Sondra Hernandez Staff writer November 3, 2024

After West Conroe Baptist Church hosted the last year of its drive-through Christmas experience “Bethlehem City” in December 2023, church leaders are planning for a new event this holiday season. 

“Bethlehem City” told the life of Jesus Christ in a 15-minute drive-through experience with more than 100 re-enactors and animals. The event took place for 17 years at the church and drew visitors from across the North Houston region. 

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‘Discover Christmas’ marks new holiday tradition

Now moving into a new era, the church will host “Discover Christmas” from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 6-7 on the church grounds.

“We’re taking some of the good things about ‘Bethlehem City’ and changing them a little bit. Rather than it being a drive through, ‘Discover Christmas’ will be a two-night event. It’s family friendly and the idea is three fold,” said Kay Robinson, Missions Minister at the church. “We’re calling it ‘Discover Christmas’ because we want people to discover Christ, discover church and discover connections with people.” 

While “Bethlehem City” had an annual following, what church leaders discovered was they wanted to have more one-on-one connections made through their Christmas event. 

Making stronger connections

“This will allow us to be able to talk to people one-on-one and make stronger connections,” she said. 

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Those participating will enter the church parking lot from Longmire Road and park in the church’s upper lots. They will enter the church to register for the event and Discover Christmas will take place in the lower parking lot along North Loop 336. 

Several scenes from “Bethlehem City” will be present at this new event. 

Robinson said visitors will be met with snow, music, lights, food, games, an ice-skating rink, sledding and other holiday activities. Twice during the night at 7:15 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. there will be a 10-minute message about the true meaning of Christmas from senior pastor Jesse Payne

Hands on and family friendly

She described the new event as a free hands on, family friendly experience. 

“In a way its bittersweet because it’s the end of an era,” Robinson said. “But I’m very excited about the new event and our church is very excited.” 

Senior pastor Jesse Payne came to the church in April, following pastor Jay Gross who was in the role for 25 years. 

“It’s going to be a fun celebration those two nights,” he said. “We’re excited and its open to the whole community and we’d love people to come hang out those nights. The message of ‘Bethlehem City’ will continue but we’re changing up the presentation a little bit. We thought having people get out and walk around our campus was a good way to connect with them so we’re looking forward to that.” 

See the church’s website for more as the event nears. 

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