Download the 23 delightful church Christmas program ideas
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Christmas is a time when hearts are open, offering a unique opportunity to reach your community with the gospel. This season encourages us to deepen our faith in celebration of Jesus’ birth and bring that message of hope to our neighbors.
If you’re looking for church Christmas program ideas to get the whole congregation involved, we’ve got you covered! Your church family is filled with talented, passionate people who would love to attend and contribute to your holiday outreach efforts. Let’s harness this enthusiasm to create special moments that reflect the true reason for the season.
In this blog, we’ll explore an assortment of Christmas program ideas for church that will get your entire community into the holiday spirit.
1. Christmas family photo booth
People love taking photos of their families at special venues. Set up a festive photo booth in your church with twinkling lights and a backdrop of snow-draped pines. Consider having volunteers in place to take photos and adjust any lighting.
Invite individuals, groups, and families to stop by and pose for some holiday photos. Encourage people to share their photos on social media and tag your church.
2. Christmas choir flash mob
Use the element of surprise to delight the community with spontaneous Christmas carol performances. Previously unnoticed within a crowd of people, your church members will begin to sing holiday favorites that touch the hearts of an unsuspecting audience.
Map out a caroling route and pop up at local gathering spots to bring some Christmas spirit to the community. Record your flash performances to share the joy and inform locals about upcoming church events.
3. Bethlehem bazaar & living history
Invite the local community to step back in time and interact with a scene straight out of ancient Bethlehem. Transform a corner of your church into a bustling market with craft and food stalls, storytelling, and live demonstrations.
Have church members dress up in biblical attire to take on the roles of shopkeepers, artisans, and townspeople. This immersive experience will make for a unique and memorable Christmas activity for attendees and church volunteers.
4. Christmas concert & variety show
Give folks a reason to dress up for the holiday season with a festive concert featuring local talents. For an evening of entertainment, consider choir and dance troupe performances. Or, set the stage for theatrical adaptations of heartwarming Christmas tales.
Encourage the whole crowd to get involved with sing-along segments and moments for audience participation. Invite people to participate online as well with a live stream option for those who can’t make it to the show.
5. Virtual Christmas prayer vigil
Open your church’s virtual doors at midnight on Christmas Eve with a 24-hour prayer vigil. This online space provides a platform for people to send in prayer requests and personal reflections. Use this opportunity to bring comfort and a feeling of togetherness to those who may be spending the holidays alone.
Invite church members to host within specific time slots to lead prayer, send season’s greetings, and share inspiring messages.
6. Christmas storytelling for children
Imagine the joy and wonder as a group of kids gather ‘round for a Christmas story. Bring biblical themes to life with props and costumes to engage even the youngest listeners. Consider creating an interactive experience with opportunities for the kids to play a part.
To extend the reach of your church's holiday ministry, share these fun stories online for children to enjoy at home.
7. Family-inclusive nativity play
What could be more heartwarming than seeing the families of your church put on a nativity play? From the littlest angel to the wisest of wise men, everyone works together to convey the true meaning of Christmas.
Those who would rather avoid the spotlight can help organize the event and work as the stage crew behind the scenes. Don’t forget to capture those precious moments for people who couldn’t make the performance.
8. Pajama Christmas party for children
Make it a cozy Christmas for the kids, and throw a pajama party! Picture the delight when they find out they get to wear pajamas to church. Provide Christmas-themed activities, games, and snacks.
With a hot chocolate and cookie decorating station, you’ll be set for a night of giggles and joy. It's a wonderful opportunity for kids to invite their friends and spread the true meaning of Christmas in a lively, festive atmosphere.
9. Christmas movie night
Pull out the old Christmas classics to host a movie night and virtual watch party the whole family can enjoy. Attendees can bring their own blankets to get cozy with some popcorn and a cup of cocoa.
At the end of the movie, come together and reflect on the themes of hope and love that these movies bring. Incorporate a brief devotion to dig deeper and remember the reason for the season.
10. Christmas card-making workshop
There’s something special about handmade gifts at Christmastime. Hosting a card-making workshop will bring your church community together for a fun, creative activity. Gather some crafting materials and create mini masterpieces you can deliver to local nursing homes or hospitals.
Share this experience on social media to inspire others. Encourage them to bring hope to those who may be lonely or need encouragement this time of year.
11. Christmas Eve candlelight service
If you’ve ever experienced a candlelight service, you understand the peace and beauty these special moments bring. It’s a time for your congregation to come together in a contemplative setting illuminated by the gentle glow of candles.
Special prayers, readings, and hymns offer a profound way to celebrate the birth of Christ. Although nothing can replace being in the sanctuary all aglow, you can provide a live stream for those unable to attend.
12. Traditional Christmas carol service
A carol service (or bell choir) is a fun way to include everyone in the joy of Christmas music. Bring the whole congregation together with candles in hand to sing classic songs celebrating Jesus’ birth.
Add depth to your melodies with accompanying scripture readings and reflections to remind everyone of the story behind the songs. And don’t be afraid to add a modern twist to old melodies to engage all ages.
13. Live nativity scene
A living nativity scene is a vivid reminder of the humble beginnings of Jesus’ life. Invite church members (and farm pets) to perform as characters and create an engaging representation of the Christmas story.
This powerful outreach tool invites the community to experience the wonder of Jesus’ birth. You can bring the Christmas story to people far beyond your local area with a live stream event of your unique nativity production.
14. Advent calendar of kindness
Encourage your congregation to live out the spirit of Advent through daily acts of kindness. This unique spin on the countdown to Christmas engages your church in outreach, promoting a habit of generosity and service.
Invite participants to share these acts on social media and promote the idea that giving to others is often the best gift we can receive. Extend your Advent celebration to the local community and encourage non-church members to get involved.
15. Christmas prayer walk in the community
A prayer walk is a powerful way to connect with your city at Christmas. Extend an invitation to your local community, sharing the plan and purpose of the walk. Explain that this is a time to pray for homes, businesses, and community members as you walk the streets together.
For those who can’t make it but still wish to participate, create a virtual prayer walk to follow along at home.
16. Christmas craft fair & market
People love browsing craft booths for unique items they could give as Christmas gifts. Host a craft market to showcase the talents of your congregation and support local artisans. This is an opportunity to attract a wider audience to the church and share the hope of Jesus’ birth.
In the spirit of giving, choose a charity you can partner with and donate a percentage of the proceeds to them at the end of the fair.
17. Community caroling outreach
Bundle up a group of church and community members to participate in the heartwarming tradition of Christmas caroling. As you sing your way through the streets, distribute Christmas cards with church information about special holiday services.
Be sure to record and share clips of your caroling on social media to inspire others to get out there and sing joy to the world.
18. Angel tree outreach program
Partner with local organizations to identify families and community members who’ve made special requests for the holiday season. You can then display these needs as ornaments on a tree within the church.
Each week of the season, encourage your congregation to participate by selecting a request from the tree to fulfill. Document your church’s gift-giving process and celebrate online whenever a need is met.
19. Christmas charity run/walk
Gather your congregation and community members on a crisp winter morning for a charity run/walk. Encourage participants to wear fun Christmas-themed costumes—think Santa hats, reindeer antlers, and elf costumes—to add to the festive atmosphere.
Use this as an opportunity to raise funds for a local charity or community project. Extend the reach of your event and provide virtual participation options.
20. Christmas cookie decorating contest
Watch as participants of all ages gather around to transform gingerbread men and sugar cookies into edible art. Share photos and collect votes from online participants to determine whose cookies win the title of ‘Best Decorated.’
Once you announce the winners, the true spirit of the event shines through. You can carefully pack and deliver these holiday goodies to local shelters, nursing homes, and hospitals.
21. Christmas cooking class & potluck
Let the talented foodies from your congregation take the lead in a Christmas cooking class, teaching people how to make traditional holiday dishes. They can also share their tips and recipes with everyone online for people who would like to follow along at home.
As the cooking class winds down, the evening transitions into a potluck dinner. Before digging in, consider incorporating a short devotional and prayer to remind everyone why you’re gathered this Christmas season.
22. Gingerbread house decorating contest
Gingerbread houses are a fun tradition the whole family can enjoy. Host a baking party or provide pre-made house kits, prepare bags of icing, and gather an assortment of candies. Kids and adults alike will enjoy some healthy competition for the titles of ‘Best Construction’ and ‘Most Festive.’
After a round of judging, hand out prizes and awards to winners. Include your online community by sharing photos and videos of the contest results.
23. International Christmas potluck dinner
Host a vibrant celebration of diversity and unity with something that brings people together—food! Encourage church members to bring their favorite holiday dishes unique to their background. Invite them to participate in a cultural exchange, sharing recipes and personal stories about why their meal is special.
Turn this potluck dinner into a journey around the world and adorn your church with decorations from different cultures.
We hope you’ll try out some of these church Christmas program ideas. Each one offers a special way to engage the congregation and the broader community in the spirit of the season. Feel free to customize these activities to meet your needs and goals. Whether through song, food, or outreach, the options are limitless.
You don’t have to stop at just one activity, either. Consider combining church Christmas programs throughout the holiday season to create multiple outreach opportunities. Planning a few key events can help you reach even more people, accommodating those who can’t attend every gathering.
