Christmas is one of the most spiritually open seasons of the year. Hearts are tender, families are gathering, and people are more willing than ever to step into a church service or receive an act of kindness. With just a little intentionality, your church can use this season to shine the light of Christ in meaningful, relational, and gospel-centered ways. Here are eight practical outreach ideas to help you maximize this Christmas season for the glory of God and the good of your community.

1. Canvass close to the church with an invitation card. 

Be mindful/prayerful of ministry needs. Have a prayer emphasis at the church while others are canvassing. Come back to the church and have a time of snacks and hot chocolate. Create a simple follow-up plan for volunteers to revisit any homes that show interest or have prayer needs during the first week of January.

2. Use social media and have members post about Christmas activities. 

Encourage them to share photos, stories, and personal testimonies. Create a branded hashtag for your church so all Christmas content becomes easy to find and share.

3. Have a Sunday morning sermon series centered around outreach, with Wednesdays focused on missions.

Highlight the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering and feature missions speakers. Include a weekly outreach challenge for members to put the messages into practice.

4. Give out business card-sized invite cards. 

Mail an invite card to everyone who isn’t coming consistently and place cards in local businesses. Add a QR code linking to service times, childcare info, and a welcome video from the pastor.

5. Go caroling at nursing homes, the county jail, drug rehab centers, and homes of those experiencing loss or difficulty. 

Use your imagination to decide where best to carol. Pair each caroling stop with a small, thoughtful gift such as a devotional booklet or Christmas card handwritten by church members.

6. Offer free hot chocolate at the community Christmas parade (if it’s not too late). 

Set up a simple tent with church signage and provide invitation cards so every cup becomes an outreach touchpoint. If a Christmas parade isn’t an option, look for other community events you can plug in to.

7. Provide a photo booth and encourage members to bring their family. 

Offer instant digital copies so families can share the photos online and tag the church.

8. Host a Christmas Eve service (or similar-type gathering) with an intentional evangelistic message. 

Give guests a simple, attractive “Next Steps” card inviting them back for the New Year and offering ways to connect with small groups.

Christmas outreach doesn’t have to be complicated—just prayerful, intentional, and focused on connecting people to Jesus. As your church steps out in faith, God will use every invite card, every act of kindness, every carol sung, and every gospel conversation to draw hearts to Himself. May these ideas spark creativity and strengthen your mission as you proclaim the hope of Christ this Christmas.

This article was written by state missionary Ken Allen.