The nativity scenes displayed on the historic Euclid Avenue median have been a long-standing Christmas tradition in Ontario, California. They made their debut in 1958. Community leaders and service organizations funded the twelve life size scenes. Rudolph Vargas, a well-known Los Angeles artist and sculptor, was hired to create the Biblical figures. The final scene was added in 1976. Click here to download a self-guided tour or to learn more about the individual Nativity Scenes.
Historic 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.
