Advent and Christmas
Embrace hope. Choose faith. Welcome joy.
Advent begins November 30. It’s a time of expectation as we await the birth of Jesus. We don’t rush to Christmas; through prayerful stillness and quiet reflection, we prepare to receive anew God’s gift of love.
We warmly invite you to join us this holiday season in worship, community, and song. Come celebrate with Trinity Church.
Worship Schedule
Advent
Holy Eucharist
Sundays, November 30–December 21
8am, 9am, 11:15am
Advent Retreat Day
Saturday, December 13, 10am
A day of contemplation and rest
Comfort at Christmas
Monday, December 15, 6pm
A service for those in grief
Christmas Compline by Candlelight
Sunday, December 21, 7pm
Featuring holiday anthems
Christmas Eve
Family Eucharist and Christmas Pageant
Wednesday, December 24, 3pm
Solemne Eucaristía de Navidad en español
Wednesday, December 24, 5pm
Holy Eucharist
Wednesday, December 24, 7pm
Holy Eucharist
Wednesday, December 24, 9pm
Candlelight Eucharist
Wednesday, December 24, 11pm
Christmas Day
Holy Eucharist: The Nativity of Our Lord
Thursday, December 25, 11:15am
The Journey to Christmas
What Is Advent?
The four weeks leading up to Christmas allow us to slow down. Through reflection, serving our neighbors, and gathering for music and worship, we prepare for the birth of Jesus. Mother Kristin Miles explains.
Simple Ways to Observe Advent with Kids
“In and outside of church, the Advent season is an opportunity to introduce kids to the stories, traditions, and people that will help ground them in the love of God,” says Father Matt Welsch.
God Among Us
“Born to an ordinary young woman, God in Jesus walks beside us, taking on creaturely flesh,” writes Summerlee State. “God, in other words, incarnates and experiences as we do the pangs and joys of what it means to be human.”
Gather in Community
Advent Fair
Sunday, November 30
During coffee hours following services
Celebrate the beginning of Advent with the Trinity community! Join us at coffee hour, where we’ll have crafts and activities for the whole family.
Youth Group Holiday Party
Wednesday, December 3, 6–8pm
Before winter break, Trinity Youth Group celebrates the season.
Trinity Afterschool Holiday Open House
Wednesday, December 10, 5–7 pm
Members of Trinity Youth and their families are invited to watch a cozy movie, enjoy musical performances by JAZZ HOUSE NYC, decorate cookies , and more!
’Twas the Night Before Christmas
Sunday, December 14, 3pm
Church of the Intercession
For more than 100 years, the Church of the Intercession in Washington Heights, formerly a Trinity chapel, has hosted a festive annual reading of “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” better known as “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
Family Epiphany Retreat
January 2–4, Trinity Retreat Center
Join a cozy winter weekend enjoying games by the fireplace, snowy hikes, hot cocoa, and carols. Connect with other Trinity families and start the new year grounded in community.
Volunteer to Serve
Support The Giving Tree
November 23–December 20
Be part of Trinity’s annual gift drive for children in our community. Volunteers are needed to help guide gift-givers as they select gift tags, wrap, prepare, and distribute gifts.
Giving Tree attendants
Sundays, November 23–December 14, after church services. Register.
Gift-wrapping party
Thursday, December 18, 5–8pm. Register.
Gift prep
Friday, December 19, 9am–4pm. Register.
Distribution
Saturday, December 20, 10am–2pm. Register.
Serve Christmas Dinner
Sunday, December 7, 3–7pm
Greet and serve guests at our annual dinner for the Compassion ministries community. Registration is at capacity.
Pack and Distribute Christmas Groceries
Monday, December 22, 10am–1pm
Tuesday, December 23, 9–11am
Provide meal supplies to neighbors in need. Registration coming soon.
Concerts & Music
Downtown Voices Celebrates 10 Years: Britten “Saint Nicolas”
Wednesday, December 3, 7pm
This colorful cantata tells the story of the revered 4th-century bishop upon whom the legend of Santa Claus is based.
Handel’s Messiah
Friday, December 12, 7pm
Streamed live on YouTube
Experience the event of the season: New York’s most historic Messiah.
Trinity Youth Chorus: A Ceremony of Carols
Sunday, December 14, 7pm
Join us for an evening of festive music by candlelight.
Sing, Choirs of Angels: Holiday Sing-Along
Saturday, December 20, 2pm and 3:30pm
Add your voice to this cherished annual program of carols and seasonal favorites.
The Meaning Behind the Magic
A Ceremony of Carols: “It’s just all joy and energy”
Trinity Youth Chorus’s cherished annual performance of the Benjamin Britten work is a celebration of faith, family, and community. Director of Music Peyton Marion explains how Trinity’s version allows all young choristers to shine.
So You Think You Know Santa? The Surprising Origin of a Beloved Tradition
For more than 110 years, a one-time Trinity chapel has hosted a festive gathering honoring the creator of the modern-day Santa Claus. Learn about the unexpected connection that inspired the tradition.
Five Things You Didn’t Know About Trinity’s “Messiah”
Performed for the first time in 1770, Trinity Church’s take on the Handel masterpiece has become a holiday institution. But in a city brimming with “Hallelujah” choruses, what sets our version apart?