The Celebrate Christmas Dinner is a decades-long tradition hosted by the women of Willowbrook Church in Huntsville, Alabama.

Celebrate isn’t just for the women of Willowbrook.

Area churches are invited to partner with Willowbrook and enjoy Celebrate as their church’s women’s Christmas event.

Celebrate is all about joy and creativity! Each year, talented hostesses bring the season to life by decorating tables and sharing the gift of hospitality. You’re invited to join the tradition—team up with friends, dream up a theme, and create a table that will bless and delight others. Need ideas? Take a look at photos from past years below for inspiration! (Please keep centerpieces under 18 inches for optimum visibility.)

If decorating isn't your thing, simply mention it during registration, and our team will be happy to help.

Jess Connolly is a speaker, author, pastor, and coach who wants to leave her generation more in awe of God than she found it. She’s passionate about helping women embrace their God-given identity and take their place in the Kingdom. Jess is the author of several books, including You Are the Girl for the Job, Breaking Free from Body Shame, and Tired of Being Tired. Her newest book, What Comes Next, a 40-day devotional for those in the fight of their lives, is set to release this fall.

Jess is the founder of Go + Tell Gals, helped start She Reads Truth, and hosts The Jess Connolly Podcast. Alongside her husband, Nick, she pastors Bright City Church in Charleston, South Carolina, where they live with their four children. You can find her online at jessconnolly.com.

December 3, 2025

Vendor Market will open at 4:00pm. Join us and to meet some amazing vendors and grab a few very special Christmas gifts. 

Ballroom Doors will open at 5:00 pm to allow time for you to arrive, settle in, and look at all of the beautifully decorated tables.

The program will start promptly at 6:00 pm with a welcome and dinner, followed by Jess Connolly taking the stage.

Von Braun Center Saturn Ballroom

700 Monroe St SW

Huntsville, AL 35801

Your registration includes dinner and evening program.

8 Seat Table Price $375

(reserved seating is only available through the purchase of an entire table)

Individual Seat Price $49

(individual tickets are considered open seating at tables that are not purchased)

Why did we change from assigned seating to open seating?

Celebrate is a huge event and as such, assigned seating is a tough thing to plan well. Because it is our heart’s desire to always have space for those who want to come, we searched for a larger venue in 2023. The VBC Saturn Ballroom means no more sold out Celebrate events!

With the change in location and increase in attendance, there is just no practical way for us to offer assigned seating. We are very excited about the women we will be able to invite to join us. We are praying, and we are asking you to pray, for the women who will be sitting at the table with you. We are excited to hear and see what God will do with hearts that are eager to show kindness and friendship to long-time friends and to the new friends you will meet. With this change, we are praying we are truly opening up the space for God to move in relationships and community. How exciting is that?!!

So, how will I sit with my friend?

Please see What is Open Seating below.

What about Parking?

Parking at the VBC is ranges between $5-$15 per vehicle and the VBC is cashless.

What is Open Seating?

When purchasing an open seating ticket, you are receiving one seat in the room for Celebrate. Open seats are any seats not at a purchased table. We will have a helper at registration to assign you to an open seat. If you have more than one in your party, your entire party must be present before you can be seated together. This is a true first come first served event and saving seats will be strongly discouraged.

Our hope is for an open seating ticket to not cause stress but to provide meaningful opportunities for women to meet new people, make new friends and experience divine appointments.

Please be assured: You WILL have a seat and a meal waiting for you.

Feel free to arrive together with a friend and be assigned to seats together. If you arrive earlier than your bestie, hang out and shop at the Christmas Market until she arrives and you can be assigned seating together. Seating will begin at the front of the room and work to the back, so the earlier you arrive the closer to the front you will be.

What is Reserved Table seating?

Looking for a special way to celebrate the holiday season with your family and friends? Consider purchasing a whole table! Not only will you get to enjoy a night of great teaching and holiday cheer, but you'll also have the opportunity to share this unforgettable experience with your closest family and friends.

By reserving a table, you’ll receive eight tickets and guarantee seats together for you and your guests. It’s a simple way to enjoy the evening alongside friends and family.

Do you need more women to host a table at Celebrate?

Yes! We will be looking for many hostesses this year and we would love to have you. As a hostess, you will be tasked with decorating for and loving on any women who sit at your table. There are 8 seats at each table. All linens (black), silverware, tableware, and table numbers will be provided to you.

If you are purchasing an entire table, as hostess, you will be able to invite the women who will be sitting with you.

When volunteering to host an open seating table, you are truly trusting God to seat you with the women He has in mind for you. You will have the beautiful opportunity to love on any and all women who find their way to your table.

Do you need other volunteers for Celebrate?

Yes! Celebrate requires a lot of help. If you are interested in volunteering, please indicate that on your guest information form after registration and we will reach out to you soon.

What is the dress code for Celebrate?

A lot of our ladies will be coming from work and will be in business casual. You may also see women in their most fun Christmas sweaters. Please come in whatever makes you feel best.

What about food?

If you have food sensitivities or requirements, please indicate that on your guest information form after registration and we can provide an allergy friendly plate.

Who can I contact if I have questions?

For any questions or concerns, please contact Mary: mboyles@willowbrook.org