Name: The Marriage Course (online)
Start: 2026-01-06T00:00:00+01:00
End: 2026-01-06T23:59:59+01:00
Location: Online

1,200 attend Christmas events at St Nicholas and All Saints’, Belfast

Thursday December 18th 2025

Christmas celebrations at St Nicholas and All Saints’, Belfast.

More than 1,200 have this year participated in Christmas events at St Nicholas and All Saints’, Belfast. The rector, the Rev Trevor Johnston, shares something on each event.

UniChurch Carols

Over 200 people joined us for our UniChurch Carol Service on Sunday December 7. It was a joyful celebration of Christmas, bringing together students and young people from the local area, alongside their families and friends, for an evening filled with music, community, and the opportunity to hear the true story of Christmas.

As always, the music was a real highlight of the evening. The band, featuring stunning vocals and incredible guitar solos, led the congregation through a vibrant mix of modern carols and reimagined classics. They also performed several pieces for us to enjoy, including God Came Down (Damascus Street), a song they had written and released themselves. The sound of the congregation joining together for the final carol, a jazzy version of Hark the Herald truly lifted the roof.

We had the joy of hearing from the Rev Carl Matthei, rector UniChurch, Sydney, who challenged us with the question, ‘Is your Christmas too clean?’ Carl held out the wonderful truth that Jesus did not come in glory and splendour, but into the dirt and mess of a stable, in order to save filthy and broken sinners. His message was one of deep hope: turn and trust in Jesus, who loves you and is able to save you, and make you clean.

After the service, we gathered over hot chocolate, mulled apple, and festive bakes, spending time together, meeting new people, and continuing the celebration in a warm and welcoming community.

Christmas Big Day Out

Our Christmas Day Out was a joyful celebration, as 525 people from across the local community joined us for a fun-filled family day, despite the stormy weather. The wet and windy conditions did little to dampen spirits, and from the moment the doors opened, the event was filled with laughter, warmth, and genuine festive cheer. Families arrived bundled up against the elements, ready to enjoy a day of Christmas fun, and the atmosphere remained upbeat from beginning to end.

The day truly offered something for everyone to enjoy. Children were delighted by the chance to meet the friendly animals at the petting zoo and had plenty of opportunities to chat with Santa in his grotto. Meanwhile, adults enjoyed relaxing with barista coffees and browsing the artisan market, which showcased a wonderful selection of unique, beautifully crafted items made by local creators. A particular highlight for all ages was the wide range of home-baked festive treats, which proved extremely popular throughout the day.

With creative crafts, face painting, and a dedicated play area for younger children, families were able to spend quality time together while enjoying all the activities on offer. It was wonderful to host an event where the community could come together so easily and joyfully during such a busy time of year. Despite the challenging weather, we were deeply encouraged by the fantastic turnout and the enthusiasm of everyone who attended. We’re already looking forward to next year!

Family Carols

Our Family Carols service was a joyful and uplifting celebration, bringing together people of all ages to enjoy a festive service full of music, laughter, and the true message of Christmas. The child-focused service was a wonderful opportunity for families to celebrate the season together in a relaxed and joyful atmosphere.

The youth band led us beautifully through some much-loved congregational carols, helping everyone to join in wholeheartedly with the classics we know and love. A highlight of the morning was the children’s performance, who sang and played their instruments (with varying levels of enthusiasm) to a Christian version of Jingle Bells that they had been practising in the weeks leading up to the service.

Commissioner Maguire and Detective Candycane were tasked with investigating the real meaning of Christmas, and we were treated to their video interviews with all the children, who did a fantastic job in telling us that Christmas is not about presents, trees, or Santa but instead about a Saviour who came into the world as a baby so that we could be friends with God.

After the service, many stayed to spend time together over tea and coffee, enjoying the chance to chat, reconnect, and welcome newcomers. It was a wonderful morning of worship and fellowship, and great to see the children being such key members of our church family.

Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols

Our Nine Lessons & Carols service was a beautiful and reflective celebration of the Christmas story, bringing together tradition, music, and Scripture. Held by candlelight, there was a peaceful atmosphere as the familiar story of Christmas was told to us through a series of classic Bible readings and choir-led carols.

We were delighted to welcome over 320 people, including many from the local community. It was encouraging to see so many people come together to pause, reflect, and enjoy some time together. The choir delivered an incredible performance, offering a beautiful mix of much-loved traditional carols alongside some lovely modern pieces. Their music filled the church and was a real highlight of the evening, moving and uplifting those who attended. The congregation also joined in singing some classic carols, getting everyone involved in celebrating Christmas together.

At the heart of the service was a clear and hopeful message about God’s incredible and intentional design of the universe, and each one of us. We were reminded that God desires to know us personally and, at Christmas, sent Jesus so that we could be reconciled to Him. We signposted those who came to the Life Course running in January – an opportunity for anyone wanting to explore the claims of the Bible and ask questions in a low-pressure environment. Following the service, many stayed to enjoy time together over tea, coffee, and mince pies. It was a special evening of worship, reflection, and community, and a wonderful way to celebrate the Christmas season.