Advent & Christmas at First Church San Diego in Mission Valley
11.17.25 | Articles, News
Looking to get into the Christmas spirit? First United Methodist Church of San Diego has an entire line-up of music and events to help you experience the hope, wonder, and love of the holiday season this Advent and Christmas!
Blend together music, traditional worship, and modern experiences to create memories with your friends and family.
Get into the Holiday Spirit
Fill your heart with hope, wonder, love, and joy as you enter into the season.
Share Your Favorite Songs
Which Christmas or Advent songs, carols, and hymns do you love?
Our Advent sermon series is “Lesser-Known Songs of Christmas.” But we also want to honor our tried-and-true Christmas favorites! Send Rev. Trudy your favorite songs, carols, and hymns.
Find Holiday Support
We know Christmas is a difficult time for many people, so we invite you to join with others in a safe and supportive environment to process your feelings.
Blue Christmas Church Service
Sun Dec 21 | 2-3 PM | Trotter Chapel | RSVP
Honor the loved ones that you have lost with this contemplative Christmas service. Come as you are, grief and all. Please feel free to bring a framed picture of your loved one to display on our altar.
Join Festive Events
Join us for fun celebrations and breathtaking concerts in December. These events are perfect for all ages and help to boost your Christmas spirit.
Christmas Holiday Fest by UWF
Sun Dec 7 | 12-2 PM | Linder Hall | RSVP
Grab your family and friends and enjoy lunch, Christmas BINGO, sing-along carols, opportunity basket drawings, and more! Hosted by the First UMC of San Diego United Women in Faith.
Advent Choral Concert (Free!)
Sat Dec 13 | 4 PM | Sanctuary & Online
Featuring the world premiere performance of modern composer Joanna Forbes L’Estrange’s San Diego Service Magnificat, as well as her piece A Season to Sing. Our choirs will also sing Bach’s classic piece Wachet ruft uns die Stimme (Sleepers wake).
Spread Christmas Cheer
Help bring the joy and spirit of Christmas to others this holiday season by donating to families in need.
Holiday Toy Drive
Bring new, unwrapped gifts to the church office by Friday, December 12.
Help stock a local toy pantry for local families in need – especially those who are part of the LGBTQ+ community, who are often excluded from Christmas drives. Families will have the opportunity to choose 2 toys for their loved ones from the toy pantry. We’re excited to partner with Tando Therapy Team, Pirate Your Life, and Donna M. Chapman Psychotherapy for this special event.
Worship on Christmas Eve: Online & in Mission Valley
Gather your friends and family to experience Christmas Eve worship in our beautiful sanctuary. Each service ends with candlelit singing of Silent Night, a memorable experience for all ages.
5 PM Children's Christmas Pageant
Wed Dec 24 | 5 PM | Sanctuary & Online
Join the children and youth-led worship where you can experience the Christmas story through music, readings, and the nativity scene. End the service with candle lighting and singing of Silent Night.
7 PM Carols, Lessons & Candle Lighting
Wed Dec 24 | 7 PM | Sanctuary & Online
Experience the Christmas story through choral music by the Chancel Choir and Jubilee Singers, congregational singing, and inspiring message. End the service with candle lighting and singing of Silent Night.
9 PM Carols, Lessons & Candle Lighting
Wed Dec 24 | 9 PM | Sanctuary & Online
Experience the Christmas story through choral music by the Chamber Choir, congregational singing, and inspiring message. End the service with candle lighting and singing of Silent Night.
More About FUMCSD
Want to learn more about our church? We invite you to visit our I’m New and About Us pages to learn more about our ministries, programming, and what we believe.
