Interior of a church during a Christmas service with congregation holding candles, choir singing, decorated altar with poinsettias, Christmas tree with lights, and a large star hanging above the altar.

Christmas Eve

in Downtown Raleigh

10:30am, 5:00pm, 7:00pm, & 11:00pm

Edenton Street UMC - 228 W. Edenton St

Musicians performing on stage during a Christmas event, with instruments, Christmas tree, and festive lights.

Sharing the birth of Christ from the heart of Raleigh.

This Christmas Eve, we invite you to join our church family for a sacred evening of worship and celebration. Together, we’ll prepare our hearts for the birth of Christ, embracing the wonder and hope of this holy season. At Edenton Street UMC, we believe in the power of connection and community, where all are invited to gather at God’s table and experience the transforming love of Christ.

In the spirit of the season, our worship reflects our shared identity as people centered in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Guided by the teachings of Jesus, we come together in celebration, curiosity, and compassion, creating space for all hearts—young and old—to encounter the miracle of Christmas.

No childcare will be provided this evening, as we honor the opportunity for every family to worship together. Let every heart (of every age!) prepare room for the Christ child.

View the Facebook Event to Invite your Friends and Neighbors

Four Services to Pick From

10:30am

Children-led Joint Worship Service

A joyful, interactive service led by our children, filled with music, storytelling, and the wonder of the Christmas story.

In the Sanctuary

5:00pm

Traditional Candlelight Service

A classic Christmas Eve service with carols, scripture, and the glow of candlelight as we reflect on Christ’s birth.

In the Sanctuary

7:00pm

Contemporary Candlelight Service

A modern worship experience with contemporary music and candlelight, perfect for all ages.

In Kerr Hall

11:00pm

Traditional Candlelight Service

A classic Christmas Eve service with carols, scripture, and the glow of candlelight as we reflect on Christ’s birth.

In the Sanctuary

A large Christmas tree decorated with white lights and ornaments, surrounded by white poinsettia plants at the base, set in a church with a stained glass window in the background.
Woman and boy smiling at a table with craft supplies, including candles and greenery, in a room with stained glass window.

Bring Hope Through the Christmas Eve Offering

This year, your gifts to our Christmas Eve Offering will support our Doorstep Ministry, bringing hope to vulnerable neighbors. By providing financial assistance with rent and utilities when our neighbors hit a bump in the road, you can help families stay in their homes and navigate life’s challenges. Your generosity will extend Christ’s compassion and transform lives throughout our community.

Join us for worship as we proclaim the joy of Christ’s birth, share in sacred connection, and serve others with hearts full of compassion. Together, we’ll make room for Christ to enter our lives and our world anew.

A group of people, including adults and children, are decorating a Christmas tree with lights and ornaments in a festive, indoor setting. They are engaged in holiday activities and decorations are visible, creating a warm, cheerful atmosphere.
Young person in robe holding a Moravian star inside a church.

Celebrate

The birth of Christ

Where do I Park?

Map of Edenton Street United Methodist Church and surrounding area, showing locations for visitor parking, Sanctuary, Curtis Center, Kerr Hall, and nearby streets such as N Dawson St and W Jones St.

Dedicated parking is available for first time visitors in our main parking lot accessible from Dawson Street and McDowell Street between Edenton Street and Jones Street:

If you are traveling south on Dawson Street, turn left into our main parking lot between Jones Street and Edenton Street. If you are traveling north on McDowell Street, turn left into our main parking lot between Edenton Street and Jones Street.

Parking is also available at no cost in the paved lot located directly west of our main campus on the corner of Dawson Street and Edenton Streets. (This lot is managed and enforced by My Power Parking, but free for church goers on Sunday!)

 
A church service with musicians and a choir, decorated with Christmas wreaths and trees.
Interior of a church during a service with a choir singing, people gathered in pews, and a star-shaped decoration hanging. The altar is adorned with red poinsettias.

Accessibility Information

All of our Sunday School classrooms and worship services are ADA accessible. Our Garden Gallery entrance (on Edenton Street) provides zero step entry to both our Sanctuary and Kerr Hall (contemporary) worship services, and elevators are conveniently located to access our first and third floors from our Curtis Center Lobby entrance, which is accessible from our main parking lot with zero step entry.

A church interior during a Christmas service, featuring a minister, choir, and congregation holding candles. The altar is decorated with poinsettias, and a large star hangs from the ceiling.
Children participating in a Christmas play at a church, wearing costumes such as yellow headscarves and angel wings. A decorated altar and stained glass window are visible in the background.
Three people decorating a wooden cart with Christmas garland and ornaments indoors. One man is wearing a "Fixer Uppers" shirt, and two women are holding ribbons. The setting appears festive with holiday decorations around.

Visit the Welcome Wagon!

Before and after each service, our hospitality team is available with volunteers and Pastors to greet you, answer your questions, and help you find your way around and make you feel at home. They also have a gift ready for you! Just say “I’m new!”

Two people stand by a counter with a display of socks, smiling. The counter is decorated with holiday-themed wrapping paper and a silver bow. Wreaths hang on the walls in the background, and there is a small white Christmas tree on the counter.

Can’t attend in person? Worship Online!

Merry Christmas

From Your ESUMC Pastoral Team! 

Three people in religious attire standing in front of a decorated Christmas tree with lights and ornaments, inside a church.

This Christmas Eve, we invite you to experience the joy and hope of the season at our warm and welcoming worship service. Whether you're a longtime member or visiting for the first time, we would love for you to join us as we celebrate the birth of Christ through beautiful music, heartfelt prayers, and a meaningful message.

Our church family is excited to share this special time with you, and we hope you'll feel the love and peace of Christ’s presence. To ask any questions you may have and plan your visit, simply fill in the form below —we can’t wait to welcome you!

A man reading from a book at a holiday-themed event, with people standing in front of him. The background features lit Christmas trees and a large wreath.
People gathered in a church holding candles for a Christmas service, with a decorated tree and star in view.

Contact us

Have a question or want to know more about Christmas at Edenton Street UMC? Fill out the form below and one of our staff will be in touch!

People decorating a Christmas tree in a church with stained glass windows.

Interested in Volunteering?

Be part of the joy this Christmas Eve! Volunteers are needed to help greet, usher, and create a warm, welcoming experience for all. Sign up today to serve!