The Christmas season is one of the most special times of the year for the Church. It’s when hearts are open, families are seeking connection, and people are more likely than ever to step into a church looking for hope.
But before they ever arrive in person, most will first visit your church website.
As the virtual front door of your church, first impressions matter, especially during the holidays when many are searching for a place to experience joy, peace, and belonging. That’s why it’s so important to use a reliable church website builder.
Guests are often looking for key details that help them understand who you are and what to expect when they attend a Christmas service or event. If those details are hard to find or missing altogether, guests may feel confused or give up before every attending. On the other hand, providing the right information in a welcoming way helps people feel confident and inspired to celebrate Christmas with you.
Here are 7 essential features your church website should include this Christmas season:
1. A Dedicated Christmas Page
Start by creating a single, easy-to-find page that acts as your church’s home for all things Christmas. This page should include:
- Christmas service times and locations (including candlelight, kids, or online services)
- Details for concerts, plays, and community outreaches
- Volunteer opportunities and sign-up forms
- Giving initiatives such as “Christmas Offering” or “Adopt-a-Family” drives
- Frequently asked questions (parking, childcare, attire, etc.)
Be sure to include a banner image, short video, or seasonal design that reflects the warmth and wonder of Christmas. A well-crafted Christmas page makes it simple for guests to find everything they need and helps them plan their visit with confidence.
2. Plan a Visit & Preregistration
During the Christmas season, many guests will be attending your church for the very first time. Make it easy for them to plan a meaningful experience.
It can be helpful to include:
- Address and parking details, especially if you expect large crowds or multiple services
- Registration forms for family-friendly events or children’s check-in
- Service times and descriptions, such as “Family Candlelight Service” or “Modern Christmas Eve Worship”
- Clear directions for where to go once they arrive and who will be there to greet them
- A short welcome video or message from your pastor to introduce your church and personally invite guests
Pro Tip: Offer a simple preregistration option for families with children to help streamline the check-in process and create a smoother, stress-free experience when they arrive.
3. Event Calendar
The holidays are busy for both your church and your community.
Keep your calendar updated and easy to navigate so people can see what’s happening at a glance. Add categories such as Family Events, Outreach, Music & Worship, and Volunteer Opportunities to help visitors quickly find what interests them most.
Remember, a well-organized calendar keeps people informed, engaged, and excited about what’s ahead this Christmas and beyond.
Include brief descriptions, graphics, and links to register or sign up to serve at events such as your Christmas Eve Service, Toy Drive, or Community Dinner. A clear, well-organized calendar helps guests quickly see what’s happening and encourages them to join in the celebration.
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4. Live Streaming or Message Archive
Not everyone can attend in person during the holidays. Offering live streaming and a message archive ensures that no one misses out on the message of Christmas.
Live Streaming: Perfect for those traveling, homebound, or unable to attend physically. It extends your Christmas worship services to a wider community.
Message Archive: Keep your Christmas sermons, devotionals, and past services accessible by topic, date, or speaker.
Extra features could include subtitles and transcripts so everyone can engage with the content.
5. What Visitors Can Expect
Help guests feel comfortable before they ever walk through your doors by clearly outlining what they can expect when they attend a service. Include the essential details such as service times, location, parking information, and entrance directions, but go a step further.
Describe what your worship experience is like. Share how long services usually last, what style of music you offer, whether there are programs for kids, and even what most people typically wear. During the Christmas season, you might also mention special elements like candlelight moments, Christmas carols, or photo opportunities for families.
When guests know exactly what to expect, they feel more confident and are far more likely to visit in person.
6. Online Giving
The end of the year is a season of generosity, and many people are looking for meaningful ways to give back. Make sure your online giving tools are easy to find and simple to use. Include a “Give” button in your main navigation, and consider adding special Christmas giving options beyond tithes/offerings such as:
- A Christmas missions or outreach fund
- End-of-year giving opportunities
- Benevolence campaigns that help local families in need
Highlight how these gifts make a real difference in your community. When people can clearly see the impact, generosity follows.
7. Social Media Links
During Christmas, your church’s social media pages can extend the celebration far beyond Sunday services.
Use them to share daily encouragement, highlight moments from your Christmas events, and give a behind-the-scenes look at how your church is serving and celebrating. Post photos from services and outreach events, short videos from your pastor or worship team, and uplifting reminders that point people toward the true meaning of the season. These authentic glimpses help guests and members alike feel more connected to your church community.
Be sure your website links directly to all of your social media platforms, and that your social pages point visitors back to your site. This two-way connection keeps people engaged not only during Christmas but also well into the new year.
Next Steps
Your website is an extension of your ministry, and during Christmas, it becomes one of your greatest outreach tools. By including these seven essentials, you’ll create a clear, welcoming, and festive digital experience that helps new guests connect and returning members celebrate with joy.
Christmas is just the beginning. By building a strong digital foundation now, you’re not only preparing for the beauty of the season but also setting the stage for deeper connection and growth in the year ahead.
If your church website could use a refresh, try Ministry Brands Amplify, an all-in-one church management platform that brings your website, giving, people management, and media tools together so you can focus more on ministry and less on software.
