Nativity Hunt

During the summer, the Flemish 6- to 12-year-olds can search for the “Schat van Vlieg” (Treasure of Fly) at various locations in Flanders and win a fantastic prize. During the upcoming school holidays, we’re giving it a “Christmas twist”, in Dutch and in English, and this until the 4th of January (church will be closed on New Years Day)

Together with colleagues from the Monumental Churches of Antwerp – St. Charles Borromeo’s Church, St. Andrew’s Church, St. James’s Church, and the Cathedral – we’re giving SVV a twist during the Christmas holidays. This time, no fly, as we’re focusing on the Christmas story and the figures from the nativity scene. Of course, we’ve retained the prize.

At St. Paul’s, it’s all about the ox and the donkey: their four little brothers and sisters are playing hide-and-seek in the church. Ask for your map of the church at the ticket booth. Can you find them all and solve their fun tasks and puzzles? Then you’ll receive a cool gift at the ticket booth.

Did you know that none of the four evangelists mention an ox or a donkey in the Christmas story? It is thanks to the Old Testament prophet Isaiah that the ox and the donkey are given a permanent place in the nativity scene much later: “An ox knows its owner, and a donkey its manger; but Israel lacks understanding, and my people walk in ignorance” (Isaiah 1:3).

Fancy taking your little one on a stroll through the nativity scenes in these churches? Don’t forget your “A Journey to Bethlehem” passport; you can ask for one at the first church you visit. At each church, you’ll receive a stamp at the start of your quest. If you collect all five stamps, you’ll have a chance to win a fantastic prize!

For more information on the tours in the other monumental churches, press here

Attention: the church is closed on January the 1st!