And many Sheffield youngsters will have had their first taste of that great tradition this year.
Today we have looked through our archives to find 20 beautiful pictures of some great nativity plays which have been performed by schools and nurseries across the city over the years.
Many of the angelic faces pictured here will be grown up now – but there are Christmas memories galore in here.
Schools – if you have pictures of your productions you would like us to feature in a gallery, email us.
13. Scallywag Nursery
Some of the 'stars' at the Scallywag Nursery nativity play held at the Salvation Army Hostel, Psalter Lane . Photo: Barry Richardson
14. Walkley Primary
Angels, l/r: Jaydeen Griffiths(7), Holly Fearn and Charley Horner(both 6) in the Christmas Infant Nativity at Walkley Primary School, December 2003 Photo: Roger Nadal
15. Westways School
Pictured at Westways School, Mona Avenue, Crookes, Sheffield, where the reception class children held their dress rehearsal of their Nativity play in 2003. Photo: Mike Waistell
16. Stocksbridge Nursery Infants
Stocksbridge Nursery Infants Nativity in 2011 Photo: barry richardson