19th Annual Christmas Tree Festival 2023
It's never too soon to be thinking about Christmas! Our annual Christmas Tree Festival has become a part of the island’s festive calendar. It’s back again this year – when the church will be full of beautifully decorated trees reflecting on the meaning of the season. These trees are lovingly dressed by members of the St Peter’s Community and we’d love you to be involved. This year’s Festival will run from December 2nd -13th and will begin with a special tree-lighting service featuring music from our friends the “Usual Suspects”. If you’d like to enter a tree please contact Festival Organiser Mary Killmister (marykilly23@gmail.com)
‘The Christmas Tree Festival happens every Advent in St Peter’s Church. Charities from all over the island, local schools, shops, businesses, clubs and societies are invited to decorate a Christmas tree, either to a Christmas theme or to reflect their organisation. This gives the decorators an opportunity to tell the rest of the community about their activities and achievements.
Please watch the video below for an idea of what it's all about!
Entering a Tree
If you have previously entered a tree you will recieve an email or letter from the organisers a few weeks before the festival asking you to participate that year. Please reply as indicated. If you have never entered before and would like to, contact us using any of the methods listed at the bottom of this page .
Frequently Asked Questions
Q Can I bring someone in a wheelchair?
A Certainly. Most of the church is accessible without using steps.
Q I don't want my tree after the Festival. Can I leave it behind?
A Yes. Once you have removed your decorations let a steward know and your tree will be put on the grass outside the church for others to take.
Q Do you have toilets?
A One toilet is available in the vestry. Sorry but there is no toilet for the disabled in the church itself, however there are more toilets (including disabled and baby-changing) in the Youth and Community Centre to the south of the church.
Q If I don't have a tree this year, will I remain on your mailing list?
A Yes. We retain every name and address of those who have had a tree at any of our previous Festivals until they ask us to remove them. It is important therefore that, if the main contact name changes for any reason, we are advised using the Contact page on this website.
Q Christmas Tree? It's only Advent! Can I enter an Advent Wreath instead?
A Yes, of course, Advent Wreathes will be most welcome.
A small selection of comments from previous years
"A joy to see. Well done. Really fantastic." St. Helier
"Very pretty - a lovely idea." Bedworth, UK
"Emotionally beautiful." Ellesmere, UK
"Beautiful, especially in the evening." St. Brelade
"Keep doing this: we look forward to it!" St. Saviour
"Lovely trees, beautiful church." New Jersey, USA
"A very special place. Thank you and well done!" St. Helier
"Amazing and inspiring." Nottingham, UK
"Really beautiful to see on our weekend break." St. Sampson, Guernsey