Christmas Eve
in Downtown Raleigh
11:00 am, 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm, & 11:00 pm
Edenton Street UMC - 228 W. Edenton St
Sharing the birth of Christ from the heart of Raleigh.
This Christmas Eve, we invite you to join our church family for a sacred time 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.
Childcare will be provided at our 3:00 & 5:00 PM services for children 6 months - 3 years old.
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Family Worship Service 11:00 AM in the sanctuary
A joyful, interactive service led by our children, filled with music, storytelling, and the wonder of the Christmas story.
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Contemporary Candlelight service 3:00 PM in kerr hall
A modern worship experience with contemporary music and candlelight, perfect for all ages.
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Traditional Candlelight Service 5:00 PM in the sanctuary
A classic Christmas Eve service with carols, scripture, and the glow of candlelight as we reflect on Christ’s birth.
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Traditional Candlelight Service 11:00 PM in the sanctuary
A classic Christmas Eve service with carols, scripture, and the glow of candlelight as we reflect on Christ’s birth.
Bring Hope Through OUR 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.
Poinsettias
Poinsettias in honor or memory of someone can be ordered to be displayed in the Sanctuary and Bell tower throughout Advent.
Orders are due on December 15th.
The Prayer Tree
Throughout December, a Prayer Tree will stand on the front lawn of the church along Edenton Street. This tree will serve as a visible reminder of Jesus’ light breaking into our neighborhood and our world. Everyone is invited to pause, reflect, and write a prayer to hang on the tree. Whether or not you attend church, whether or not you would call yourself a Christian, we trust that God hears your prayers and is working for good in your life.
You’re welcome to write a name, a phrase, a word of hope, or a simple need on one of the wooden ornaments provided. Pray for yourself, your loved ones, your neighbors, our community, and the world. Each week, our church will gather to pray through every request offered.
Where do I Park?
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!)
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.
Can’t attend in person?
Join us online! All of our services can be found on our YouTube channel.
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!