The city's streets will come alive with musicians and actors this weekend in a spectacular event retelling the story of Christmas.
Shoppers and visitors are invited to follow the Exeter Nativity as it makes its way along the High Street, featuring two llamas, sheep and a donkey.
Children and members of Church congregations from across the city will form the procession which begins at the top of the High Street at 4.30pm, on Sunday, December 15.
A Roman Centurion will announce to shoppers that a census is taking place and the journey will begin down the High Street to Exeter Cathedral, following Mary and Joseph, a donkey, the sheep and the Three Wise men with llamas.
The Angel Gabriel will make a surprise appearance right at the top of the cathedral. There will be live drama, carol singing with the Salvation Army band outside the cathedral and everyone will be invited into 'The Stable' to conclude the nativity with a giant tableau. This will feature children from all over the city wearing nativity costumes.
Reverend Canon Anna Norman Walker, who is organising the nativity event, said: "We are expecting to have the biggest nativity tableau anywhere in the South West. Everyone is invited to put on a costume or a headdress and join us inside the cathedral.
"We have chosen to do it at end of a busy weekend, as the shops are closing and the lights come on, to encourage people to pause for a moment and think about what really makes Christmas for them.
"It's the perfect way to finish off the Christmas shopping, enjoy hearing the Christmas story and then round off the day at the Christmas market on the Green," she added.
Local farmers are bringing the donkey and sheep and the llamas come from Peak Hill Llamas, near Sidmouth.
