More than 400 unique and global interpretations of the nativity scene are on display this weekend at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Liberty Twp.

The church has hosted the annual “Spirit of Christmas: Nativity Exhibits and Music” event for about a decade, said organizer Lori Rahlf. All the featured nativity sets come from the private collections of residents living primarily in the areas of West Chester and Liberty townships and Mason, organizers said. The nativity sets originated from about 60 different countries including Peru, Venezuela, Germany and Nepal.

“There are people out there that collect nativities and have a passion for it and can share that,” Rahlf said.

Exhibit hours are 2 to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 6:30 p.m. Sunday at the church, located at 7118 Dutchland Parkway, Liberty Twp.

Rahlf said the unique sets are indicative of the culture and countries of origins — such as being carved from onyx materials, rosewood or linden wood, or made from bean bags in the case of one nativity from the Philippines. The nativities range in size from a small egg to a large piece of wood.

“There are a lot of different mediums the nativities are portrayed in,” Rahlf said, adding there’s even a set of marionette puppets and a few scarecrows.

Event organizer Laurie Hopkins said about 1,300 spectators visited last year, and can travel between five rooms with different themes.

A “family favorites” room features brightly-colored sets; the “white room” has porcelain sets; a “primitive” room is set up like a market; an international room with global sets; and a children’s room with games and nativity costumes with a backdrop for photographs, according to Hopkins.

In addition to the nativity exhibit, the event will feature several live performances and a sing-in of Handel’s “Messiah” at 5 p.m. Sunday led by David Donovan, music director and conductor of the Lebanon Symphony Orchestra.

The Lakota West School Chamber Choir will play at 5 p.m. Friday; Voices of Warren County at 3 p.m. Saturday; Uptown Suzuki and Nellyser Violin Choir at 4 p.m. Saturday; West Chester Latter-day Saints at noon Sunday; and Sharonville Community Choir at 4 p.m. Sunday.

Complete details can be found online at www.freenativity.com.