Even with the cold weather, a growing crowd gathered to partake in one of Basking Ridge's favorite Christmas traditions — A Walk to Bethlehem — came out to follow the procession of the Christmas story as it wound its way to four churches in Basking Ridge center.

The recreation of the Nativity started at 4 p.m. on Sunday at St. James Roman Catholic Church  and then traveled up South Finley Avenue to make stops at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Bishop Janes United Methodist Church. The procession, part pageant and part biblical parade, with all the biblical characters dressed in costume, continued to its final destination, The Presbyterian Church of Basking Ridge. As always, there was a live animal playing the donkey on which Mary rode to Bethlehem, this year portrayed by the pony, Skeeter.

Everyone was invited to "walk" the Nativity in a tradition has been going on for many years. The church was full to capacity once the procession reached its final destination at the Presbyterian Church.

At each church, carols were sung, there was a scripture reading, and there were musical presentations by the respective choirs. Each of the churches was decorated to welcome the procession.