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.

    Christmas sheet music

    Share Your Favorite Songs

    Tell us your cherished songs, carols, and hymns.

    Share With Rev. Trudy

    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.

    woman listening to music

    First Church Holiday Playlist

    Listen to special music on YouTube.

    Listen to Music

    Enjoy background music throughout the season – at work, doing chores around the house, and gatherings with friends and family.

    Almost Christmas: A Wesleyan Advent Experience

    Almost Christmas Devotion

    Reflect on Love, Hope, Joy, and Peace.

    Coming Soon! 

    Prepare this Advent with “Almost Christmas: A Wesleyan Advent Experience”. A pastors' discussion video will be available soon on YouTube for your personal reflection or to use for a group discussion!


    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.

    Candle lighting at memorial altar during Blue Christmas service

    Blue Christmas Church Service

    Sun Dec 21 | 2-3 PM | Trotter Chapel | RSVP

    Learn More

    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

    Buy Tickets

    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

    Learn More

    This concert pairs a classic and modern composers: Our choirs will sing Bach’s Wachet ruft uns die Stimme (Sleepers wake) and Joanna Forbes L’Estrange’s piece, A Season to Sing, a choral reimagining of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons. 


    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.

    Teen choir singing

    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, 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 Jubilee Singers and 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.

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