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 1:26-38 – And, behold, thou shalt conceive in the womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
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 2:15 – Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath known unto us
CRÈCHE 4 (NATIVITY): SHEPHERD’S ADORATION
Luke 2:20 – 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 – Behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, . . . And when they came into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him
CRÈCHE 7 (LIFE OF JESUS): THE PRESENTATION
Luke 2:22-28 – they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord, and Simeon took him up in his arms and blessed God
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 2:46-49 – know 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 14:6-15 – I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me
