Christmas Tree Festival 2025

A Celebration of Light and Community

Lighthouse Tree

Overview

In the first weekend of December, our church held its annual Christmas Tree Festival. The whole church was lit up by the twinkly lights on the 25 trees that lined the nave and the Lady Chapel, celebrating the festive season.

Community Involvement


Light Tree - Christmas Tree Festival 2025 


Each tree was sponsored and decorated by local charities and community groups, showcasing the vibrant village life of Great Missenden and Prestwood. The beautiful decorations often told visitors about the different organisations, from singing angels for the Church choir to hands of peace for Junior Church.

Seasonal Activities

Santa's grotto

Helping to create a festive atmosphere was a North Pole grotto housing Father Christmas and his elves, supported by the youth volunteers of the Church, who also provided craft activities for children of all ages.

2025 Christmas Tree Festival with Friends of Great Missenden Church


Food and drinks were on sale alongside homemade jams and handmade Christmas gifts supplied by local Road Farm Countryways and the Missenden Walled Garden, while local choirs and musicians added to the atmosphere.

Unique Features

To provide a unique Chiltern twist, there was a festive dog show hosted by Hotdog Training, including a category for the fastest sausage eater (obviously, a Labrador won that one). The local bell ringers provided the soundtrack, encouraging young and old to try their hand at ringing.


Christmas Tree Festival 2025 dog show

Community Impact

The two-day festival is an annual highlight of the village calendar and is an important opportunity for the local community to come together and celebrate the Christmas season, bringing light and good cheer to all.

Community Groups Involved


Community groups included:

Lighthouse
Road Farm Countryways
Great Missenden Village Association
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Great Missenden
Great Missenden Baptist Church
St Mary’s Church, Ballinger
The Friends of Great Missenden Parish Church
The Community Fridge
Missenden Walled Garden
The Misbourne School
Great Missenden Church of England School
The Gateway School
Prestwood Nature
The Women’s Institute
Great Missenden Cubs and Scouts
The Fat Quarters Quilters
Abbeyfield
The Old Tea Warehouse
Ballinger Babies and Toddler Group
Great Missenden Lawn Tennis Club

Fundraising Success

The funds raised by the festival are shared between this year’s nominated charity, Wycombe Women’s Aid, and the Church’s own charitable trust. We were delighted that various charities and local organisations joined the Church's youth, children, choir, prayer, and gardening groups, helping to make the weekend a glorious light in the winter darkness that we all need to lead us towards Christmas Day.

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Planning your Visit

New to Church?

Welcome! Whether you've just moved to the area, or have a new interest in our church, we hope that you can find all of the information that you need within our website.
 
Of course, if you have further questions, we welcome you to get in touch.

FAQs and Key Information
   

Where & when does the church meet?

We hold a number of services across the parish:
 
We have a Communion service at St Peter and St Paul Great Missenden at 10am every Sunday. We also hold services at 8am and 6pm each Sunday.
 
Services at Ballinger are generally at 9.30am on the first Sunday of every month, and services at Little Hampden on the second and fourth Sundays at 11:30am with coffee at 11am.
 
Details of all our services can be found on our Services page.
   

What should I expect when I visit the church?

You will be welcomed by the sidespeople who will give you the books you’ll need. They will also be able to answer any questions you may have. There are no set seats, so please sit wherever you feel most comfortable. 
 
The service lasts for one hour and follows the order set out in the booklet.
 
Tea, coffee and biscuits are served after the 10am service, where there is plenty of time to meet people and ask any questions you may have.
   

Are there any activities for my children?

We have two Junior Church groups that meet regularly. Head to our Children & Young People page to find out everything you need to know. 
 
We also have an unsupervised crêche area within the Church and your children are welcome to play during the service.
 
Children may stay with their parents at the start of the service, or sit with their friends as we begin our worship. Junior Church usually leaves our main service after we have started our worship with some singing.
   

Is there a dress code?

No! Please just be yourself and come dressed in your 'normal' clothes.

Do I have to take communion?

It is completely up to you. God's table is open to all. You are welcome to come up for a blessing, or bring your children up for a blessing. Alternatively you can stay in your seat.
 

No, donating is entirely optional. We have a time of offering during each service when a plate is passed around for cash or contactless card donations. There is always a contactless card reader and cash box near the door to the church, or you can donate online. You’re very welcome in church whether you make a donation or not.   
   
Can I get married, Christen my children or have a funeral at the Church?

For more information on marriage, christenings and funerals at our Church please visit the Weddings & Christenings and Funerals pages of our website.
 

I have more questions, how can I get in touch and ask them.

Please feel free to contact us and we’ll do our best to answer any questions you may have.