Planning your visit? Check our opening times and upcoming closures.
Advent and Christmas
'Hope'
Our theme this September to December is 'Hope', as we live in hope through the autumn, and into the winter and Christmas.
Our worship will mark Harvest, All Saints and All Souls, Remembrance, and then Advent and Christmas. Each of these times has an appropriate mellowness, as the light dims and nature goes into sleep - but, this is also an important time to gather together for celebration, music and feasting in the growing cold and dark, reminding us of life’s blessings, even if things are hard.
All are welcome to join us for our traditional services, carol services and special events, child-friendly activities, beautiful trees and decorations - plus the return of the Canterbury Christmas Market to the Precincts!
Our charity partner this Christmas will be Catching Lives (Charity No. 1014868), as we seek to raise the profile of their work, and to raise money as they support homeless people in and around Canterbury. Please be generous.
Essential information Special services and events A FRIENDly Christmas Shop Christmas Festive Season at The Lodge
All our seasonal services are free to attend, with retiring collections to help cover our costs.
Our charity partner this Christmas will be Catching Lives (Charity No. 1014868), as we seek to raise the profile of their work, and to raise money as they support homeless people in and around Canterbury.
Donations given at our two traditional Carol Services, and all our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services will - after deduction of costs - be shared equally between the Cathedral and Catching Lives. Please be generous.
Essential information
Accessibility
If you or a member of your party require additional arrangements to attend any of our Advent and Christmas services - such as a wheelchair space or space for an assistance animal, please email our Events Office at [email protected].
All requests must be received at least four working days before the service date.
Only assistance dogs are permitted at services. Other animals will not be allowed access.
Please note, due to the nature of the building and the demand for places at our major services, we have limited capacity and can only offer up to three companion spaces for each person who requires additional arrangements.
Parking
Please note, there is no onsite parking for any of our Christmas services or events.
You can find local car parks, including park & ride and free disabled parking, here: Find somewhere to park | Canterbury City Council.
Getting here
FREE TO VIEW
Nativity Scene in the Precincts
Our beautiful nativity scene will be on display throughout Advent and Christmas, as part of the Christmas Market.
Special services and events
All our seasonal services are free to attend with retiring collections to help cover our costs.
Our charity partner this Christmas will be Catching Lives (Charity No. 1014868), as we seek to raise the profile of their work, and to raise money as they support homeless people in and around Canterbury. Please be generous.
If you require additional arrangements to attend any of our services please email [email protected]
Please read essential information here before attending.
There will also be a Said Evening Prayer service each Sunday during Advent, 16:00-16:30 in the Crypt - in person only:
- 30 November
- 7, 14 & 21 December
† Service livestreamed on our YouTube Channel.
FREE TO VIEW
Nativity Scene in the Precincts
Our beautiful nativity scene will be on display throughout Advent and Christmas, as part of the Christmas Market.
Journeying to Christmas Reflections
Fridays 28 November & 5, 12 & 19 December, 12:30-13:00 in the Nave
Short Christmas reflections, with words & music led by Dean David.
In person only.
ADVENT & CHRISTMAS
Family-friendly Activities
*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card. Kids go FREE every day! (T&Cs apply; does not apply to group bookings or school visits).
FREE* Gregory and Peti’s Star Trail
Saturday 29 November - Sunday 4 January, during visiting hours
Christmas Drop-in Activities
Saturday 29 November, 11:00-15:00 - FREE to all
in the Viewing Gallery
Saturdays 6, 13 & 20 December 11:00-15:00 - FREE* in the Cathedral
FREE* Festive Storytelling
Saturday 29 November & Saturdays 6, 13 & 20 December, 14:00-15:00 - various locations in the Cathedral
More details to be announced soon...
SEASONAL QUIET DAY
Advent with Julian of Norwich: 'Fear, Hope and Love'
Saturday 29 November, 10:00-16:00
An opportunity to find space for quiet and reflection, before the countdown to Christmas, aligning with our Advent and Christmas theme for this year - ‘Hope’.
The day will include three talks, accompanied by quiet times in some of the loveliest and least-known Cathedral chapels.
£12 per person; with free Cathedral entry.
Booking essential, as spaces are limited.
Those in receipt of Universal Credit or with refugee status are welcome to attend this quiet day for free (upon verification of status) - enquire via email to book for free.
Advent Carol Service †
Sunday 30 November, 17:30-18:30
This beautiful service at the start of the Advent season brings together music, readings, and the lighting of candles.
If you require additional arrangements to attend please email our Events Office in advance at [email protected]
All requests must be received at least four working days before the service date.
Only assistance dogs are permitted at services. Other animals will not be allowed access.
Please read essential information here before attending.
Air Ambulance Charity KSS Carol Concert
Monday 1 December, 19:30-20:45 in the Nave
For the first time ever, the much-loved KSS Carol Concert is coming to Canterbury Cathedral for a magical evening of festive music, reflection, and saving lives!
And while it’s a moment to pause and celebrate, it’s also a chance to make a real difference in keeping your local air ambulance flying.
Every ticket helps local air ambulances be there when it matters most.
Tickets will be available soon - and are expected to go quickly.
Register your interest now to be notified when tickets go on sale.
Organised and managed by Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) (Charity No. 1021367).
SPECIAL SEASONAL TOUR
‘Christmas at the Cathedral’ Tour
Dates:
- Thursdays 4, 11 & 18 December, 11:15-12:30
- Monday 22 December, 11:15-12:30
Learn how Christmas was celebrated by the Benedictine monks here in the Middle Ages, with pittances and a compulsory bath; how the origins of a popular Christmas carol can be traced in a stained glass window in the Crypt; and even how the Puritans banned Christmas in 1647, resulting in Canterbury’s infamous Plum Pudding Riots!
£5 per person, plus Cathedral admission charge.
Book at our Visitor Centre on the day of your visit, or email [email protected] to reserve your space.
SPECIAL SEASONAL TOUR
Festive Stained Glass Windows Tour
Fridays 5, 12 & 19 December, 11:15-12:30
Did you know that some stained-glass windows at Canterbury Cathedral are amongst the oldest in the world?
Join us on a guided tour, offering an introduction to the history and range of stained glass found at the Cathedral, from medieval to modern, with a focus on our windows depicting the Nativity story at this special time of year.
£5 per person, plus Cathedral admission charge.
Book at our Visitor Centre on the day of your visit, or email [email protected] to reserve your space.
St Nicholas Family Service †
Sunday 7 December, 17:30-18:15 in the Nave
Join us and over 200 local school children - involved with our Schools Music Outreach Programme - as we celebrate the story of St Nicholas.
This joyful, short service is aimed at children, but is suitable for all ages to enjoy!
If you require additional arrangements to attend please email our Events Office in advance at [email protected]
All requests must be received at least four working days before the service date.
Only assistance dogs are permitted at services. Other animals will not be allowed access.
Please read essential information here before attending.
Festival of Carols with Living Nativity †
Sunday 14 December, 17:30-18:30 in the Nave
With a range of seasonal music and readings, this service includes a living nativity scene made up of adults and children from our Cathedral community.
If you require additional arrangements to attend please email our Events Office in advance at [email protected]
All requests must be received at least four working days before the service date.
Only assistance dogs are permitted at services. Other animals will not be allowed access.
Please read essential information here before attending.
Demelza House ‘Celebration of Christmas’
Tuesday 16 December, 19:30-21:00 in the Nave
Demelza are delighted to once again invite you to their 'Celebration of Christmas' at Canterbury Cathedral!
This annual event - in support of Demelza House, the local children’s hospice care charity - will feature festive readings from special guests and timeless carols from the outstanding Canterbury Cathedral choir.
Access is via pre-purchased tickets.
More information and ticket booking with be available from the Demelza website soon
This event is organised and managed by Demelza (Charity No. 1039651).
Friends’ Carol Service †
Monday 15 December, 19:00-20:00 in the Nave
A fundraising event organised by, and in support of, The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral
Hear the Cathedral bells ring out to greet you as you arrive at our FRIENDly traditional service, with readings and music by our Cathedral girl choristers.
If you require additional arrangements to attend please email our Events Office in advance at [email protected]
All requests must be received at least four working days before the service date.
Only assistance dogs are permitted at services. Other animals will not be allowed access.
Please read essential information here before attending.
† Live streamed on our YouTube Channel.
Canterbury Choral Society Family Carols
Wednesday 17 December, 19:00-20:30 in the Nave
More information and ticket booking will be available on the Canterbury Festival website soon.
This event is organised, managed and delivered by Canterbury Choral Society.
Candlelit Reflection with Organ Meditation †
Sunday 21 December, 17:30-18:30
A reflective service with scripture and poetry on the last Sunday before Christmas, led by Dean David, featuring organ music.
If you require additional arrangements to attend please email our Events Office in advance at [email protected]
All requests must be received at least four working days before the service date.
Only assistance dogs are permitted at services. Other animals will not be allowed access.
Please read essential information here before attending.
Evening Prayer with Congregational Carols
Monday 22 December, 17:30-18:00 in the Crypt
In person only
If you require additional arrangements to attend please email our Events Office in advance at [email protected]
All requests must be received at least four working days before the service date.
Only assistance dogs are permitted at services. Other animals will not be allowed access.
Please read essential information here before attending.
Family Crib Service
Wednesday 24 December, 10:00-10:45
A short, joyful service for children and families tells the story of the birth of Jesus, with music from the Cathedral Choral Scholars and the singing of traditional Christmas Carols.
In person only.
If you require additional arrangements to attend please email our Events Office in advance at [email protected]
All requests must be received at least four working days before the service date.
Only assistance dogs are permitted at services. Other animals will not be allowed access.
Please read essential information here before attending.
Cathedral Carol Services †
Tuesday 23 & Wednesday 24 December, 17:30-19:00
A major highlight of the Cathedral’s year, our Carol Services feature music by our world-famous Cathedral Choir, and readings to tell the story of the birth of Christ.
This is a popular service; queues likely. Doors open at 16:30.
Both Carol Services are un-ticketed; seated on a first-come first-served basis.
If you require additional arrangements to attend please email our Events Office in advance.
All requests must be received at least four working days before the service date.
Only assistance dogs are permitted at services. Other animals will not be allowed access.
Please read essential information here before attending.
Midnight Mass †
Wednesday 24 December, 23:00-00:15
This traditional night-time communion service ends at midnight, marking the dawn of Christmas Day and celebrating the joy of when the Angels appeared to the Shepherds.
If you require additional arrangements to attend please email our Events Office in advance at [email protected]
All requests must be received at least four working days before the service date.
Only assistance dogs are permitted at services. Other animals will not be allowed access.
Please read essential information here before attending.
Christmas Day
Thursday 25 December
08:00 Holy Communion
09:15 Said Morning Prayer
11:00 Christmas Eucharist †
15:00 Evensong with Carols †
If you require additional arrangements to attend please email our Events Office in advance at [email protected]
All requests must be received at least four working days before the service date.
Only assistance dogs are permitted at services. Other animals will not be allowed access.
Please read essential information here before attending.
Memorial Service for the Martyrdom of St Thomas †
Tuesday 29 December, 17:30-18:30
854 years after his death, we recall the story of Archbishop Thomas Becket, reflecting on martyrdom then and now.
If you require additional arrangements to attend please email our Events Office in advance at [email protected]
All requests must be received at least four working days before the service date.
Only assistance dogs are permitted at services. Other animals will not be allowed access.
Please read essential information here before attending.
Christmas trees and decorations
Our illuminated Christmas trees will return across the Cathedral and Precincts; garlands will fill the Cathedral; our beautiful nativity scene will be on display in the Cathedral Precincts throughout Advent and Christmas, as part of the Christmas Market; and look out for the giant star suspended in the Quire!
The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral
The Friends are the Cathedral’s fan club!
They are a community who work together to help support this magnificent place.
Friends also benefit from free entry to the Cathedral and its Precincts, access to exclusive trips and events, e-newsletters, a 10% discount in the Cathedral Shop and Cathedral Lodge (some exclusions apply), an annual Friends’ Day, Friends’ Carol Service, and a special welcome event in the summer.
Friends’ Carol Service †
Monday 15 December, 19:00-20:00 in the Nave
A fundraising event organised by, and in support of, The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral
Hear the Cathedral bells ring out to greet you as you arrive at our FRIENDly traditional service, with readings and music by our Cathedral girl choristers.
If you require additional arrangements to attend please email our Events Office in advance at [email protected]
All requests must be received at least four working days before the service date.
Only assistance dogs are permitted at services. Other animals will not be allowed access.
Please read essential information here before attending.
† Live streamed on our YouTube Channel.
Cathedral Christmas Market
14 November - 24 December 2025
WITH FREE ACCESS TO THE PRECINCTS*
The 600-year-old Christmas Market returns to the Cathedral Precincts, part of Canterbury’s stunning city-wide festive market - now the largest in the county!
With free entry to the Cathedral grounds, and a huge variety of gifts, crafts, food and activities to discover, it’s the perfect way to get into the Christmas mood.
The city-wide Christmas Market runs until Christmas Eve (December 24) 2025.
Market opening times:
Monday to Friday: 10am-6pm
Saturday: 9am-6pm
Sunday: 11am- 4pm
On Christmas Eve the market will close at 4 pm.
* Enjoy free access to the Precincts for the duration of the Christmas Market (14 November - 24 December 2025)
Festive Season at The Lodge
Pre-payment or a deposit will be taken at the time of booking Festive Lunches, Shared Festive Party Nights or New Year's Eve; this is non-refundable.
See full Christmas T&Cs on the Canterbury Cathedral Lodge website.
FESTIVE SEASON AT THE LODGE
New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner & Dance
Wednesday 31 December, 18:30-01:00
Enjoy a glass of Prosecco and canapés on arrival, followed by a five-course gala dinner and petit fours; DJ and dancing, with music by popular 7-piece Band ‘Co Co’; and a glass of Prosecco and a Scottish Piper at midnight to ring in the New Year together!
£129 per person
+ 1-night & 2-night stay packages available
This event is for over 18s only
The Cathedral Shop
Shop Christmas at the Cathedral
Discover our beautiful collection of Christmas cards, our Official 2026 Canterbury Cathedral Calendar (COMING SOON), Advent candles, Christmas decorations and more!
All profits go towards the upkeep of Canterbury Cathedral.
Don't know what to give?
Treat someone special to a Cathedral Shop gift voucher.
Stay in the loop
Sign up to our newsletter and stay up to date with all the latest events, news and offers
By adding my email I confirm my subscription to the newsletter and understand that the email address provided will be held by the Cathedral and the email service company (dotdigital) to use for distributing this newsletter only. For more information please see the Cathedral Privacy Notice.
