Basilica Parish to Host Christmas Pageant with Live Animals.

The Basilica Parish of the Sacred Hearts in Southampton Village will host a Christmas pageant Wednesday evening that tells the story of the nativity, with parish children and live animals.

Jennifer Ferrantino, the religious education director for the parish, will direct. More than 300 children are expected to participate.

Children in nursery school through third grade will be angels and shepherds, children grades three through six will be the Three Kings and their royal court and dancers, and children and teens grades seven through 12 will participate as musicians, singers, organizers and assistant directors.

New this year, there will be live sheep and donkeys in the performance.

The pageant is Wednesday, December 18, at 7 p.m. Basilica Parish of Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, 168 Hill Street, Southampton. Call 631-283-0097 for further details or visit shjmbasilica.org.