Historic Nativity Scenes
An integral part of the Christmas on Euclid Experience is our iconic, award-winning Nativity Scenes, which date back to 1958 when the first one was displayed on the center median of Euclid Avenue. By 1976, the tradition had expanded to 12 scenes and have been displayed together every holiday season since then. See them on display every year from Thanksgiving Day through New Year’s Day.
The treasured near life-sized pieces of art were the creation of Rudolph Vargas, a well-known Los Angeles artist and sculptor. Since their creation, the 12 scenes have undergone restoration and new crèches were built in 2018.
Donations to support efforts to maintain, restore and preserve these pieces of art can be made online or mailed directly to Christmas on Euclid Experience, in care of the Ontario Convention Center, 2000 E. Convention Center Way, Ontario, CA 91764.
Click here to download a self-guided tour or to learn more about the individual Nativity Scenes.
CRÈCHE 1 (NATIVITY): THE ANNUNCIATION
Luke 2:11 – For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
CRÈCHE 2 (NATIVITY): NO ROOM AT THE INN
Luke 2:7 – And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
CRÈCHE 3 (NATIVITY): SHEPHERD’S VISION
Luke 2:14 – Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
CRÈCHE 4 (NATIVITY): SHEPHERD’S ADORATION
Luke 2:18 – And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
CRÈCHE 5 (NATIVITY): THE NATIVITY
Luke 2:16 – And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
CRÈCHE 6 (NATIVITY): ARRIVAL OF THE WISE MEN
Matthew 2:1, 11 – Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, . . . And when they were comeinto the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
CRÈCHE 7 (LIFE OF JESUS): THE PRESENTATION
Luke 2:22, 28, 29 – And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; . . . Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, . . . Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word.
CRÈCHE 8 (LIFE OF JESUS): FLIGHT INTO EGYPT
Matthew 2:14 – When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt.
CRÈCHE 9 (LIFE OF JESUS): THE HOLY FAMILY
Luke 2:52 – And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.
CRÈCHE 10 (LIFE OF JESUS): JESUS IN THE TEMPLE
Luke 2:49 – And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?
CRÈCHE 11 (LIFE OF JESUS): COME UNTO ME
Matthew 19:14 – But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
CRÈCHE 12 (LIFE OF JESUS): LIGHT OF THE WORLD
John 14:12: Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
