"Come! All Ye Faithful!"
Advent & Christmas
Join us this festive season at St John’s, Upper Norwood, for inspiring services, joyful events, and meaningful ways to give back to our community. From reflective Advent moments to festive Christmas celebrations, there’s something for everyone—explore our full schedule of events below!
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Advent Sunday
Sunday 30th November | 10 AM + 6 PM
10:30 AM: An all-age Mass featuring oranges, sweets, and candles. Children and young families are especially welcome.6 PM: Experience a candlelit service transitioning from darkness into light as we retell the story of Christ's coming. This "Come and Sing" service will be led by the Choir of St John’s, Upper Norwood, and Friends.
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Messy Christmas!
Sunday 14 December | 3:30-5:30 PM
Free Advent and Christmas Crafts, activities, science experiments, baking, go-kart making, carol singing, a nativity play and a hot meal for the whole family. Most suitable for children aged 4-12. Free tickets must be booked in advance.
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PlayTime! Christmas Party
Friday 19 December | 9:30-11 AM
A free Christmas Party for 0-5s and their grown-ups, with a visit from Fr Christmas. Children are welcome to come dressed up. Free tickets must be booked in advance.
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Christmas Carol Services
Sunday 21 December | 3 PM + 6:30 PM
3 PM: A 45-minute Family Christmas Carol Service, with sing-along carols, gingerbread, and hot chocolate!
6:30 PM: A candlelit service with the retelling of the Christmas story through 9 Lessons and Carols. All are welcome. -
Christmas Eve Nativity
Wednesday 24th December | 3 & 4:30PM
Join us and our real donkey, Percy, as we retell the Nativity story. Children are welcome to come dressed up! Anyone who plays an instrument (all ages, all stages!) is invited to join the band. -
Midnight Mass
Wednesday 24th December | 11:30 PM
Join us as we celebrate the mystery of the Birth or Christ on the holiest night of the year. The Mass will be sung by the Choir of St John's, Upper Norwood. All are welcome, whether you're a regular churchgoer or coming for the first time. -
Christmas Day
Thursday 25th December | 10 AM
Join us for your favourite Christmas Carols and a festive Communion on Christmas Day. All ages are welcome.
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St John's Day
Saturday 27th December | 12 PM
Join us as we celebrate our Patronal Festival with a High Mass for St John the Evangelist, followed by lunch. -
New Year 2026
Thursday 1st January | 12 PM
Join us at Noon for a High Mass on New Year's Day as we celebrate the Naming and Circumcision of Jesus.
Followed by a pub lunch.
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Epiphany
Sunday 4th January | 10:30 AM + 6 PM
10.30 AM: High Mass for Epiphany. All ages are welcome.
6 PM: Epiphany Carol Service, followed by festive refreshments.
JOIN THE TEAM
Get Involved this Christmas!
There are so many ways to join our community and make this Christmas season truly special. Whether you want to lend a hand, share your talents, or support our work, we’d love to have you on the team.
Opportunities include:
Bringing a tin of food each time you come to church to support the Community Food Pantry
Serving refreshments at concerts, services, and events
Helping to lead an activity like Messy Christmas or PlayTime! special Christmas
Helping to cook and serve Christmas Lunch at The Hub
Wrapping Christmas presents for our Refugee Café
Singing at our Come and Sing Advent Carol Service (experienced choristers only)
Making a donation to support our work with the community
To get involved, drop an email to the Parish Office at office@sjun.org.uk or call 020 8771 6686.
Visit St John’s! We’d love to welcome you in person!
Location: St John’s, Upper Norwood,
Sylvan Road, London SE19 2RX
Free Parking
Available on Auckland Road, Sylvan Road, and the surrounding areas.
Public Transport
Bus Routes: 249, 410, SL6, N68, 196
Closest Train Station: Crystal Palace (approximately 0.6 miles away)
Contact Us
Any questions? Call us: 020 8771 6686 or email us at office@sjun.org.uk
Follow us on @stjohnsuppernorwood
