Video – Photo Gallery – Bethlehem Walk brings the Christmas story to life at Cold Springs Hall

Pete Fisher
7 minutes ago
• Categories: Community, Local, Photo Gallery, Upcoming Events

For more than two decades, volunteers in the Cold Springs community have been bringing the Christmas story to life, welcoming families to take a journey back in time to Bethlehem.

The annual Bethlehem Walk returns November 14 and 15, 2026, at Cold Springs Memorial Hall, located at 3844 Burnham Street North, just minutes north of Cobourg. The free community event runs both evenings from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Organized by a dedicated group of volunteers since 2003, the Bethlehem Walk offers visitors an opportunity to experience the telling and singing of the Christmas story through a guided journey presented by the Community of Cold Springs.

Today’s Northumberland spoke with volunteer Mellissa McIntosh, who was helping escort Jenny, a 30-year-old donkey that will be part of this year’s Bethlehem Walk.

McIntosh said the event began in 2003 after Albert Willis, who had travelled north and saw a similar event, returned home with the idea of bringing it to the Cold Springs community.

Since then, the Bethlehem Walk has become an anticipated annual tradition, with the exception of the years it could not take place during COVID-19.

“It’s a community event,” McIntosh explained.

“We have 125-plus volunteer jobs. Some of them are covered by more than one person, some aren’t. Lots of people involved across the community, all over. Young and old alike.”

She said one of the things that makes the event particularly special is watching families return year after year, with children who once attended now becoming volunteers themselves.

McIntosh recalled that when the event first started in 2003, her own children were too young to participate.

“We had to hold them back and they have been doing it ever since,” she said.

While some have since left for school, two of her children are still living at home and helping with the event, alongside McIntosh, her husband and their in-laws.

“It’s a great event. People look forward to this,” she said.

Although the guided journey through Bethlehem is the centrepiece, there is much more for visitors to enjoy throughout the evening.

Guests begin their visit inside the hall, where they can enjoy live Christmas music performed by Party for Two, featuring Ray and Angie Evans, while waiting for their guided tour.

Following the journey through Bethlehem, visitors are invited to climb aboard a tractor-drawn ride to enjoy a display of Christmas lights before returning to the hall.

There, refreshments are available, including hot chocolate, hot apple cider, coffee, cookies and other snacks, providing an opportunity for families and friends to gather and enjoy some fellowship.

McIntosh also emphasized that organizers have worked to make the event accessible, with golf carts available to assist visitors.

She said an enormous amount of work takes place behind the scenes to prepare for the two evenings.

Volunteers began setting up the previous Saturday, with many spending the entire day getting everything ready. Even as visitors began arriving, others were still working on the final touches.

“All free, all for the community,” McIntosh said.

The event takes place rain, shine or snow, and over the years volunteers have experienced all three.

For the Cold Springs community, the Bethlehem Walk has become much more than a seasonal attraction. It is a tradition built on volunteerism, community spirit and generations of families coming together to share the Christmas story.

Admission is free, and everyone is welcome to attend November 14 and 15 between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. at Cold Springs Memorial Hall, 3844 Burnham Street North.