HEERENVEEN - The festive spirit is alive as Heerenveen gears up for its annual holiday events, offering community members two enriching gatherings to usher in the Christmas season. The first event, Kerstnacht at Sportstad, promises to be a night filled with hope and celebration on December 24.
Set to begin at 20:00, the Christmas Eve service is open to everyone at no cost, inviting all to join together for an evening of music and reflection. Doors will open at 19:00, welcoming attendees with traditional Christmas tunes performed by Brassband Advendo. The highlight of the evening includes performances from the esteemed Groot Heerenveens Kerstkoor, which boasts 120 choir members, under the direction of Lars Mulder, and the renowned brass band Soli Brass from Leeuwarden.
The evening will also feature readings from the Christmas gospel, solo performances, and even some unexpected gymnastic displays, ensuring there’s something for everyone. The service will be led by Pastor Dorette van Houten, who will guide participants through this special celebration. A collection will be taken to help cover the costs associated with the event, reinforcing the communal spirit of giving.
Just two days later, on December 26, the annual Christmas singing service takes place at the Roman Catholic church on Crackstraat 13. Commencing at 10:00, this event is organized by the Raad van Kerken Heerenveen and centered around the thought-provoking theme, “think not white, think not black.” Pastor Tjitze Tjepkema will lead the congregation through discussions about the need for dialogue and reflection during these divisive times.
"Er wordt veel gezegd en getweet. Er worden veel harde standpunten ingenomen en er wordt nog meer lawaai gemaakt. Er wordt weinig naar elkaar geluisterd," Tjepkema notes, highlighting the disconnect many feel within the current societal discourse. This Christmas singing service serves as both a celebration and an opportunity to reconnect with one another through heartfelt music and song.
Accompanying the singing will be brass band Pro Rege, under the baton of departing director Anne van den Berg, whose final performance with the band adds significance to this year's service. Van den Berg is moving on to conduct the Regimentsfanfare Garde Grenadiers en Jagers (RFGGJ), making this occasion particularly memorable for the band and the community.
Both events promise to be uplifting gatherings, bringing the Heerenveen community together to celebrate the season, embrace joy, and share hope. Participants are encouraged to join these festive occasions and immerse themselves in the warmth of community spirit during the holidays.
