Star Wars Nativity Scene Near Woodbridge

New Brunswick, NJ - May the force of Christmas be with you.

A central New Jersey church has a new take this year on one of the most iconic images of the Christmas season: A Star Wars nativity scene.

That’s right. On Christmas Eve, Liquid Church will set up interactive Star Wars-based nativity scenes at each of their five locations in north and central Jersey. Instead of Mary, they’ll have Princess Leia. Han Solo is Joseph and yes, you’ll also find Chewbecca and R2D2 hanging out in the manger.

However, no Star Wars character will take the place of baby Jesus. “We had to draw the line somewhere,” a church member told Patch with a chuckle.

And the nativity scene is interactive: You and your children can pose in the manger with lightsaber swords, and kids can even sit on Darth Santa’s lap (a.k.a. Darth Vader) and take a photo with Lord Vader and his Stormtrooper “elves.”

Even better, Liquid Church’s 60-minute Christmas Eve “experience” is totally free; however tickets are required. Get your free tickets here or call the church office at 973-879-8655. Church organizers say they are expecting upwards of 7,000 people at its Christmas Eve services.

Sacreligious, some might criticize?

“There are no rules that say church needs to be dry and boring. One of our core values at Liquid is that ‘church is fun.’ It’s okay to laugh and celebrate together while talking about Christmas,” said Tim Lucas, lead pastor and founder of Liquid Church (no relation to George Lucas). “If that means having Star Wars characters in costume and dancing Stormtroopers, I’m all for it.”

The Star Wars nativity scene will only be open on Christmas Eve at Liquid Church’s five following locations:

New Brunswick: The Heldrich Hotel, 10 Livingston Ave. New Brunswick, NJ

Morristown: Hyatt Hotel Morristown, 3 Speedwell Ave Morristown, NJ FREE Parking is available in the garage at 3 Speedwell Ave.

Nutley: John Walker Middle School, 325 Franklin Ave. Nutley, NJ

Mountainside: 214 Central Avenue, Mountainside, NJ

Somerset: Somerville Middle School, 51 W Cliff Street Somerville, NJ

All Star Wars nativity scenes will be indoors, in case of inclement weather. Photos used with permission from Liquid Church.