Christmas Mass and Church Services in Cedarburg 2025

Cedarburg, Wisconsin offers one of the most enchanting Christmas church experiences in the Midwest, with over a dozen congregations hosting services in a town that Reader's Digest named Wisconsin's best Christmas destination. Whether you're seeking a candlelit midnight mass in a historic limestone church or a contemporary family celebration, this guide covers every denomination and service option for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

The charming downtown setting—centuries-old buildings draped in twinkling lights, luminaries lining Washington Avenue—creates a magical backdrop for worship. From Catholic masses to Lutheran services spanning three synods to Methodist candlelight gatherings, Cedarburg's churches welcome visitors with warm hospitality and rich musical traditions.

Catholic worship at St. Francis Borgia Parish

St. Francis Borgia Catholic Parish is Cedarburg's only Catholic parish, operating two beautiful worship sites that offer multiple Christmas mass times to accommodate families.

North Church (Main Campus)

Address: 1375 Covered Bridge Road, Cedarburg, WI 53012

This larger church, renovated in 2005 and featuring the impressive Marianne Huiras Memorial Organ, hosts the primary Christmas masses. The facility includes a fellowship hall downstairs—perfect for greeting other parishioners after services.

South Church (Historic Downtown)

Address: N44 W6055 Hamilton Road, Cedarburg, WI 53012

Located at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Hamilton Road in downtown Cedarburg, this smaller historic church provides an intimate setting ideal for Midnight Mass and carries the charm of the town's 19th-century heritage.

Christmas Mass Schedule

Christmas Eve (December 24):

Time Location Notes 4:00 PM North Church Family-friendly early mass 4:00 PM South Church Intimate downtown setting 6:00 PM North Church Evening mass with organ music

Christmas Day (December 25):

Time Location Notes 12:05 AM South Church Midnight Mass—preceded by choir concert at 10 PM 8:00 AM South Church Early morning mass 10:00 AM North Church Celebrated ad orientem style

Contact: (262) 377-1070 | parish@sfbchurch.org | saintfrancisborgia.org

What to know: Low-gluten hosts are available upon request. The parish does not require reservations. The 10:00 PM choir concert before Midnight Mass is a beloved tradition featuring the full organ and choir ensemble.

Nearby Catholic option: St. Joseph Parish, Grafton

For those seeking additional mass times, St. Joseph Catholic Parish in Grafton (just 2-3 miles away) is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year. Contact them at (262) 375-6500 for their Christmas schedule.

Lutheran churches offer the most variety

Given Cedarburg's strong German heritage, Lutheran churches represent the largest denominational presence. Six congregations span all three major synods—LCMS, WELS, and ELCA—each with distinct worship styles and Christmas traditions.

First Immanuel Lutheran Church (LCMS)—The largest congregation

Address: W67N622 Evergreen Blvd, Cedarburg, WI 53012
Phone: (262) 377-6610 | filministries.org

With nearly 1,000 weekly worshippers and a full K-8 school on campus, First Immanuel offers the most extensive Christmas service schedule in Cedarburg, including both contemporary and traditional options.

Christmas Eve (December 24, 2024):

• 1:00 PM — Contemporary service (live band, casual atmosphere)

• 3:00 PM — Traditional service with organ and choir

• 5:00 PM — Traditional service with organ and choir

• 11:00 PM — Candlelight service (the classic Christmas Eve experience)

Christmas Day (December 25, 2024):

• 9:00 AM — Traditional service with Holy Communion

Family features: Full children's ministry, nursery care, and youth programming at all services. The 1:00 PM contemporary service is particularly popular with young families.

River of Life Church (LCMS)—FIL's Second Campus

Address: 598 Hillcrest Rd, Saukville, WI
Phone: (262) 377-6610 | filministries.org/ROL

Christmas Eve: 2:00 PM (Traditional), 4:00 PM (Contemporary)
Christmas Day: 9:00 AM (Traditional with Communion)

Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church (WELS)

Address: W76 N627 Wauwatosa Rd, Cedarburg, WI 53012
Phone: (262) 685-8519 | redeemercedarburg.com

This Wisconsin Synod congregation offers a more traditional Lutheran experience with a strong emphasis on biblical teaching.

Advent services feature the theme "Bible Songs for Christmas"—exploring the Magnificat, Benedictus, and Gloria in Excelsis on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 PM (December 4, 11, 18).

Christmas Eve: 6:30 PM
Christmas Day: 9:30 AM

Special feature: Services are live-streamed for those unable to attend in person.

Four ELCA congregations collaborate as EPIC

The four ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) congregations in Cedarburg operate as EPIC—ELCA Partners in Christ—sharing confirmation classes, children's programming, and special events including combined Christmas activities.

Immanuel Lutheran Church (ELCA)

Address: W61 N498 Washington Ave, Cedarburg (Downtown)
Phone: (262) 377-4484 | immanuelcedarburg.org
Regular worship: Sundays 9:30 AM (traditional and praise options)

Advent Lutheran Church (ELCA)

Address: W63N642 Washington Ave, Cedarburg
Phone: (262) 377-2710 | adventchurch.org

Founded in 1909, Advent was Cedarburg's first church to offer services in English rather than German. The stunning English-Gothic limestone building creates a beautiful Christmas worship setting. This congregation is Reconciling in Christ, welcoming all people regardless of background.

Special tradition: Advent hosts a live nativity scene across from City Hall every Friday evening during the holiday season, complete with choir accompaniment.

Trinity Lutheran Church (ELCA)

Address: N60 W6047 Columbia Rd, Cedarburg
Phone: (262) 377-0610 | trinitycedarburg.org

Unique offering: The Longest Night Service—a contemplative service for those experiencing grief or loss during the holidays, held jointly with area Lutheran churches.

Faith Lutheran Church (ELCA)

Address: N35 W6621 Wilson St, Cedarburg
Phone: (262) 377-0960 | faithlutherancedarburg.com

Christmas Eve: 7:00 PM
Special music: The Celebration Singers present Lessons and Carols

This Reconciling in Christ congregation emphasizes environmental stewardship and social justice alongside traditional worship.

EPIC joint events include: Combined children's Christmas programs, "Go Tell it on the Mountain" carols sing-along at Water Street Brewery, and Advent round-robin potluck dinners.

Methodist, Presbyterian, and other Protestant options

Community United Methodist Church

Address: W68N563 Evergreen Blvd, Cedarburg, WI 53012
Phone: (262) 377-3832 | cedarburgcumc.org

Christmas Eve (December 24): 7:00 PM candlelight service

This inspirational candlelight service focuses on love, peace, joy, and hope with congregational singing. Sunday School classes for all ages (babies through adult) are offered year-round, and nursery care is available.

Heritage Baptist Church

Address: W51 N776 Keup Rd, Cedarburg, WI 53012
Phone: (262) 377-2558 | hbcedarburg.org

A Regular Baptist congregation offering Bible-based preaching and traditional hymns. AWANA children's program meets Wednesday evenings. Call for Christmas service times.

Mercy Orthodox Presbyterian Church

Address: W63N589 Hanover Avenue, Cedarburg, WI 53012
Phone: (262) 375-4672

Traditional Reformed worship with passionate, reverent style. Children's ministry and nursery available. Call for Christmas service times.

Churches in adjacent communities serving Cedarburg families

Alliance Bible Church (Mequon—on the Cedarburg border)
Address: 13939 N. Cedarburg Road, Mequon, WI 53097
Phone: (262) 375-2400 | myabc.church

Christmas Eve: 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM celebration services
Kingdom Kidz programming (birth through 5th grade) available. Contemporary worship with live band. Specialty coffee in the "Gathering Grounds" lobby. Registration available via Church Center app; walk-ins welcome.

Crossroads Presbyterian Church (PC-USA) (Mequon)
Address: 6031 West Chapel Hill Road, Mequon, WI 53097
Phone: (262) 242-1670 | crossroadspres.org

Christmas Eve:

• 4:00 PM — Candlelight worship service

• 7:00 PM — Candlelight communion worship service

Special event: Living Nativity & Christmas Cookies on December 22 at 10:15 AM. Livestream available on YouTube.

Christ Church (Mequon—Non-denominational)
Address: 13460 N. Port Washington Road, Mequon, WI 53097
Phone: (262) 243-3093 | christchurchmequon.life

The largest multi-venue option with 8 Christmas Eve service times across 4 environments:

• 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM, 7:00 PM

• Venues include: Chapel (traditional), East Auditorium, West Auditorium (arts-focused), and Online

The Bethlehem Experience (December 13-14): Free indoor event featuring a Bethlehem marketplace, period craftspeople, nativity drama, Christmas music, cookie and cocoa bar, and family crafts.

CC Kids programming (birth-5th grade) and CC Youth available at all services.

Parkside Community UCC (Saukville)
Address: 166 W. Dekora Street, Saukville, WI 53080
Phone: (262) 284-0588 | parksideucc.com

Christmas Eve: 4:00 PM candlelight service
An Open and Affirming congregation with the welcoming message: "Come as you are and celebrate the hope, peace, and love of Christ with us." Children participate fully in worship, often lighting candles and taking up offerings.

Christmas Day (December 25)

Time Church Denomination 8:00 AM St. Francis Borgia (South) Catholic 9:00 AM First Immanuel Lutheran LCMS 9:00 AM River of Life LCMS 9:30 AM Redeemer Lutheran WELS 10:00 AM St. Francis Borgia (North) Catholic

The magic of Christmas in Cedarburg

Attending church in Cedarburg means experiencing one of America's most celebrated Christmas destinations. The town has earned recognition from Forbes Magazine as one of America's prettiest towns and from Midwest Living as a top holiday shopping destination.

Downtown holiday atmosphere

Washington Avenue transforms into a winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights outlining historic limestone rooftops. Luminaries—hundreds of glowing candles—line the streets on Friday evenings through December 19 (weather permitting). The charming 15-foot Santa's Workshop gingerbread house appears on Washington Avenue where Santa and Mrs. Claus greet children throughout the season.

The Cedarburg Art Museum presents 'Twas the Night Before Christmas through January 4—a Victorian mansion decorated with period rooms illustrating the classic poem, complete with an 1898-style Christmas tree with candles. Live reindeer visit the museum garden on Festive Friday evenings (tickets $10).

Cedar Creek Settlement makes a perfect pairing

The 1864 woolen mill converted into Cedar Creek Settlement houses 20+ unique shops, the award-winning Cedar Creek Winery, and excellent dining options. Try their famous Christmas Blush or Cedarburg Spice wine (delicious warmed as cider). The Settlement hosts themed Friday evening events through December 19 with live music, wine sampling, and carolers.

Where to eat on Christmas Eve

Most Cedarburg restaurants close Christmas Day, but several excellent options welcome diners Christmas Eve:

The Stilt House Gastro Bar (W62 N630 Washington Ave) stays open until 9 PM Christmas Eve, offering fine dining, 30 craft beers on tap, and an award-winning fish fry. Their "12 Beers of Christmas" December promotion adds festive fun.

For coffee before or after services: Cedarburg Coffee Roastery (W62 N603 Washington Ave, open 7 AM-5 PM) roasts beans on-site in a historic building overlooking the river. Fiddleheads Coffee in downtown offers excellent lattes and pastries.

Family dining: Anvil Pub & Grille at Cedar Creek Settlement (in a restored 19th-century blacksmith shop), Cream & Crepe Cafe for sweet and savory crepes, or Tomaso's for Italian favorites.

Practical planning tips for families

What to wear

Wisconsin Christmas weather averages highs around 30°F and lows near 20°F. Pack heavy winter coats, hats, gloves, scarves, and warm boots—you may encounter snow and ice. Layer for transitions between cold outdoor wandering and warm church interiors.

Parking is free and plentiful

Downtown Cedarburg offers free public parking in multiple lots just steps from Washington Avenue. Street parking is also available. Arrive early on Festive Friday evenings for the best spots. Public restrooms are centrally located downtown.

Getting there

Cedarburg is 20 miles north of Milwaukee (about 30 minutes via I-43). Take exit 89 (Pioneer Road/County C). A free Park and Ride lot at I-43/County C offers 64 spaces with 72-hour overnight parking permitted.

Accessibility notes

Many downtown churches occupy historic buildings with steps at entrances. Advent Lutheran Church is currently undergoing renovations to add accessibility features throughout. Contact individual churches in advance for specific accommodation needs—most are happy to assist.

Reservations

No reservations required for any church services listed, though Alliance Bible Church and Christ Church Mequon offer optional online registration through Church Center. All churches welcome walk-ins warmly.

Suggested Christmas itinerary

Christmas Eve morning: Start with coffee at Cedarburg Coffee Roastery, then browse Cedar Creek Settlement shops and enjoy a wine tasting.

Afternoon: Lunch at Cream & Crepe Cafe or Anvil Pub, then visit Santa's Workshop on Washington Avenue for photos.

Early evening: Dinner at The Stilt House (reservations recommended), allowing time before your chosen service.

Evening: Attend Christmas Eve worship, then take a peaceful drive through downtown to admire the decorated historic buildings.

Christmas Day: Attend morning church services, then enjoy quiet family time—most shops and restaurants are closed for the holiday.

Contact churches to confirm service times

While every effort has been made to provide accurate 2024 Christmas service schedules, times may change. Always verify directly with your chosen church before attending:

• St. Francis Borgia (Catholic): (262) 377-1070

• First Immanuel Lutheran (LCMS): (262) 377-6610

• Redeemer Lutheran (WELS): (262) 685-8519

• Community United Methodist: (262) 377-3832

• ELCA churches: See individual numbers above

• Festivals of Cedarburg: (262) 377-9620 | cedarburgchristmas.com

May your Christmas worship in Cedarburg be filled with peace, joy, and the warmth of community celebration.