Daley Plaza Nativity in its 40th year

Ed O’Malley, coordinator of the Chicago Nativity Scene Committee and a parishioner of St. Alphonsus Liguori, goes over final checks on the Nativity scene with a member of the God Squad. Members of the God Squad‚ a team of volunteers from Chicago-area parishes, assembled a large Nativity display in Chicago's Daley Plaza on Nov. 30, 2024. The annual tradition, now in its 40th year, is the only traditional display of the Nativity in downtown Chicago's public square. An opening ceremony featured inspirational speakers, Christmas music, and a blessing of the manger. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Harold Hanley of the God Squad checks the sound of the music he set up at the Nativity scene. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Father Stephen Lesniewski leads children in a blessing inside the creche. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Tom Cetera from St. George Parish in Tinley Park leads Christmas carols during the event. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Father Stephen Lesniewski greets a family after the blessing. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Patrons of the Christkindlmarket walk past the nativity scene on their way to activities. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

A woman stops to take a photo. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)

Wynnie and Rowan Bartlett, cousins from Grand Rapids, Mich., stopped to look over the nativity scene after the creche was set-up. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)