Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center Christmas Exhibition Highlights Animals of the Nativity Menagerie at the Manger: The Creatures of Christmas is on view at the Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center in New Haven from Nov. 7 through Feb. 7, 2027. NEW HAVEN, Conn. — The Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center is celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ this season by highlighting the animals of the Nativity in an exhibit titled Menagerie at the Manger: The Creatures of Christmas. The exhibition explores the variety of animals featured in Nativity art through nearly 60 works from almost 40 countries around the world. The show opens Nov. 7 and continues through Feb. 7, 2027. Throughout history, artists worldwide have brought their own cultural perspectives to depictions of the Nativity. Although the Gospels never directly mention animals at the manger, creatures have long been a beloved element of Christmas art — often reflecting the native wildlife of the artist’s own region. In addition to the exhibition, the McGivney Center is hosting its annual Christmas Tree Festival, a seasonal showcase featuring 20 trees decorated with ornaments and trimmings handmade by elementary school students across Connecticut. The Christmas Tree Festival begins Dec. 5. Visitors can also view other Nativity scenes in the center’s main galleries, including a recently commissioned crèche set in 19th-century New Haven that features historic figures such as Blessed Michael McGivney and Pope Leo XIII. Over the years, a seasonal visit to the center has become a cherished Christmas tradition for many Connecticut families. The Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center, operated by the Knights of Columbus, is open to the public Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and onsite parking are free. For more information, call 203-865-0400 or visit www.michaelmcgivneycenter.org.