To find a church Christmas event, search for your area plus “church” plus “Christmas”, then confirm on the host church’s official website or social page. Christmas Eve usually means the evening of December 24. Christmas Sunday is the Sunday service a church holds around Christmas. They may have different times and programs.
You do not have to be a Christian to join many public Christmas events. Before you go, check whether newcomers are welcome, whether you need to register and which ages the event suits.
Why do Christians celebrate Christmas?
Christians celebrate Christmas to remember the birth of Jesus Christ. The Christian idea of the incarnation is that the Son of God became a human being. Christians believe Jesus is fully God and fully human.
In church, the songs, Scripture readings and sermon at Christmas gatherings usually center on the meaning of Jesus’ birth.
What is Christmas Sunday?
A church may hold a Christmas Sunday service on a Sunday around December 25. It often includes songs, prayer and a sermon on the birth of Jesus, and may add a choir, a children’s performance, music or a shared meal.
If you want to see what a normal Sunday is like, a Christmas Sunday can be a way in. Check the program and time for that day, because each church picks its own date.
How is Christmas Eve different from Christmas Sunday?
Christmas Eve is the evening of December 24. Christmas Sunday is held on a Sunday and may not fall on the same day.
Some Christmas Eve events are mainly songs, Scripture and worship. Others are concerts or dramas. Once you find an event, look at the start and end time, the program and how to register, rather than judging by the name.
What is Christmas caroling?
Caroling (報佳音) is a way for a church to share the news of Jesus’ birth through Christmas songs. It may take place in a neighborhood or park, or the church may arrange visits to institutions or members’ homes.
If you want to join, confirm the meeting place, the time and how to take part. Arrangements differ between churches, and the event poster is more specific than the word “caroling.”
What can I find for children?
Search for family Christmas events, children’s plays, children’s Christmas parties, concerts, markets or special Sunday school events. Choose by your child’s age and the time you have, and check whether a parent needs to stay throughout.
Some events need advance registration and others are open to walk-ins. Before you sign up, read the age range, how long it lasts and how check-in works, so you do not find out on the day that it is not a good fit.
I am not a Christian. Can I still go?
Many churches welcome newcomers to their public Christmas events, and do not require baptism or knowledge of the Bible. If an event page says “newcomers welcome,” “open to all” or “bring family and friends,” you can join in the way it describes.
If you are unsure, just ask: “Hello, we are not members of your church. May we join this Christmas event?” If registration is needed, register first.
Where do I look for events?
Start with churches near your home or work, then check their official website, Facebook, Instagram or LINE account. Channels may be updated at different times, so check the year on the announcement to avoid reading last year’s poster.
Add the area and type of event to your search, for example “Taichung church Christmas”, “Banqiao church Christmas Eve” or “Kaohsiung family Christmas church”. Searching in Chinese often finds more, such as “台中 教會 聖誕活動”.
When you find an event, check the date, time, address and registration. If announcements disagree, confirm with the host church before you set off.
Find Christmas events on iChurch
iChurch has a church events page listing Christmas services, Christmas Eve events, concerts and family events (in Chinese only for now). You can also find a church near you and check its recent announcements.
Times and registration details can change, so check the host church’s latest announcement before you go.
A prayer
Dear Father,
Thank you for sending Jesus into the world. Lead anyone joining a Christmas event for the first time to walk in at ease and to meet real care there.
Give us wisdom to ask what we need to ask, and not to push ourselves.
In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Sources and license
This article was adapted by iChurch editor Shep. The explanation of the incarnation draws on Stephen Wellum, The Incarnation and Two Natures of Christ, published by The Gospel Coalition under CC BY-SA 4.0.
The theological ideas are rewritten, and the event descriptions and search tips were written by iChurch. It is not a word-for-word translation, and it was first written in Chinese and then translated into English. The text is released under CC BY-SA 4.0. If you quote or adapt it, keep the author, source, notice of changes and the same license.
The photo is used under the Pexels License and is not covered by the CC license for the text.