Countdown to Christmas: Local Christmas Eve Services

Churches in and around Potomac are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ with worship services on Christmas Eve, Saturday, Dec. 24.

• Three Christmas Eve services will take place: 5 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. A nursery will be provided during the 5 p.m. service.

• A family candlelight service begins at 7 p.m. and the communion Christmas Eve service is scheduled for 11 p.m.

• A Christmas Eve family service will be held at 7 p.m. Special pre-service Christmas music begins at 10 p.m. followed by a candlelight service at 10:30 p.m. Warm cider and cookies will be served in the Narthex from 9:45 to 10:15 p.m.

• On Christmas Eve, prelude music begins one half-hour before each Mass. Schedule: Cherub Choir/Cantor/Flute (church) at 4 p.m.; Piano/Cantor/Trumpet (McAuley Hall) at 4 p.m.; Cantor/Hand Bells at 6 p.m.; Choir/Strings/Trumpet at 8 p.m.; and Schola/Strings/Trumpet at 10 p.m.                          

• Mass will be held at 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. Both will feature seasonal music with instruments and Communion will be served.

• A Christmas Eve family service will be held at 5 p.m. Communion services are scheduled for 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. All services are by candlelight.

• A Christmas Eve family service will take place at 5:30 p.m.; Vespers at 7 p.m.; and a candlelight service will be held at 7:30 p.m.

• The worship schedule is as follows: Choral Preludes by Children's Choir at 5:15 p.m.; Holy Eucharist with sermon at 5:30 p.m.; Choral Prelude by St. Francis Choir at 9:30 p.m.; and Holy Eucharist with sermon at 10 p.m. 

• A Christmas Eve service for children and parents will be held at 3 p.m. Holy Eucharist with candlelight and carols is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

• A Christmas Eve Communion service will be held at 7 p.m.