Christmas at St Michael's Chester Square 2026
It's dark by half past four and it's been a long year. The Christmas story is about a light arriving in the middle of exactly that, so this year our services run under the title Light & Life and follow that light from the first star to Christmas morning. Candlelight, carols and the story at the heart of it all. Whether you live round the corner, are in London for the holidays or haven't been inside a church in years, you'll be very welcome. Every service is free.
Carols by Candlelight
The church lit by candlelight, the choir and organ, the carols everyone knows and the Christmas story told through the readings. Then mulled wine and mince pies.
It's our busiest service of the year, so come in good time for a seat. There are no morning services that Sunday.
Our Christmas services
Something for everyone, from a lively family service to a quiet hour of reflection. Come to one, or come to them all.
Open Church at the Winter Market
Elizabeth Street becomes the Belgravia Winter Market for the day, with Christmas chalets, lights and a tree in Eccleston Yards (11am–7pm). Through the afternoon St Michael's will be open just round the corner: crafts for children, hot drinks and somewhere warm to sit. Pop in and say hello.
More about the market · If you're part of St Michael's and could help for an hour, email Melanie.
Christmas for Everyone
Christmas for everyone. A hands-on, intergenerational service where we sing carols everyone knows and have lots of fun celebrating the birth of Jesus. Perfect for families and children.
Our 9.30am Advent service runs as usual that morning.
Contemplative Carols
An hour of quiet in the middle of December. Candlelight, carols sung gently, readings and space to think. If the run-up to Christmas has left you frazzled, this one is for you.
Carols by Candlelight
Our traditional carol service by candlelight, with choir, organ and the Christmas readings, followed by mulled wine and mince pies. Bring everyone.
No 9.30am or 11am services that day. Arrive early for a seat.
The Sunday Before Christmas
Our last Sunday service before Christmas: one service at 9.30am, with no 11am that morning. A good one to try if you'd like to see what an ordinary Sunday at St Michael's is like before the big week.
Talk: Light in Our Hearts · 2 Corinthians 4:6
Midnight Communion
The first service of Christmas. A short, candlelit Holy Communion that begins on Christmas Eve and ends on Christmas Day, with the first carol of Christmas sung just after midnight.
Christmas Day
A joyful, all-age celebration of the birth of Jesus, and done in good time for lunch. Whether you live in the parish, belong to St Michael's or are visiting family nearby, we'd love to see you.
Epiphany Sunday
Christmas doesn't end on Boxing Day. On the first Sunday of the new year we follow the wise men to Bethlehem, and the star that brought them there.
Talk: We Saw His Star · Matthew 2:1–12
- 29 Nov 9.30am & 11am
- 6 Dec 9.30am & Christmas for Everyone 11am
- 13 Dec Carols by Candlelight 7pm only
- 20 Dec 9.30am only
- 27 Dec No services
- 3 Jan 9.30am & 11am · Epiphany
Good to know
Do I need a ticket?
No. All our Christmas services are free and open to everyone. Carols by Candlelight gets very full, so come early for the best seats.
How long are the services?
Most are about an hour. There's mulled wine after Carols by Candlelight for anyone who can stay.
Can I bring my children?
Absolutely. Christmas for Everyone on 6 December is made for children, and families are welcome at every service. Children under the age of 8 are not recommended for Carols by Candlelight and Contemplative Carols.
I'm not religious. Is that OK?
Of course. Many people who come at Christmas don't usually go to church. Come as you are, sing as loud or as quietly as you like, and enjoy it.
Will there be a collection?
Giving is entirely voluntary. If you'd like to support the work of St Michael's, you can give online here.
Finding us
St Michael's Chester Square
London SW1W 9EF
A short walk from Victoria and Sloane Square stations.
Get directionsStill curious in January?
Alpha starts again in the new year: a free dinner, a short talk and the chance to ask anything about faith, with no pressure and no question off limits.
Find out about Alpha