Advent Windows

You choose one of the available dates in December and decorate a window that can be seen from the street. That might be a window in your home, school, business or community building. On your allocated day, your window becomes the newest one to “open” on the trail.

Your display can be as simple or ambitious as you like. Over the years people have used paper, paint, lights, silhouettes, children’s artwork, recycled materials and all sorts of other creative ideas. Some windows tell part of the Nativity story; others respond to themes such as hope, peace, joy, light, welcome or justice. There is no competition and no expectation of artistic perfection — part of the pleasure is that every window is different.

The main thing is that it can be enjoyed by people passing outside. Nobody needs to enter your home, and taking part does not mean you have to host an event or provide refreshments. If you would enjoy being outside to greet people when your window first opens, you can, but the window itself is your contribution.

Once your window has opened, please keep it displayed and, where possible, illuminated during the evenings until Christmas, so that the trail gradually grows across Northstowe.

You don’t need to reveal your design beforehand. In fact, part of the fun is discovering what each new window will be.

We may also share a photograph of your window anynoumously through Northstowe Church Network’s website or social media, helping people who cannot walk the whole trail to enjoy it too.

Because people will be viewing your window from public spaces, please choose somewhere that can be seen safely from the pavement or another publicly accessible route. There is no need to invite visitors onto private property. Please also think about cables, decorations and anything else that could create a trip or other safety hazard. 

We’ll need your address or location so that your window can appear on the trail, but we won't  publish private name swith it. Schools, businesses and organisations, however, will get a big shout out! 

If something unexpected happens and you discover that you can no longer manage your date, just tell us. This is supposed to be enjoyable, not another source of December pressure.

If you have an idea but no suitable street-facing window, get in touch and we can see whether there is a community space that might work, or whether there is another way to join in.