NATIVITY TABLEAU: And then there’s the drive-by...

NATIVITY TABLEAU: And then there’s the drive-by Bethlehem experience:

A living tableau of the traditional Christmas manger scene will be presented for seven consecutive nights, starting Friday, outside the North Hollywood First United Methodist Church, 4832 Tujunga Ave.

As they have in past years, volunteers from several groups in the congregation sign up for a night to pose in a creche scene for one hour, starting at 7 p.m.

HANDEL’S “MESSIAH”: George Frederick Handel’s “Messiah” will be performed at 6 p.m. tonight as part of the Santa Clarita Masterworks Choral Concert at St. Clare’s Catholic Church, 19606 Calla Way, in Canyon Country.

The combined chorus and orchestra performing the oratorio include participation from the Sacred Heart parish in Lancaster and the St. Francis de Sales parish in Sherman Oaks.

Tickets are $7.50 general admission, $5 for seniors and students. For information, call (805) 259-4761.

MADONNA AND CRECHE: The 16th annual Madonna and Creche Art Festival at Glendale First United Methodist Church will open at 11 a.m. today, starting a four-day exhibition of traditional and abstract renditions of Nativity scenes.

The exhibition will close tonight at 7 p.m. and reopen Sunday at 2 p.m. following services at the church, 134 N. Kenwood St. On Monday and Tuesday, the hours are from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. For information, call (818) 243-2105.

JESUS AND SANTA: Shepherd of the Hills Church in Porter Ranch will present a Christmas musical, “Jesus, the Heart of Christmas,” four times next weekend. Santa Claus will greet guests in the church’s large foyer before each show.

Admission is free for the musical production featuring the Amen Choir. The performances will be at 7 p.m. Friday; 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 18, and 3 p.m. Dec. 19. The church is at 19700 Rinaldi St. Call (818) 831-9333 for more information.

CHORALE CONCERT: The Angeles Chorale, formerly the Valley Master Chorale, directed by John Alexander, will present a holiday concert at 8 tonight in Glendale Auditorium, 1440 E. Broadway.

The program, besides traditional carols, features Dominick Argento’s “Gloria,” Gustav Holst’s “Ave Maria” and Andrea Gabrielli’s “Magnificat.”

Tickets range from $9 to $25, with senior and student discounts available. For information, call (818) 885-3365.

CAMPUS CHRISTMAS: Actor-singer Jon Cypher, who plays Col. Craig on the “Major Dad” television program, will tell Christmas tales during “A Traditional Family Christmas” at 7:30 p.m. Sunday in the University Student Union at Cal State Northridge.

The evening includes an audience sing-along led by the ensemble Cantori Domino and a reading of “The Night Before Christmas.”

ICONS AND IMAGES: Iconographer Robert Lenz, whose icons are painted in the Byzantine tradition but represent modern figures from world religions, will lead a three-day retreat on “Imaging the Divine,” starting Friday, at Holy Spirit Retreat Center in Encino.

For information, call the center at (818) 784-4515.

HANUKKAH PARTY: A Hanukkah dinner, complete with potato latkes, and a magic program open to the public will be held 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Temple Emanu El, 1302 N. Glenoaks Blvd., Burbank. Reservations should be made by phone to (818) 845-1734.

CHRISTMAS MUSIC: An 80-voice choir, the Main Street Players and the Sounds of Praise Orchestra will present a free holiday program 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday at Calvary Bible Church, 1101 S. Main St., Burbank. A free reception follows the 90-minute performances. For information, call (818) 556-4840.

News and announcements for this column may be sent to Religion Desk, Los Angeles Times, 20000 Prairie St., Chatsworth 91311.