Puppy Nativity Offers Paw-Some Twist On Christmas Tradition At Vienna Church

VIENNA, VA — Furry friends are an important part of families' lives, so it's only natural they take the spotlight for some holiday traditions. This year, a Vienna church will host its sixth annual Puppy Nativity, a chance for dogs to pose for pictures in the Christmas nativity scene.

The Puppy Nativity, planned along with a new Christmas market, will be hosted from 10 am. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7 at The Church of the Good Shepherd, 2351 Hunter Mill Road in Vienna. It will be located in the church parking lot, or indoors in the case of inclement weather.

"We are excited to host our sixth Puppy Nativity," said The Rev. Eric Song, who started the event in his first year as Good Shepherd’s pastor. "We discovered last year after our pandemic pause, just how much the community appreciates this tradition of bringing their pets to celebrate the season. So bring your pets to pose for photos at our nativity. We even provide costumes and treats for the pets."

Even attendees without pets can watch as dogs pose for photos with their families. They can also enjoy the church's first annual Christmas market with private vendors selling unique gifts and handcrafted goods. A children’s activity area will feature games and crafts. A church bake sale will benefit church outreach programs, and the church’s youth group will attend to accept donations to support the United Methodist Committee on Relief's recent hurricane relief efforts.

"This event helps us get in the Christmas season, which we will celebrate with Christmas Eve services at our Church," Song said.

The church, part of the United Methodist faith, will feature a Christmas Eve children's service at 5 p.m. on Dec. 24. The 25-minute service will include a giant felt board. The church will have its traditional Christmas Eve service at 7 p.m. on Dec. 24.