As the city prepares to celebrate Christmas with lights, trees and festive cheer, Leeds Sanctuary is preparing a quieter kind of Christmas gathering — one that recognises that the season isn’t always easy for everyone.
They will be hosting a Blue Christmas service on Tuesday 9 December 2025 at 5:30pm at The Attic on Sheaf Street, LS10, creating a space for quiet reflection, compassion, and community.
While Christmas is often celebrated as a time of joy and togetherness, many people experience mixed emotions at this time of year; for those coping with grief, loss, loneliness, anxiety or change, this can be an isolating time, even when diaries are busy and loved ones surround us.
Leeds Sanctuary’s Blue Christmas service provides an alternative space — one where people can acknowledge their true feelings and find comfort among others who are also experiencing this tension.
The service will include calming music, readings, moments of reflection, and prayer. There will be no expectation to sing, smile or celebrate — only an invitation to pause and be present.
The atmosphere is intended to be peaceful and inclusive, and while the service will be rooted in Leeds Sanctuary’s Methodist heritage, it is open to people of all faiths and none.
Deacon Judith Marshall, City Centre Minister at Leeds Sanctuary, explains:
“We know that the Christmas season can stir up a lot of emotions. For some, it’s a time of joy; for others, it’s a time of pain or reflection. Blue Christmas is about acknowledging the full range of human experience — recognising that sadness and hope can sit side by side. We want people to know that however they’re feeling, they are welcome and they are not alone.”
This event forms part of Leeds Sanctuary’s commitment to a Flourishing city – our deep desire is for people to grow and develop in themselves and their lives.
Leeds Sanctuary is an independent charity which hosts communities and events, and creates campaigns and resources, so that belonging, flourishing and transformation can take place within and around the people of Leeds.
Through the development of sanctuary spaces for those on the margins, they enable supportive relationships to develop and bring about change in people’s circumstances and society. Find out more about them at www.leedssanctuary.org.uk.
The Blue Christmas service is free to attend, though booking is encouraged to help with planning as refreshments will be available after the service. Register your interest at www.leedssanctuary.org.uk/blue-christmas.
This post is based on a press release issued by Leeds Sanctuary
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This sounds a wonderful place for people who want to go and have a quiet and reflective time at Christmas