Nov. 27, 2013:  At 5:30 pm on Christmas Eve this year, the Bronxville Village Pageant will celebrate its 99th consecutive year! 

I was recently at MoMA viewing some early works by Kandinsky from 1914. It struck me that his work was created the same year the original Bronxville Village Pageant was held on the hill in front of the old Gramatan Hotel. President Woodrow Wilson was our leader and the US had not yet entered the war.   

This is the same year that Babe Ruth played his first game in the major leagues with the Red Sox. Henry Ford introduced an assembly line for Model T Fords. Charlie Chaplin made his film debut. The famous Armory Show had taken place with critic Julian Street calling Duchamp's Nude Descending a Staircase "an explosion in a shingle factory."

Throughout this centennial period, the pageant has remained intact. This is quite remarkable given the fast pace of our modern world. The cast of the Holy Family, kings, shepherds, angels, and live animals continues to assemble on the lawn in front of The Reformed Church on Christmas Eve. The scene is illuminated, providing a magnificent visual display of the miracle at Bethlehem. Year after year, villagers have gathered together to witness the spectacle on Christmas Eve.

We invite you to attend with your family and friends. It is a cherished and long-standing tradition, and we welcome your presence. The pageant lasts about 30 minutes. Following the pageant, children are invited to walk up the hill to pet the donkey and view the crèche.

If you would like to join the Invisible Choir, arrive a little bit early. The Invisible Choir stands at the top of the hill during the ceremony and sings "Gloria in Excelsis Deo." No experience is necessary. A choir director will be there to lead the group at the appointed time for singing. The crowd below sings traditional Christmas carols with words appearing on a screen. Our song leader will lead the caroling for all to join in, accompanied by a brass quartet.

In anticipation of our 100th anniversary, we seek written remembrances of the event. We plan to compile a collection of memories to share with you. Some individuals recall watching the pageant sitting in a tree on the lawn of the church, others recall being present with beloved parents and grandparents. Many took part in the pageant as actors. We would love to hear all of your stories.

If you have a memory to share, please send it along to us. You may send it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. And, if you are interested in joining our committee, please write to us. Planning includes many small jobs that may be completed well in advance of Christmas Eve. We would be happy to work with you to match you with an appropriate job to help us. 

In a season that is too commercialized, please join us for an occasion to reflect on the true meaning of the season. 

Hope to see you there! Dress warmly!

Pictured here (L to R): The three kings in the 2011 Christmas Eve Pageant: Dr. Viji George, Bob Underhill, and Tim McGrath.

Photo by M. Lee