IN PLACE of kids playing soccer you will find a baby lying in a manger, camels, King Herod and countless shepherds at Holy Trinity Primary School.
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Now in its eleventh year the parish's Come to Bethlehem event attracts thousands of people from a variety of denominations and secular beliefs.
Key organiser Reverend Gerard Ryan said the event highlighted what Christian's believed was the true meaning of Christmas.
He said Christ's birthdate was critical.
"It is significant worldwide...because it sets our calendar," Reverend Ryan said.
Come to Bethlehem visually and dramatically tells the story of a pregnant Mary and Joseph travelling to Bethlehem to attend a census.
When they arrive there is no where to stay, so they are forced to go to the inn.
"It's a little way out like San Isidore," Reverend Ryan said.
"Baby Jesus was born to Mary and Joseph and shepherds and angels came to visit him," Reverend Ryan said.
Reverend Ryan said hundreds of volunteers are involved in the pilgrimage-like-event.
"All the kids love seeing the little baby Jesus," he said.
"Last night we had a baby that was four weeks old.
"All the mums and their children gravitate towards."
Another attraction is the live camels.
"They are such big animals," he said.
Reverend Ryan said the event was a lesson in diversity, with people from the Men's Shed, choirs, churches and the general public uniting to celebrate.
"Jesus comes to us a little baby, he is not threatening or confronting," he said.
"He's saying I will love you."
Reverend Ryan said this common theme of love and acceptance was the true meaning of Christmas.
"We recognised the secular things too - like candy canes and mince pies and we discuss how it ties back to Christ," he said.
Come To Bethlehem ends tonight.
It runs from 8pm to 9.30pm.
