall Elementary School off Hull Street Road in Chesterfield County, VA. Admission and parking are free. Refreshments will be sold for a nominal fee to benefit local charities. In addition to refreshments, the Chesterfield Food Bank will be collecting food for our community in hopes that all that are able will bring food to share with those in need.
For more information, call the Metro Richmond Zoo at (804) 739-5666, email info@metrorichmondzoo.com , or visit the website at www.metrorichmondzoo.com (click on the “Miracle of Christmas” tab.)
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Metro Richmond Zoo