Christmas Eve Church Services in Orange County, California

This year, there are dozens of Christmas Eve church services offered in Orange County, California. Just north of San Diego and just south of Los Angeles, the friendly people and warm climate of Orange County, not to mention its location, can enhance a Southern California Christmas holiday. Whether you're looking for a larger, early evening gathering or an intimate late night church service, you're sure to find what you're looking for on Christmas Eve in Orange County.

ANAHEIM

Not far from Disneyland, there are both early and late evening options for worshipers. Anaheim United Methodist Church, located at 1000 S. State College Blvd., has slated two special activities for Christmas Eve. A family-oriented worship begins at 6 p.m., followed by an 11 p.m. candlelight/communion service. For more information, call (714)776-5710 or visit www.anaheimumc.org

CYPRESS

Two non-denominational services will take place at Cypress Church at 6143 Ball Rd. Both gatherings are candlelight, and begin at 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. For more information, call (714)952-3004 or visit cypress.church.events.googlepages.com/christmas2008

IRVINE

People of every denomination and time schedule will likely find a home at Mariners Church at 5001 Newport Coast Dr. The non-denominational Christ-believing church's Christmas Eve services are scheduled for 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., and 7 p.m. For more information, call (949) 854-7600 or visit www.marinerschurch.org

LOS ALAMITOS

Candlelight services featuring harp music, hymns, and carols is scheduled to be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church at 3352 Katella Ave. Worship begins at 7 p.m. and also 9 p.m. For more information, call (562) 430-3444 or visit www.blcla.org

SAN CLEMENTE

For those closer to San Diego than Los Angeles but still in Orange County, a good choice for Christmas Eve spiritual nourishment and fun might be St. Andrew's by the Sea United Methodist Church at 2001 Calle Fronterea. Three services are offered at 5:30 p.m., 9 p.m., and 11 p.m. The earliest might be of most interest to those with children, as it will feature the Children's Choir, puppets, and other kid-friendly activities. For more information, call (949)492-2537 or visit www.sanclementechristmas.com/christmas/christmaseveservices.html

SANTA ANA

In Santa Ana, Trinity United Presbyterian Church at 13922 N. Prospect Ave. offers four options for families and singles interested in getting out of the house for praise and worship. They are holding services at 5 p.m., 7 p.m., 9 p.m., and 11 p.m. Each should last about one hour. For more information, call (714)544-7850 or visit www.trinityconnection.com

Parking should be easy in Orange County, but please allow plenty of time for traffic both on the roads and in the church parking lots. Enjoy Christmas!