In the spirit of the holidays, the Rockport Pageant Committee is once again hosting this year’s 70th Annual Christmas Nativity Pageant, in partnership with the Rockport Division of the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce.

The Pageant is a torch-lit live re-enactment of the Nativity, starting at 5 pm along Dock Square and Main Street and ending at the Congregational Church.

Each year hundreds of spectators gather to watch this live re-enactment of the story of Mary and Joseph and the birth of baby Jesus. The Pageant begins with a torchlit procession which starts at Dock Square and proceeds up Main Street, with a brief stop at the Rockport Art Association, representing the Bethlehem inn, and then on to the stable at the Congregational Church. Along the way the story of Jesus’ birth is brought to life through a live narration and Christmas hymns sung by a full choir.

Enjoy dinner afterwards at the church with the Christmas Pageant Ham & Baked Bean Supper.

The Pageant was originated by Dr. William F. Strangman and Mrs. Aldro Hibbard in 1947, as a gift from the Rockport Art Association to the village. It remains a solid holiday season fixture to this day.

Source:
“Rockport Sketch Book”, by John L. Cooley