Neighborhood Christmas Hosting Resources

Start by determining the location and format of your event. Consider the following:

• Where: Will it be indoors, outdoors, at your house, or in a rented space?

• Who: Is it a small gathering with friends and neighbors or a larger community event?

• When: Choose a date and time that works for you—maybe December 15 while visiting family or 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve for a traditional candlelight service.

Once you’ve decided where to gather, ensure your space is ready for the event:

Tech Setup

• Have a screen or laptop for everyone to view the service clearly.

• Ensure strong Wi-Fi access for smooth streaming.

Create a Welcoming Space

• Clean up and arrange seating (especially for seniors or guests with physical limitations).

• Play Christmas music, light a candle, and set out snacks like hot cocoa or cookies.

• Create a kids’ area with worksheets and crayons.

• Consider name tags and clear bathroom signage.

• Provide candles for the closing song, Silent Night ([Purchase here](link to candles)).

Sample Schedule

• 6:00 PM – Guests arrive, grab snacks, and mingle.

• 6:15 PM – Welcome everyone

  • “Thank you for joining us for Neighborhood Christmas! Tonight, we’ll worship through music and hear a message of hope. Make yourselves at home.”

• 6:15–6:45 PM – Enjoy the Neighborhood Christmas experience.

• 6:45 PM – Close with an invitation:

  • “Thank you for coming! We’d love for you to connect with our church family. Stay, enjoy snacks, and meet new friends.”

Keep Jesus Central.
Focus on sharing the gospel and creating space for people to encounter God.

Set the Tone.
Make your space warm and welcoming.

Engage Guests.
Help guests feel at ease by starting conversations.

Lead with Grace.
Things may not go perfectly—be flexible and focus on the joy of celebrating Jesus.

Pray.
Ask God to work in the hearts of your guests and bless your gathering.

Spread the word and invite family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and anyone who needs to hear the good news. Here’s a few ways that you can invite your people:

• Pick up invite cards at an Eleven22 campus and personalize them.

• Download and share the digital invites linked above

• Hosting a public event? Share the details on social media!

This is your chance to create an environment where the Gospel is shared, Jesus is celebrated, and lives are transformed. We’d encourage you to pray for:

• The right guests to attend.

• Technology to run smoothly.

• God’s presence to touch every participant.