Christmas Eve Service at Lighthouse Beach Returns After Three Years

After three years of recovery and rebuilding, one of Sanibel Island’s most cherished holiday traditions is returning: the Christmas Eve Service at Lighthouse Beach. This year, as the sun sets on December 24, islanders and visitors will once again gather by the shore to celebrate faith, community, and the enduring beauty of Sanibel Island.

A Beloved Island Tradition

Hosted by the Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ (SCUCC), this outdoor candlelight service is open to all. Families, friends, and neighbors are invited to bring beach chairs or blankets and join together in song, prayer, and reflection as the waves roll in and twilight settles over the Gulf.

The service includes traditional Christmas readings, beloved carols, and heartfelt moments that highlight the resilience and unity of the island community. Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair, blanket, a flashlight or battery-operated candle for safe illumination after sunset.

After Hurricane Ian and multiple years of rebuilding, the return of this service represents hope, healing, and the strength of Sanibel’s community spirit.

About Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ

The Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ has been part of island life since the early 1970s. Known for its inclusive mission, community involvement, and compassionate outreach, SCUCC welcomes all who seek connection and spiritual grounding.

The church has played a significant role in supporting island restoration and community well-being. The return of this beach service marks an emotional milestone for the congregation and the greater Sanibel and Captiva community.

Churches and Synagogues on Sanibel and Captiva

For visitors, seasonal residents, and new homeowners searching for a place of worship, the islands provide a variety of welcoming options. The following congregations offer services, special programs, and community outreach throughout the year.

Sanibel Island

  • Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ – 2050 Periwinkle Way

  • Sanibel Community Church – 1740 Periwinkle Way

  • St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church – 2304 Periwinkle Way

  • St. Isabel Catholic Church – Sanibel-Captiva Road

  • Bat Yam Temple of the Islands – 2050 Periwinkle Way

Captiva Island

  • Captiva Chapel by the Sea – 11580 Chapin Lane

These congregations represent the heart of the islands’ spiritual community, offering worship services, volunteer programs, holiday events, and inclusive fellowship for residents and visitors.

A Season of Faith and Renewal

The return of the Christmas Eve Beach Service is a symbol of resilience, faith, and island unity. As families gather on the shoreline and carols echo across the water, the event serves as a reminder of what makes Sanibel and Captiva so extraordinary: a community that stands together through every season.