The story of Christmas comes to life on Monday night with the Seven-Day Adventist Church, when it stages its interactive tour called Road to Bethlehem.

Bronwyn Nilsson is the market seller at the event.

The Road to Bethlehem event is a bigger show than last year's event and was meant to run for four days; due to heavy rain the start date has been postponed to Monday at 6.30pm.

Road to Bethlehem will run from Monday, December 20 until Wednesday, December 22 at Tauranga Adventist.

Glenda Nilsson sets up the display at the nativity scene.

Groups of 50-150 people walk through an outdoor theatre production, interacting with marketplaces, Roman soldiers and even baby Jesus.

‘Roman soldier' Kevin Burrows says 150 actors and actresses from community church groups are involved in bringing the story of Christmas to life.

Roman soldiers guard the doors to each of the scenes.

"You can go into the market scene; we have donkeys, sheep and cows. You eat traditional meals the ladies have cooked and see ladies and children cleaning clothes in a well.”

Audience members should be prepared to be spoken to as the actors will deliver speeches and answer any questions from the audience.

There are also ‘grumpy' Roman soldiers to look out for.

Last year more than 3000 people visited the event over three days.

Hot food and drinks are available for sale on site.

Tours begin at 6.30pm and run until 9.45pm. Both wheelchair and pram friendly, it takes 40 minutes to do the tour.

It is requested that people park at the Bethlehem College on Moffat Road where a shuttle bus will be taking people to the venue every 15 minutes from 6pm.

Trevor Goldstone in the shepherd scene.

Lepers beg for food in the market.