Christmas Eve Services in California (2026)

Nov 7

Christmas Eve 2026 · Updated November 7, 2026

Christmas Eve services in California

Find a Christmas Eve service anywhere in California: 85 churches in 11 cities so far, family and children's services first, with 2026 times as each church posts them.

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Christmas Eve services by city in California

Bakersfield5 churches Fresno5 churches Irvine5 churches Long Beach6 churches Los Angeles10 churches Oceanside5 churches Sacramento9 churches San Diego13 churches San Francisco8 churches San Jose14 churches Santa Barbara5 churches

Christmas Eve services by tradition in California

Anglican (ACNA) · Catholic · Church of Christ · Congregational (UCC) · Episcopal · Lutheran · Methodist · Orthodox · Presbyterian · Unitarian Universalist

Questions

How do I find a Christmas Eve service near me in California?

Pick your city on this page. Each city lists every church we have found with a Christmas Eve service, with its address, a map link and a link to the church's own schedule.

What day is Christmas Eve in 2026?

Christmas Eve is Thursday, December 24, 2026. Most churches hold services from the afternoon into the evening, and some hold a service at or near midnight.

How many churches in California hold Christmas Eve services?

This page covers 85 churches in 11 cities in California. 8 have posted 2026 times so far, and we add the rest as each church posts them.

Which cities in California are on this page?

Bakersfield, Fresno, Irvine, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Oceanside, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose and Santa Barbara. We add cities as we research them.

Which cities in California have the most Christmas Eve services listed?

The most listings so far are in San Jose (14), San Diego (13) and Los Angeles (10).

What is the earliest Christmas Eve service in California?

Of the times posted so far, the earliest is 2:00 PM at Shepherd of the Hills Church, North Hills (East Valley) in Los Angeles (Christmas Eve Candlelight Service).

What is the latest Christmas Eve service in California?

Of the times posted so far, the latest is 11:00 PM at Shepherd of the Hills Church, Porter Ranch in Los Angeles (Christmas Eve Candlelight Service).

Is there a midnight Christmas Eve service in California?

Yes. Services at or near midnight are posted at Shepherd of the Hills Church, Porter Ranch in Los Angeles.

Are there family or children's Christmas Eve services in California?

Yes. Family or children's services are posted at Mission Hills United Church of Christ in San Diego. They are usually earlier and shorter, often with a pageant or simple songs.

Are there candlelight Christmas Eve services in California?

Yes. Candlelight services are posted at Bel Air Church in Los Angeles, Shepherd of the Hills Church, Porter Ranch in Los Angeles, Shepherd of the Hills Church, North Hills (East Valley) in Los Angeles and Shepherd of the Hills Church, Westwood in Los Angeles.

Can I watch a Christmas Eve service online?

Yes. Livestreams are listed for Shepherd of the Hills Church, Porter Ranch in Los Angeles, Shepherd of the Hills Church, North Hills (East Valley) in Los Angeles, Shepherd of the Hills Church, Westwood in Los Angeles and Shepherd of the Hills Church, Woodland Hills in Los Angeles. Each church's page has the link.

Do any churches ask families to reserve seats?

Yes. Rock Church (Point Loma) in San Diego ask families to reserve or get free seats for some services. Check each church's page before you go.

Which church traditions have Christmas Eve services in California?

Listed in alphabetical order: Anglican (ACNA) (1), Catholic (25), Church of Christ (2), Congregational (UCC) (1), Episcopal (5), Lutheran (2), Methodist (10), Orthodox (2), Presbyterian (6), Unitarian Universalist (4). Every tradition is listed in the same format.

When do churches post their Christmas Eve times?

Most churches post between late November and mid December. We check every church on this page each week and add 2026 times as soon as they appear on the church's own page.

How early should we arrive for a Christmas Eve service?

Family and candlelight services are usually the busiest of the year. Arriving 20 to 30 minutes early helps with parking and seating together, especially with young children.

Are Christmas Eve services okay for young children?

Yes. Family and children's services are planned with kids in mind, and many churches welcome little ones at every service. Some offer a nursery or a family room; each church's page has the details.

How is this list put together?

We list every church we find with a Christmas Eve service, in the same format, and every tradition the same way. No church pays to be listed or to be placed higher.

Is this page connected to any church or faith?

No. Rally Takes the Train is a children's book. This is a free public listing of Christmas Eve service times and addresses, and it does not endorse any church or faith.

How can a church add or correct its listing?

Church staff can email kelsey@rallytakesthetrain.com with the church's name and a link to its Christmas Eve page. We check corrections against the church's own page, usually within 24 hours.

Where can I find Christmas events for kids in California?

Our guide to Christmas events for kids in California lists Santa visits, holiday lights, shows and free events for 2026, city by city.

Listed as a free public service. Rally Takes the Train is a children's book and does not endorse any church or faith. Every tradition is listed the same way. Church staff: send corrections or removals to kelsey@rallytakesthetrain.com.