Communities across North Wales are preparing for a season of festive worship and celebration, with churches from Conwy to Anglesey publishing their schedules of Christmas services and events. From traditional carols by candlelight to family-friendly Christingle services, the region's faith groups are offering a wide array of opportunities for reflection and community gathering during the holiday period.
Festive Highlights and Special Christmas Services
The week leading up to Christmas Day is packed with special events. In Colwyn Bay, Princes Drive Baptist Church will hold a Christingle service at 3pm on Christmas Eve, while St Paul's Church hosts a service of Nine Lessons and Carols at 10:30am on Sunday, December 21. For many, the culmination of the season will be the Midnight Mass services. St Joseph's in Colwyn Bay will hold its Mass at midnight on Christmas Eve, though it notes there will be no carols beforehand this year. St Paul's Church in the same town will have its First Eucharist of Christmas slightly earlier at 11:30pm.
Rhos-on-Sea will see several poignant events, including Carols by the Sea at St Trillo's Chapel on the Shore at 7pm on Christmas Eve, followed by a Midnight Mass at St George's at 11:30pm. In Penyhyn Bay, the Presbyterian Church invites the community for 'Carols round the tree' at 7pm on Tuesday, December 23.
Regular Worship and Community Outreach
Beyond the special Christmas services, regular worship continues in parishes across the region. Many churches have provided their standard Sunday schedules for those seeking routine services. Bangor Cathedral maintains a robust weekly pattern, with daily Holy Communion at 12:30pm from Wednesday to Saturday the week of December 21, complemented by Choral Evensong at 5:30pm on Thursday, Monday, and Tuesday.
Community-focused activities are also a key feature. Kinmel Bay Church runs a weekly Sunday worship service at 10:30am that includes a crèche, Kids Church, and Youth Church. They also offer courses like Christianity Explored and baptism classes periodically. In Llandudno, Gloddaeth Church hosts a Wednesday lunch from 12:30pm to 2pm, followed by a prayer meeting, demonstrating the ongoing role of churches as community hubs.
Practical Information for Worshippers
Churches have made detailed contact information available for those seeking further details. For several churches in the Conwy area, including St Mary's in Conwy and Caerhun, enquiries can be directed to the Vicarage on 01492 460610 or via email to 5churchinfo@gmail.com. The Roman Catholic Parish covering Conwy, Llandudno Junction, Llanfairfechan, and Llanrwst celebrates Mass at The Church of Most Holy Family in Llandudno Junction on Sundays at 11am and Fridays at 10am.
For residents on Anglesey, Vicar Richard Wood is the central contact for multiple churches, including St Andrew's in Benllech and St Mary's in Menai Bridge, and can be reached on 07572 776225. Several services also embrace technology; St Grwst's Church in Llanrwst broadcasts its bilingual Sunday service at 9:45am on Zoom, with details available from Rev Sarah Hildreth Osborn.
This extensive list, compiled from submissions to the local news, highlights the vibrant and diverse spiritual landscape of North Wales during the Christmas season, offering both traditional reverence and warm community fellowship to all.
