Local carol services suitable for kids?

[redjam]

Does anyone know of any local Christmas C of E church services featuring lots of lovely singalong carols that would be suitable for young kids? I'm not a regular churchgoer but I do like to make the effort once a year, in the hopes that my kids don't grow up completely heathen, so it would need to be somewhere that doesn't mind non-regulars pitching up on their turf.

I've always gone to the family service at St Paul's Cathedral before, which is magical but quite solemn for very small children (my husband spent the whole time in the crypt last year with our youngest, as she was insistent on going walkabout). So we'd like to try somewhere local this year if possible.

I've posted in the What's On section asking for more info about the Children's Nativity Pageant service at St John's on Sunday (are there carols? is it suitable for littl'uns?), but it occurred to me this might be a better place to ask. Thank you!

[CF]

christingle at johns and st clements on goose green at 4pm on christmas eve is where we take our children and is nice and easy, not too long for the kids as specifically aimed at them!

[sillywoman]

St Barnabas do a crib service on Christmas eve, the kids go dressed as a character/ animal from the nativity (if they want), the story is told & I think age appropriate carols are sung. It's at 3pm and 4.30pm this year. It's luuurverly.

[hoipolloi]

I've heard that the church near the station in Peckham does a lovely children's/family service - not sure of date but I heard they had a real donkey last year?!

[redjam]

These all sound great, thank you for the suggestions. Love the idea of a real donkey in the church! Unfortunately I have my totally irreligious parents coming to ours on the afternoon of Christmas Eve (well, not unfortunately, but you know what I mean), so was hoping to find something for this Sunday or on Christmas Eve morning. Hmm, oh well, I guess I could just leave them at home with a bottle of something and a few mince pies, and I'm sure they'll pass away the time happily enough till we get back.

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

All Saints Church in Blenheim Grove(by the station) has their Family Nativity service this Sunday at 3pm. Real donkey as part of the story.

Free mince pies and mulled wine and child friendly snacks after the service.

[sunbob]

We're going to go to the All Saints service. Last year we went to their evening service and it was really lovely, friendly and Christmassy, so we were really pleased when we heard they had an afternoon family service.

[Huggers]

the carol service is on at st Johns this sunday at 6pm- twelve lessons and carols. Its lovely. edited to say-Nine lessons sorry.