Westminister Presbyterian in Austin will host a new event this holiday season — and on Sept. 9 and 10, community members will be able to get a “sneak peek” to spark their interest.

The “Festival of the Nativities,” scheduled for Dec. 1 and 2, will feature a wealth of creches — nativities that provide the tableau of Christ’s birth in the stable — from all corners of the community.

The “peek” at what some of the displays will look like will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9, and Sunday, Sept. 10, at the church at 802 Fourth St. SW in Austin.

“We already have quite a few and that’s what we will have on display (Sept. 9 and 10) “just to give people an idea of what we are doing, and what will be featured,” said Gloria Aanonson, who is the co-chair of the event with Selene Schulz. The group is contacting local and area churches this month to participate in the December event.

The nativities may come from a variety of sources, from churches to private collections, Aanonson said. Organizers will continue to collect the items until the end of November. Those with questions or who have items to display should call Aanonson at 438-7393 or Schulz at 433-8377.

While the festival is being hosted by Westminster, the event is a non-denominational, intergenerational Christian outreach to the community, bringing focus to the birth of Christ. Many hands will be involved.

“We intend this to be a great gift to the community, with the emphasis on the true meaning of Christmas,” Aanonson said. She added that organizers are becoming excited as more nativities are given for displays.

The creches will be featured on lighted displays throughout the church during the December event, and sacred Christmas music will be performed. Included will be an area for children’s activities. There will be refreshments as well.

Admittance into either the September or December displays is free to all visitors.

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Festival of the Nativities “Sneak Peek,” 4-7 p.m. Sept. 9 and 10

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Festival of the Nativities main event, 5-8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1, and 4-8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2