Advent Around the Diocese
As we move through this season of anticipation and hope, congregations around El Camino Real are opening their doors, lifting up music and prayer, and creating opportunities for reflection, fellowship and joy. Below is a date-ordered roundup of Advent events happening across the diocese. Within each date, listings appear alphabetically by parish.
We will continue adding to this list as more information becomes available.
Friday, December 5
St. Andrew’s, Saratoga
Parish website: https://www.st-andrews-saratoga.org/
WVC Performing Arts: Sounds of the Season
A festive program of seasonal music hosted at St. Andrew’s.
Event details:
https://www.st-andrews-saratoga.org/events/event-detail/24210428–2025-12-05–wvc-performing-arts–sounds-of-the-season/
St. Timothy’s, Mountain View
Parish website: https://www.sainttimothys.org/
St. Nicholas Festival
5 to 8 p.m.
A family friendly celebration with St. Nicholas, children’s activities and seasonal fun.
Saturday, December 7
St. Andrew’s, Ben Lomond
Parish website: https://saintandrewsbenlomond.org/
Christmas Tea
After worship, around 11 a.m.
A festive Christmas Tea in the Parish Hall. Adults, children and families are welcome, and a special visitor with a white beard may stop by.
St. Benedict’s, Los Osos
Parish website: https://stbenslososos.org/
Community Grace Retreat: A Reflective Day for Advent
A full day of quiet reflection, prayer and gentle community time.
Retreat details: https://www.stbenslososos.org/community-grace-event/
St. Luke’s, Los Gatos
Parish website: https://stlukeslg.org/
Advent Lessons and Carols
A beloved tradition of readings and music to prepare for Christmas.
Event information: https://stlukeslg.org/events/advent-lessons-carols/
St. Mary’s, Pacific Grove
Parish website: https://www.stmarysbythesea.org/
Advent Short Film and Discussion Series: Peace
After worship
A 10 to 15 minute short film connected to the weekly theme, followed by conversation.
Thursday, December 12
St. Philip’s, Scotts Valley
Parish website: https://www.stphilip-sv.net/
No Room at the Inn, Nativity Re-imagined: An Advent Interactive Experience
A creative and participatory offering that invites people of all ages to explore the Nativity story.
Event information: https://www.stphilip-sv.net/nrati
Friday, December 13
St. Jude’s, Cupertino
Parish website: https://www.saintjudes.org/
Long Nights: An Advent Service of Light in the Midst of Darkness
5 p.m. in the Parish Hall
You are invited to join the Stephen Ministers of St. Andrew’s, St. Luke’s and St. Jude’s for this special Advent service, offering light and hope in the midst of darkness. The service will be followed by a simple supper of soup, baked potato, salad, bread and dessert. Stephen Ministers will be available for questions, prayers and conversation following the service. Please bring a canned food donation to benefit Santa Maria Urban Ministry, and RSVP to Ellen Kolstee (ekolmaj@gmail.com) so the parish can prepare enough food.
St. Stephen’s-in-the-Field, San Jose
Parish website: https://ssitf.org/
A Christmas Caroling Celebration
Carols at 7 p.m. in the Church
Refreshments at 8 p.m. in the Parish Hall
An evening of joyful music and community cheer. All are welcome.
Saturday, December 14
All Saints’, Palo Alto
Parish website: https://www.asaints.org/
Advent Lessons and Carols
A beautifully sung and prayerful service to prepare our hearts for Christmas.
Event details: https://www.asaints.org/event-details/lessons-and-carols
Calvary, Santa Cruz
Parish website: https://www.calvarysantacruz.org/
Christmas Lessons and Carols
4:30 p.m.
A contemplative service of scripture and music to usher in the final days of Advent.
St. Barnabas’, Arroyo Grande
Parish website: https://www.saintbarnabas-ag.org/
Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols
5 p.m.
A beautiful evening of scripture and music to mark the season.
Preview last year’s service here:
https://www.facebook.com/StBarnabasAG/posts/pfbid0eDzn1SVx94oyJKX2T8x86ba5xvyW2B19RDrrnGdHdbhW6HgRTiUr8meEoPnZUK2Vl
St. Mary’s, Pacific Grove
Parish website: https://www.stmarysbythesea.org/
Advent Short Film and Discussion Series: Special Coffee Hour for Bishop Lucinda’s Visitation
After worship
Sunday, December 21
St. Mary’s, Pacific Grove
Parish website: https://www.stmarysbythesea.org/
Advent Short Film and Discussion Series: Love
After worship
Ongoing Seasonal Offerings
St. Francis, Willow Glen
Parish website: https://www.stfranciswillowglen.org/
Advent Prayer Study: The Character of God
Wednesdays, December 3, 10 and 17 at 7 p.m., followed by Compline
A contemplative journey through prayer, scripture and sacred writings that explores who God is and how we are shaped by divine love.
St. Benedict’s, Los Osos
Parish website: https://stbenslososos.org/
Online Morning Prayer with Advent Focus
Join St. Benedict’s for online Morning Prayer throughout Advent, with reflections centered on seasonal practices.
St. Mary’s, Pacific Grove
Parish website: https://www.stmarysbythesea.org/
Advent Devotions Discussion Series
Mondays, December 8, 15 and 22 at 6:30 p.m. on Zoom
Members of St. Mary’s spiritual writing group share scripture and devotional reflections each week.
Devotions are available in print after Sunday worship or online.