On the morning of Saturday, November 26, 2016, a three decade plus Chicago tradition will continue when the “God Squad” assembles the life size nativity scene on Daley Plaza. Part of the citywide time of Christmas celebration, carols will be sung and religious leaders will lead children into the manger with the baby Jesus figurine. The simple wooden stable housing the Holy Family tableau has occupied its place on Daley Plaza each Christmas season for 32 years.  Hosted by the Chicago Nativity Scene Committee with the support of the Thomas More Society, the Christmas display represents classic free speech and free exercise of faith by private citizens in the public square.

Details for the Event:

WHAT:  Christmas Nativity at Daley Plaza

WHEN: Saturday, November 26, 2016, 9 to 11:30 a.m. (Central)

WHERE: Richard J. Daley Center Plaza, 50 West Washington Street, Chicago

MAP: http://goo.gl/BVhwLr

SCHEDULE:

9 a.m. - The manger scene is erected by the “God Squad,” a team of volunteer laborers who set up and secure the annual display

9:30 a.m. - Christmas music and carols will be led by Tom Cetera from Saint George's Catholic Church of Tinley Park

10:15 a.m. - Speakers include:

• Pastor Larry Rogers of Israel Methodist Community Church
• Tom Brejcha, President and Chief Counsel, Thomas More Society
• Hiram Crawford, Jr., son of the late Hiram Crawford who was one of the founders of the Daley Plaza nativity
• Honorable Joe Lyons, retired Assistant Majority Leader of Illinois House of State Representatives
• Ed O’Malley, coordinator, Chicago Nativity Scene Committee, who will lead a moment of silence for God Squad members who have passed away

11 a.m. - Children will bring the baby Jesus to lay in the manger, led by Rev. Stephen Lesniewski of St. Genevieve Church

When the “God Squad” assembles the life size nativity scene on Daley Plaza, it will be the only traditional display of Christmas in the Chicago Loop’s public square. The simple wooden stable housing the Holy Family tableau draws visitors each Christmas season and grabs the attention of those attending the Christkindlemart, an annual German-themed fair with a name that literally translates to “Christ child market.”

“It is an honor to be associated with the Nativity Scene in Daley Plaza and the ‘God Squad’ that donates their time each year to this project,” said Ed O’Malley, coordinator of the Chicago Nativity Scene Committee. “The positive message it brings to Chicago reminds us all of the true meaning of the Christmas season.”

“These nativity displays represent classic free speech and the free exercise of religion by private citizens in the public square,” explained Tom Brejcha, President and Chief Counsel of the Thomas More Society. “However,” he added, “The issue has not been without controversy.” As has been seen in "war on Christmas" news stories throughout the years. Visit our Nativity Scene Project page to volunteer or learn more.