Christmas at SMR


Advent & Christmas services, events and concerts

 

For downloadable Christmas service sheets, visit our services page


Most of our services and carol concerts can be watched online via SMR Live by clicking the red button

SMR LIVE 


Sunday 1 December • 5:30pm • Advent Procession

Special service featuring music and Bible readings to reflect the period of anticipation of the birth of the Christ Child.


Monday 2 December • 7:00pm • Nadia Eide in Concert *

Chart-topping soprano and star of The Voice UK, Nadia Eide, presents a spectacular Christmas concert for all ages. Singing festive favourites and classic songs, this show is sure to bring the Christmas joy!

BUY TICKETS


Thursday 5 - Sunday 8 December • 9:00am - 5:00pm

TREEFEST

Annual charity Christmas tree festival with music, 

refreshments and a Christmas market.


Thursday 5 December • 1:00pm • Treefest Carols

Christmas carols during Treefest around the piano.


Saturday 7 December • 6:00pm • Treefest Carol Service

Special, family-friendly Christmas carol service surrounded by Christmas trees!


Wednesday 11 December • 6:30pm • Gabrielli Roar *

Join Gabrieli Roar for ‘A Grand Georgian Christmas’, a festive treat featuring the rich harmonies and spirited rhythms that once filled the village churches and parish halls of England.

TICKETS


Thursday 12 December • 7:30pm • Christmas Star Concert *

Join Bristol & Weston Hospitals Charity for a magical evening of musical performances and carols and you can spread festive cheer whilst raising vital funds to support patients, their families and amazing NHS staff at ten hospitals across Bristol and Weston. The annual Christmas Star Concert promises to be a Christmas cracker of a concert.

TICKETS


Saturday 14 December • 5:30pm • Nine Lessons & Carols

Traditional candlelit festival of Nine Lessons and Carols.


Sunday 15 December • 5:30pm • Nine Lessons & Carols

Traditional candlelit festival of Nine Lessons and Carols.


Tuesday 17 December • 7:30pm • Salvation Army Carols

Celebration of Christmas with the band of the Salvation Army.


Wednesday 18 December • 6:00pm and 8:30pm

Tribute to Hans Zimmer & Film Favourites Illuminated *

An immersive tribute to Hans Zimmer and cinema’s most iconic music with a live chamber orchestra illuminated by light, performed by the London Film Music Orchestra. 

TICKETS


Thursday 19 December • 1:00pm • Lunchtime Carols

Carols for all to sing, sacred and secular, with poems 

and readings.


Thursday 19 December • 7:00pm (Doors open at 6:15pm)

Children with Cancer Carol Service 

For the very first time, Children with Cancer UK will be hosting an inter-faith carol concert in Bristol to bring together families and supporters to mark the Christmas season. Join in to hear stories of courage and hope the future whilst we raise awareness around the issues faced by children and young people on the cancer journey.


Saturday 21 December • 7:30pm • Vivaldi Four Seasons at Christmas by Candlelight *

The Piccadilly Sinfonietta will treat you to a feast of classical masterpieces! The programme also includes much-loved works by Pachelbel, Bach and Corelli, the perfect additions to our festive programme for you!

TICKETS


Sunday 22 December • 3:00pm • Christingle

Family favourite all-age service with popular carols. An interactive service reflecting on the meaning of Christingle.


Sunday 22 December • 5:30pm • Blue Christmas 

This is a service for those who find Christmas difficult. Whether remembering a loved one who has died or finding things tough for any reason; Blue Christmas offers a thoughtful and peaceful space. With gentle music and readings, we hope this service provides space for those 

who need it.


Christmas Eve • 4:00pm • Crib Service

Family favourite all-age service with popular carols and a nativity tableau. Come dressed up as your favourite nativity character!


Christmas Eve • 11:30pm • Midnight Mass 

Traditional and atmospheric service of Holy Communion 

for Christmas night.


Christmas Day • 10:30am • All-Age Eucharist

Family-friendly all-age festival service of Holy Communion. If you open any presents before, bring them along!


* Indicates a ticketed event





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By matthew.buckmaster July 27, 2026
Preached by Canon Dr Stephen Spencer
By matthew.buckmaster July 22, 2026
Preached by Canon Dr Stephen Spencer
By joe.cryan July 17, 2026
Last Sunday marked the end of another choir term—and what a term it has been! We've welcomed new choristers, learnt plenty of exciting music, sung for some wonderful liturgies, and eaten what can only be described as a significant amount of biscuits. The day began with a very special visit from Sing Start! , who joined us for the Eucharist. Together we sang Litany of the Holy Spirit and Joanna Forbes L'Estrange's St Helen's Mass. A huge thank you to Helena from Children's Church for organising ice creams afterwards—a thoroughly appreciated post-service treat! We're also delighted that a large number of Sing Start! children will be joining our regular treble lines from September. This is tremendously exciting, not only for the choir's future growth but also for the long-term strength and sustainability of our music-making at SMR. In the evening, we gathered for a special service celebrating the composer Charles Wood, marking 100 years since his death. It was a fitting tribute to one of the great figures of Anglican church music—but the occasion was also notable for another reason. Several of our own choir members stepped into new musical roles and showcased talents beyond their usual singing duties. Our Head Chorister conducted the introit, one of the back-row singers composed the psalm chant, and our Corner Chorister wrote the organ voluntary. It's wonderful to see so much creativity and musicianship flourishing within the choir. The final service of the year was followed by the all-important choir party: pizza and a screening of Sister Act. Judging by the enthusiastic reaction afterwards, there is now considerable demand for I Will Follow Him to appear in a future service. We make no promises—but do keep an eye on next year's music lists... The choir is now taking a well-earned summer break, but music certainly won't stop at SMR. Sunday morning Masses will continue with a cantor leading the music, and we're looking forward to welcoming several excellent visiting choirs over the coming weeks, including St Andrew's Backwell, St Mary's Ross-on-Wye, and the Handful Chamber Choir. Our regular choir returns on Sunday 13 September, refreshed, recharged, and ready for another exciting year of music. Have a wonderful summer, and thank you to all our choristers, families, volunteers, and supporters for another fantastic year.
By matthew.buckmaster July 13, 2026
Preached by Canon Dr Stephen Spencer
By matthew.buckmaster July 6, 2026
Preached by the Revd Dr Brutus Green
By matthew.buckmaster July 6, 2026
Preached by the Revd Dr Brutus Green