Thank you for Celebrating Christmas with us at St. Matthew's!
We hope you experienced warmth, peace, and light, wherever and however you celebrated. We know how full this time of year can be, and it means a great deal that St. Matthew’s was part of your holiday.
As the year unfolds, may the hope of Christ remain with you. If you are ever looking for a place to pause, reflect, or worship, you would be most welcome at St. Matthew’s.
You can find information about upcoming services and events anytime at stmtts.org/events. If you have questions or would like help getting connected, we are always glad to help.
Wishing you peace and joy in the days ahead and every blessing in the New Year.
2025 Christmas Eve Services in Sterling, VA
Invite your friends and family to celebrate Christmas at St. Matthew's right here in Sterling, VA, just minutes from Ashburn, Herndon, Leesburg, and Reston.
Whether you're continuing a beloved tradition or starting a new one, you'll experience joyful worship, beautiful music, and a message of hope from Rev. Rob Merola.
Before the 3 PM, 5 PM, and 8 PM services, enjoy complimentary hot cocoa and hot cider, a simple way to settle into Christmas Eve together before worship.
Kids will also receive a Children’s Christmas Activity Booklet (with a few fun extras!) at every service to help them enjoy and engage with the celebration.
Service Details
3:00 PM - Children's Christmas Nativity Musical & Communion Service
Celebrate the joy of Christmas through the eyes of children at our 3 PM Children’s Christmas Nativity Musical and Communion Service at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Sterling, Virginia. This family-friendly Christmas Eve service features the children and youth of St. Matthew’s as they share a joyful, music-filled retelling of the Nativity story. With charming costumes, familiar Christmas songs, and heartfelt moments from shepherds, angels, wise men, Mary, and Joseph, the story of Jesus’ birth comes to life in a way that delights all ages. Before the service, enjoy complimentary hot cocoa and hot cider from a local food truck and stop by our festive family photo spots—perfect for a quick Christmas Eve memory before little ones get wiggly. Kids will receive a Children’s Christmas Activity Booklet (with a few fun extras!) to enjoy during the service. Join us for Holy Communion and sing along to well-loved Christmas carols. This service has become a tradition the Sterling community looks forward to every year. Bring the whole family for this lighthearted and joy-filled celebration that reflects the wonder and love at the heart of Christmas. All are welcome. Come share in the joy and hope of the season.
5:00 PM - Traditional Christmas Eve Service with Soloist & Strings
Step into the warmth and wonder of Christmas Eve at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Sterling, Virginia. Our 5 PM Traditional Christmas Eve Service is a beautiful and family-friendly celebration of faith, music, and hope. Before the service, enjoy complimentary hot cocoa and hot cider from a local food truck as you arrive—a simple way to slow down, savor the evening, and share a moment of Christmas hospitality with your loved ones. Kids will receive a Children’s Christmas Activity Booklet (with a few fun extras!) to help them enjoy and follow along with the service. Experience the joy of Christmas through beloved carols, Holy Communion, and a heartfelt Christmas message that reminds us of the true meaning of the season. Featuring a soloist and string accompaniment, this service captures the peaceful, sacred beauty of a classic Episcopal Christmas Mass. Whether you’re continuing a cherished tradition or discovering a new one, you’ll find a welcoming community and a service that inspires, comforts, and fills your heart with peace and hope. Join us this Christmas Eve for a traditional service that feels like coming home.
8:00 PM - Christmas Eve Service with Live Band
Celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with joy, music, and community at our 8 PM Contemporary Christmas Eve Service at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Sterling, Virginia. Before the service, enjoy complimentary hot cocoa and hot cider from a local food truck as you arrive. It’s a warm, relaxed way to settle in, connect with friends and family, and take a breath before the evening’s celebration begins. Kids will receive a Children’s Christmas Activity Booklet (with a few fun extras!) so they have something fun and meaningful to do during the service. This uplifting service features live music from our band, an inspiring Christmas message, and Holy Communion. Together, we’ll rejoice in the coming of Christ with energy, warmth, and heartfelt worship that captures the true spirit of the season. Come celebrate Christmas with music, joy, and hope!
11:00 PM - Christmas Eve Candlelight Service & Midnight Mass
End your Christmas Eve in the glow of candlelight at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Sterling, Virginia. Our 11 PM Candlelight Service and Midnight Mass is a beloved Episcopal Christmas tradition, filled with sacred beauty, stillness, and song. Experience the timeless story of Jesus’ birth told through Scripture, candlelight, and exquisite choir music. As the sanctuary fills with the warm light of hundreds of candles, you’ll be reminded of how Christ’s light entered our broken world — and continues to shine through us today. This traditional Holy Communion service offers a peaceful, reverent way to welcome Christmas. Whether you’ve made it a family tradition or are joining us for the first time, you’ll find a spirit of hope, peace, and sacred joy. Join us for a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service and Midnight Mass that captures the beauty, mystery, and light of Christmas.
10:00 AM - Christmas Day Holy Communion Service
At 10:00 AM on Christmas morning, gather for a peaceful, joy-filled worship service that honors the true meaning of Christmas. Together we’ll give thanks for the gift of Jesus Christ through Scripture, prayer, and Holy Communion, surrounded by the warmth of our church family. This classic Episcopal Christmas service offers a quiet, beautiful way to start your Christmas Day centered in faith, hope, and gratitude. Celebrate the joy of Christmas morning with faith, fellowship, and Holy Communion.
What You’ll Experience This Christmas
Christmas at St. Matthew’s is warm, welcoming, and grounded in the hope of Christ. Whether you’re coming alone or with family, you’ll find a joyful space to celebrate and a community ready to greet you.
You'll also enjoy:
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Hot cocoa & cider before the 3 PM, 5 PM, and 8 PM services
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A festive family photo spot at the 3 PM Nativity Musical
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Children’s activity booklets at every service
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Candlelight and carols at the 8 PM and 11 PM services
If you’re joining us for the first time, we’d love to greet you, help your family get settled, and make your experience easy and joyful. Plan Your Christmas Eve Visit
Here’s what to expect when you arrive:
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Come as you are. Christmas sweaters, jeans, or your Sunday best
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Children are welcome in every service (the 3 PM Nativity is especially fun for families)
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Communion is open to everyone. All are invited to the Lord’s Table
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Friendly ushers will help you find a seat
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Online options are available on Facebook or YouTube if you can’t join in person
Planning to come for Christmas Eve? We'll send you everything you need: directions, parking tips and what to expect.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What should I wear to a Christmas Eve Service?
You won't be out of place whether you're in your festive Christmas attire or wearing jeans. Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable! All are welcome!
Where should I park?
Free parking is available to the back and side of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church at 201 E. Frederick Drive in Sterling, VA. Additional overflow parking is available, if needed, at the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, along Argonne Avenue, and across the street at Briar Patch Park. Clear signage and our welcome team will help direct you when you arrive.
How long are the services?
All of our Christmas Eve services include uplifting music, joyful worship, and a message of hope from Rev. Rob Merola. Each service lasts about one hour.
What time should I arrive for the Christmas services?
We recommend arriving about 15 minutes before your chosen Christmas Eve or Christmas Day service. This allows time to park, meet our welcome team, and get comfortable before worship begins.
Is childcare or nursery care available?
We do not offer staffed nursery care on Christmas Eve, but children are welcome in every service. Activity booklets and a family-friendly atmosphere help little ones stay engaged, and the 3 PM Nativity Musical is especially fun for families.
Are services accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes. We offer accessible parking spaces close to each entrance and barrier-free entry into the sanctuary. If your mobility is limited, simply let an usher know, we will gladly bring Communion to you where you are seated.
Ready to come for Christmas Eve? We’ll send you a quick guide with parking, directions, and what to expect.
Get Your Christmas Visit Guide
INVITE A FRIEND TO JOIN YOU THIS CHRISTMAS
Christmas is always more meaningful when it’s shared. If you have someone in your life who might enjoy the beauty and hope of Christmas Eve, consider inviting them to join you.
Find simple ideas, sample text messages, and shareable graphics at stmtts.org/invite