Event Fundraising & Planning

How to Host Advent Wreath Workshops, Fundraisers & Family Events — With Free Unison Signups

Krista Kutz

26 Nov 2025 • 4 min read

The Advent Wreath isn’t only a symbol in the sanctuary. It comes to life in parish halls, school gyms, and even kitchen tables. Creating, decorating, selling, or distributing wreaths has become one of the most joyful ways churches build community during the Advent season.

If your church, school, or ministry is hosting an Advent Wreath event this year, Unison makes it simple to coordinate volunteers, plan roles, and offer a warm, welcoming experience — all through a clean, festive signup page anyone can use.

Below are creative ideas, outreach opportunities, and practical tips to inspire your Advent season.

Creative Advent Wreath Ideas for Churches, Schools & Ministries

These Advent Wreath events are popular for good reason: they bring people together, spark creativity, and prepare hearts for Christmas.

1. Make Your Own Advent Wreath Workshop

A beloved parish favorite, and perfect for all ages.

Volunteers often help with:

Setting up greenery, candles, and tables
Guiding families through the wreath-making steps
Preparing candle kits or prayer cards
Hospitality and check-in
Cleanup and resetting the space

This event pairs beautifully with a short prayer service, carols, or a blessing of the wreaths.

Tip: If your parish budget allows, consider ordering extra wreaths or candle sets for families unable to purchase their own. Many churches quietly make these available at no cost.

2. Knights of Columbus or Men’s Club Advent Wreath Sale

Many Knights councils sell Advent Wreaths after Mass as part of their Keep Christ in Christmas program.

Volunteer roles might include:

Staffing a table after weekend liturgies
Distributing pre-ordered wreaths
Preparing candle sets
Greeting parishioners

Tip: Advent Wreath Sales are also great recruitment opportunities to invite new members to join the Knights or Men’s Club. Make sure to have membership information at the hospitality table.

3. Youth Group or School Fundraiser

Teens love hands-on service projects, and Advent Wreaths are perfect for it.

Volunteers may help with:

Cutting greenery
Assembling wreath frames
Setting up craft stations
Helping younger children
Packaging take-home wreaths

Proceeds often support mission trips, retreats, or outreach programs.

Tip: Offer standalone candle packs. Some parishioners already have a wreath at home and simply need four candles for the season. A candle set is a helpful add-on that boosts participation and reduces waste.

4. “Advent in a Bag” or At-Home Wreath Kits

Ideal for families who prefer to make their wreath at home, or who can’t attend in person.

Volunteers help by:

Packing kits with supplies
Adding prayers or Scripture cards
Organizing pick-up times
Delivering kits to homebound parishioners

This option adds a pastoral, inclusive touch to the season.

5. Outreach: Provide Wreaths for Families in Need

Consider creating a supply of extra wreaths for:

Families facing financial hardship
New parishioners
Seniors or homebound members
College students returning home for Advent

A donation basket or “sponsor a wreath” option can make this ministry sustainable.

How Unison Helps Your Advent Event Run Smoothly

Whether your event is large or small, Unison keeps it organized so you can focus on people — not logistics.

Your signup instantly feels inviting, festive, and easy to navigate with a beautiful Advent Wreath theme. You can even link directly to the volunteer signup from your church’s website or Facebook page.

2. Create Your Volunteer Roles in Seconds

For example, a wreath-making workshop might include:

Setup Crew
Hospitality Table
Supply Manager
Instructor / Craft Guide
Cashier (for suggested donations)
Cleanup Team

Clear roles help people understand what’s needed and sign up for where they can help.

3. Add Time Slots for Busy Advent Weekends

If your event spans several hours — or several Mass times — Unison lets you add as many time slots as you need to keep shifts staffed and running smoothly.

4. Send Automatic Email & Text Reminders

Unison handles all reminders automatically — ensuring every shift is covered and every volunteer knows when to arrive.

Your Unison link and custom QR code work across all communication channels:

Parish email or Flocknote
Bulletins or posters
Social media
Parish website
School newsletters

6. Replicate Your Event Next Year

Re-use last year’s signup with a single click. Update the date, and you’re ready for Advent again.

Bonus: Tips to Make Your Advent Wreath Event Extra Special

A few simple touches can turn your gathering into a treasured memory.

Include a candle-lighting prayer card.
Families appreciate having a weekly ritual to follow at home.

Play seasonal music.
Soft carols or instrumental Advent hymns, like “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” uplift the gathering.

Offer a photo station.
Parents and grandparents love a picture of kids with their finished wreath.

Bless the wreaths at the end.
A simple blessing from clergy or a lay leader anchors the event in prayer.

A Simple Tool for a Beautiful Season

Advent Wreath events bring out the creativity, generosity, and joy of parish life. With Unison, you can organize your volunteers smoothly so you can focus on what matters: the community gathered around evergreen branches, candlelight, and the promise of Christmas coming.

Create your Advent volunteer signup in Unison today — it’s free, easy to use, and takes only a few minutes to set up.

And if your church also lights the Advent Wreath during worship, you may enjoy our companion article: How Churches Celebrate Advent Wreath Traditions—and How MSP Can Help Organize Them.