Main Street Bethlehem brings to life the reason for the season

Main Street Bethlehem in downtown Burnet inspires visitors like no other holiday display. A re-enactment of the time of Jesus’ birth, Main Street Bethlehem includes visitors in the daily life of Judea over 2,000 years ago, passing on rumors of a newborn king.

Visitors can watch as women prepare the evening meal, a blacksmith bangs out a farming implement, and travelers huddle around a fire at their campsite. You might run into a Roman guard in full regalia roughly instructing people to be aware or a beggar asking for alms. Veer away from the tax collectors asking for what’s due. You can even go up to the tower to see who is locked in prison begging for release.

As you meander through the streets of this Bethlehem in downtown Burnet, you’ll see and hear talk of a child named “Jesus,” born on the outskirts of town. At the end, you will see Mary and Joseph in a cave gazing dreamily at the babe.

Everything looks, smells, and sounds so authentic, you will truly feel as if you are experiencing a day from two millenniums ago.

Hosted by First Baptist Church of Burnet since 1993, Main Street Bethlehem is Friday-Sunday, Dec. 3-5 and Dec. 10-12. Reservations are required for the first time ever and can be scheduled online. Visitors with reservations are let in at half-hour intervals from 6 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. The recreation closes at 9 p.m.

Due to COVID-19, cookies, hot chocolate, and the famous Bethlehem bread will not be available this year.

While waiting your turn, take in the lights on the Burnet County Courthouse Square. Amazing light displays can also be seen in Granite Shoals and Marble Falls, starting with Walkway of Lights on Nov. 19.