Christmas Eve
in Downtown Raleigh
10:30am, 5:00pm, 7:00pm, & 11:00pm
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 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
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.
Celebrate
The birth of Christ
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.
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!”
Can’t attend in person? Worship Online!
Merry Christmas
From Your ESUMC Pastoral Team!
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!
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!
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!