Finding a Gentle Place to Land This Holiday Season:

Blue Christmas & Remembrance Services in Our Community

For families that have experienced a loss, sometimes December doesn’t feel particularly bright or merry. If you’re carrying the absence of someone you love, the holidays can sit heavy on the heart. You’re moving through spaces filled with celebration while your own season may feel quieter, more tender, or even lonely.

To recognize this many churches and community organizations create space for exactly that kind of experience. Often called Blue Christmas, Longest Night, or Services of Remembrance, these gatherings across Minneapolis and St Paul often offer soft light, calming music, and the simple reassurance that it’s okay if grief is a part of your season.

Below, we’ve gathered a list of upcoming services throughout the Twin Cities—many in the east and northeast metro—where you can sit, breathe, remember, or simply be. If this season feels different for you, we hope one of these gentle spaces feels like a good fit.

Blue Christmas & Holiday-Remembrance Services

Blue Christmas Service

Lyngblomsten Care Center — Newman-Benson Chapel

1415 Almond Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55108

Sunday, December 7 at 4:00 p.m.

All are welcome to this quiet service of prayer, music, and remembrance in a peaceful chapel setting.

Details: https://lyngblomsten.org/event/blue-christmas-service-2025/

“In Remembrance” Prayer Service

St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church

4741 Bald Eagle Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110

Tuesday, December 9 at 7:00 p.m.

A heartfelt invitation to bring a photo or memento of your loved one. This service creates a warm, communal space to honor those who have died—especially meaningful for families in the White Bear Lake area. Please register with Kathleen Finn at 651-429-7771, option 1, or kfinn@stmarys-wbl.org.

Details: https://stmarys-wbl.org/events/ (see Dec. 9 listing)

Service of Remembrance

Mount Olivet Church — Minneapolis Campus

5025 Knox Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55419

Tuesday, December 9 at 6:30 p.m.

An evening set aside to honor loved ones through candlelight and reflection—open to anyone who needs a moment of calm in a busy season. If you would like the first and last name of your loved one read during the service, please contact Julie Goodman at 612-767-2208 or julieg@mtolivet.org

Details: https://mtolivet.org/event/service-of-remembrance-mpls-campus/

Longest Night Worship Service

The Grove United Methodist Church

St7465 Steepleview Rd, Woodbury, MN 55125

Sunday, December 14 at 3:00 p.m.

We remind one another through this time of lighting candles & sharing in communion that we are not alone and that we are people of hope.

Details: https://www.facebook.com/share/1FsY2SXc4u/

Remembrance Candle Lighting Program

The Compassionate Friends (Mpls–St. Paul Chapter)

St. Joseph Parish, 8701 36th Ave. N, New Hope, MN

Monday, December 15 — Social hour at 6:00 p.m., Program at 7:00 p.m.

Created specifically for families grieving the death of a child, grandchild, or sibling. A moving candle-lighting ceremony where names are spoken and memories held with care.

Details: https://www.tcfmpls.org/news-events

Blue Christmas – A Candlelight Prayer Service of Light and Hope

New Life Evangelical Lutheran Church

180 County Rd F W, Shoreview, MN 55126

Wednesday, December 17 at 7:00 p.m.

A gentle, candlelit service that acknowledges grief while offering a sense of hope. This is a long-standing tradition for many Shoreview-area families seeking a quiet night of prayer.

Details: https://www.newlifeshoreview.com/

Advent Candlelight Remembrance – Together In Grief

St. Andrews Lutheran Church

180 County Rd F W, Shoreview, MN 55126

Wednesday, December 17 – 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.

Erin Hente, a certified life coach, inspirational speaker, grief advocate, and widowed mom of three will lead candlelight time of remembrance and discussion of ways to cope with the holidays.

Details: https://saintandrews.org/event/together-in-grief-4/

Blue Christmas – Healing Prayer Service

Central Lutheran Church Minneapolis

333 South 12th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55404

Saturday, December 20 at 5:00 p.m.

Designed for anyone who finds this season difficult. A warm sanctuary, soft music, and space to rest in God’s comfort.

Details: https://www.centralmpls.org/event/blue-christmas-healing-prayer-service/

A Gentle Reminder

You don’t have to walk through this season alone. Whether you choose to attend one of these services or find your own quiet ritual at home, your grief—and your love—matter.

If you need someone to talk with, or help finding additional support, our team at Mueller Memorial is always here to listen. Sometimes just having a place to begin makes the season feel a little more bearable.