A church in west London has put a festive twist on Christmas tradition, hosting a carol service where people were encouraged to bring their pets along to sing and celebrate together.
St John the Baptist Church held its “Carols with Pets” service for the second year running, welcoming hundreds of people and their pets. Organisers said visitors travelled from well beyond the local area to attend one of the few Christmas services in London that includes a blessing for pets.
The event has quickly become a highlight of the church’s festive calendar, blending familiar carols with a relaxed atmosphere that reflects the role animals play in many families’ lives.
Church hosts pet-friendly carol service
According to the Diocese of London, the service was attended by Bishop of Kensington Dr Emma Ineson, who said the night captured the spirit of Christmas in an unusual but meaningful way.
“Last night the spirit of Christmas was well and truly alive as we were joined by a congregation of pets for an evening of festive caroling,” she said. “As tails wagged and paws pattered, we were reminded of God’s love for all of his creation, bringing further joy to the occasion.”
Reverend Neil Traynor, Associate Vicar of the United Benefice of Holland Park, also said the growing popularity of the service reflects its appeal across the local community.
“Our special ‘Carols with Pets’ service now marks a wonderful moment in our annual calendar, bringing together members from across our local community and their four-legged friends for an evening of festivity,” he said.
The pet-friendly carol service comes amid a wider trend this year of animals being welcomed into shared public experiences. In China, screenings of Zootopia 2 went viral after cinemas allowed fans to bring their dogs to special showings, drawing large crowds and widespread attention on social media.
With tickets selling out again this year, the Holland Park service looks set to remain a festive fixture for Christmases to come.
