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Tickets and opening times

We can’t wait to welcome you to Canterbury Cathedral. Tickets can be booked online or are available to buy on the day at our visitor centre. Please check our website prior to your visit as opening times may be subject to change.

Monday to Saturday 09.00 - 17.00 (last admission at 16.00)

Sunday 11.30* - 17.00 (last admission at 16.00)
*Between 11.30-12.30, access is available to the Cathedral grounds and Shop only. The Cathedral church opens at 12.30.

 

 

Adult

£17.00

Our standard visitor ticket is valid for 12 months, meaning you can re-visit the Cathedral as often as you want during that time at no extra cost.

Children (aged 17 and under)

Free

Children go FREE when accompanied by a paying adult. (Max 2 children per paying adult; does not apply to group bookings or school visits). Children must be accompanied at all times.

 

Canterbury Students

Free

Students studying full-time at local universities - Canterbury Christ Church University, University of Kent, University for the Creative Arts - enjoy FREE entry with their student ID.

English Heritage Members

20% discount on visitor entry

  • Not valid with other promotions or offers.
  • Discount applies to tickets bought on the door at our Visitor Centre only. Discount is not available for online booking. Standard price admission tickets cannot be refunded and exchanged for discounted tickets.
  • Valid until 31 March 2025. T&Cs apply.

Cathedral Pass

Locals can enjoy unlimited visits for the equivalent of just 10p per month!

You may be eligible for a Cathedral Pass if you:

  • work in the old city of Canterbury
  • live within 4 miles of Bell Harry tower, including within The Precincts
  • are a member of the Cathedral Congregation
  • are immediate family of a Cathedral staff member
  • are a member of any church in the diocese (on the parish electoral roll or equivalent)

Our Cathedral Pass cannot be used in conjunction with other promotions or offers.

Apply for The Cathedral Pass

Event calendar

Have a look at the range of events Canterbury Cathedral has on offer below.

 

 

What's on

There’s something for everyone – see what exciting events are currently taking place.

See what's on

Service times

Daily Eucharist   08:00
Lunchtime Eucharist   12:30 (Wednesdays and Feast Days only)
Daily Choral Evensong or Said Evening Prayer with Organ Meditation*   17:30
Sunday Choral Eucharist*  11:00
All are welcome and there is no charge to attend a service. *Live streamed online.

Services

Online worship

Every day the Cathedral’s services are broadcast on our YouTube channel. It’s perfect for when you are unable to be here in person. 

Explore 

Find us

We can't wait to welcome you to the Cathedral

Monday to Saturday 09.00 - 17.00 (last admission at 16.00)
Sunday 11.30 - 17.00 (last admission at 16.00)

Between 11.30-12.30, access is available to the Cathedral ground and Shop only. the Cathedral church opens at 12.30.

Address

Cathedral House
11 The Precincts
Canterbury
CT1 2EH
United Kingdom

Parking 

Parking in the Cathedral grounds is only available for Blue Badge holders, subject to limited availability and prior arrangement. There are several public car parks nearby. 

Find out more

 

Planning your visit? Remember to check our closures.

Advent and Christmas at Canterbury Cathedral

Journeying to Christmas

This Christmastide, we will be highlighting and remembering all the journeys in the birth of Jesus, but also all the journeys we all take at this time, not least moving from one year to the next.

All are welcome to join us for our traditional services and carols, brand new services and events, child-friendly activities, beautiful trees and decorations, and the return of the historic Cathedral Christmas Market.

All our seasonal services are free to attend, with retiring collections to help cover our costs.

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 this year’s chosen partner charity, The Social Justice Network. www.thesocialjusticenetwork.org

Watch our latest live streamed services

Many of our Advent and Christmas services are live streamed on YouTube and available to watch afterwards.

FREE AFTER-SCHOOL ACCESS

Life-size crib

Our beautiful life-size nativity scene will be in place in the Nave throughout the Advent and Christmas Season, with free access to view Monday - Fridays, 15:00-17:00, between 25 November - 20 December.

Join us for our Tea Time Carols on Tuesdays, 16:00-16:30 (26 November - 17 December), for storytelling and songs at the Crib.

Sunday 15 December, 16:00-18:30

Be a part of our 'Living Nativity'

At this year's popular Festival of Carols service, on Sunday 15 December, we invite children and parents/carers to take part in our 'Living Nativity' by dressing up as an angel, shepherd or magi (one of the Three Kings/Wise Men).

You will need to be free from 16:00 until approx. 18:30 and ideally provide your own costume. Costumes can be very simple.

Please read full information and register to take part.

Special services and events

Traditional and brand new services for this year, a variety of carol services, tours, talks and more.

A quiet service of Said Evening Prayer will also take
place each Sunday in December, at 16:00 in the Crypt.

† Live streamed on our YouTube Channel.

DAILY, 10:00-12:00 & 14:00-16:00 - Saturday 14 - 21 December in the Huguenot Chapel

Santons de Provence Nativity Figures

The Huguenot Chapel (French Church) will be open to visitors for all to view their collection of traditional 'Santons de Provence' Nativity figures on display.

The entrance to the Huguenot Chapel is signposted on the lawn 10 yards from the door on the south side of the Cathedral, opposite the Cathedral Lodge hotel.

NEW Tea Time Carols

Tuesdays (26 November-17 December), 16:00-16:30

Join our Cathedral clergy each week for storytelling and songs at the Crib, as we mark our journey to Christmas.

Aimed at young children, parents, and carers, but all those young of heart are very welcome to attend.

‘Journeying to Christmas’ Reflections

Fridays (29 November - 20 December), 12:30-13.00 in the Nave

Seasonal reflections from Dean David including music, poetry and prayer.

NEW Shoppers’ Carol Service

Saturdays (30 November-21 December), 12:30-13:00 on the Christmas Market Event Stage

Listen to beautiful music and add your own voice as we sing well-known carols together – just the thing to put you in the festive mood.

Join musicians, the Cathedral choristers and our staff for these joyous half-hour services, as you enjoy the Christmas market.

Mothers’ Union Advent Service

Wed 4 December, 11:00-12:00 in the Crypt

 

All are welcome.

SPECIAL SEASONAL TOUR

‘Christmas at the Cathedral’ Tour

Dates in December

  • Thurs 5 December, 11:15-12:30
  • Thurs 12 December, 11:15-12:30
  • Mon 16 December, 11:15-12:30
  • Tues 17 December, 11:15-12:30
  • Thurs 19 December, 11:15-12:30
  • Sat 21 December, 11:15-12:30
  • Mon 23 December, 11:15-12:30
  • Fri 27 December 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 6,13 & 20 December, 11:15-12:15

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.

£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 †

Sun 8 December, 17:30-18:15

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!

Festival of Carols with Living Nativity †

Sun 15 December, 17:30-18:30

With a range of seasonal music and readings, this service includes a living nativity scene made up of adults and children from our Cathedral congregation.

Be a part of our 'Living Nativity'

At this year's popular Festival of Carols service, we invite children and parents/carers to take part in our 'Living Nativity' by dressing up as an angel, shepherd or magi (one of the Three Kings/Wise Men).

Please read full information and register to take part here.

Friends’ Carol Service †

Wed 18 December, 19:00 in the Nave

Organised 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.

All welcome.

Free to attend; but donations gratefully received.

This is a fundraising event in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral.

If you require additional arrangements to attend the service, please email [email protected]

 

† Live streamed on our YouTube channel

Evening Prayer with Congregational Carols

Fri 20 December, 17:30-18:15 in the Crypt

Candlelit Reflection with Organ Meditation †

Sun 22 December, 17:30-18:30

A reflective service with scripture and poetry on the last Sunday before Christmas, led by Dean David, with La Nativité du Seigneur (The Birth of the Saviour) by Olivier Messiaen, played on organ by Jamie Rogers, Assistant Director of Music.

Cathedral Carol Services †

Mon 23 December, 17:30-19:00
Tues 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.

If you require additional arrangements to attend please email [email protected]

Family Crib Service

Tues 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.

Midnight Mass

Tues 24 December, 23:00-00:10

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.

Christmas Day

Wednesday 25 December

09:15 Said Morning Prayer

11:00 Christmas Eucharist †

15:00 Evensong with Carols

Memorial Service for the Martyrdom of St Thomas†

Sun 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.

Preacher: Fr. Robert McCulloch, Rome

Between 5 - 12 January 2024

Epiphany Services

 

Solemn Evensong of the Epiphany
Sun 5 January 2025, 17:30

 

Sung Eucharist for Epiphany
Mon 6 January 2025, 17:30

 

Epiphany Carol Service
Sun 12 January 2025, 17:30

 

† Live streamed on our YouTube channel

Christmas trees and decorations

Our illuminated Christmas trees will return across the Cathedral and Precincts; and inspired by this year’s theme of journeys, the Three Kings will make an appearance; hundreds of stars will fill the Cathedral; and look out for the giant star suspended in the Quire!

Advent and Christmas at the Cathedral

For all ages

Enjoy child-friendly services, carols, activities and more - including free star decoration making, and even more activities at our Cathedral Christmas Market.

FREE AFTER-SCHOOL ACCESS

Life-size Crib

Our beautiful life-size nativity scene will be in place in the Nave throughout the Advent and Christmas Season, with free access to view Monday - Fridays, 15:00-17:00, between 25 November - 20 December.

FREE* Gregory and Peti's Christmas Star Trail

Between 27 November - 31 December, during visiting hours

Gregory Gargoyle and Peti Pigeon have chosen 8 of their favourite stars - found in stone, stained glass, statues and wall paintings - for you to discover as you explore the Cathedral.

Find all 8 stars and return your completed trail sheet to the Cathedral Shop to claim your prize!

*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card. Children aged 17 and under go free (T&Cs apply).

DAILY, 10:00-12:00 & 14:00-16:00 - Saturday 14 - 21 December in the Huguenot Chapel

Santons de Provence Nativity Figures

The Huguenot Chapel (French Church) will be open to visitors for all to view their collection of traditional 'Santons de Provence' Nativity figures on display.

The entrance to the Huguenot Chapel is signposted on the lawn 10 yards from the door on the south side of the Cathedral, opposite the Cathedral Lodge hotel.

NEW Tea Time Carols

Tuesdays (26 November-17 December), 16:00-16:30

Join our Cathedral clergy each week for storytelling and songs at the Crib, as we mark our journey to Christmas.

Aimed at young children, parents, and carers, but all those young of heart are very welcome to attend.

NEW Shoppers’ Carol Service

Saturdays (30 November-21 December), 12:30-13:00 on the Christmas Market Event Stage

Listen to beautiful music and add your own voice as we sing well-known carols together – just the thing to put you in the festive mood.

Join musicians, the Cathedral choristers and our staff for these joyous half-hour services, as you enjoy the Christmas market.

FREE* Christmas Crafting

Saturdays (7, 14 & 21 December),
11:00-15:00 - various locations inside the Cathedral

Drop-in for this special festive crafting activity, inspired by our ‘Journeying to Christmas’ theme. From shimmering stars that light up the wise men’s path, to making angels to decorate your tree, our crafts are sure to delight all ages!

*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card. Children aged 17 and under go free (T&Cs apply).

St Nicholas Family Service †

Sun 8 December, 17:30-18:15

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!

Festival of Carols with Living Nativity †

Sun 15 December, 17:30-18:30

With a range of seasonal music and readings, this service includes a living nativity scene made up of adults and children from our Cathedral congregation.

Be a part of our 'Living Nativity'

At this year's popular Festival of Carols service, we invite children and parents/carers to take part in our 'Living Nativity' by dressing up as an angel, shepherd or magi (one of the Three Kings/Wise Men).

Please read full information and register to take part here.

Friends’ Carol Service †

Wed 18 December, 19:00 in the Nave

Organised 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.

All welcome.

Free to attend; but donations gratefully received.

This is a fundraising event in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral.

If you require additional arrangements to attend the service, please email [email protected]

 

† Live streamed on our YouTube channel

Cathedral Carol Services †

Mon 23 December, 17:30-19:00
Tues 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.

If you require additional arrangements to attend please email [email protected]

Family Crib Service

Tues 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.

Christmas Day

Wednesday 25 December

09:15 Said Morning Prayer

11:00 Christmas Eucharist †

15:00 Evensong with Carols

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 †

Wed 18 December, 19:00 in the Nave

Organised 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.

All welcome.

Free to attend; but donations gratefully received.

This is a fundraising event in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral.

If you require additional arrangements to attend the service, please email [email protected]

 

† Live streamed on our YouTube channel

Canterbury Cathedral Christmas Market

15 November - 24 December 2024

WITH FREE ACCESS TO THE PRECINCTS*

Enjoy a historic Christmas as the 600-year-old market returns to the grounds of Canterbury Cathedral

This year, we are delighted to be part of Canterbury’s much-loved traditional festive market.

With delicious food and drink outlets, a vintage-style carousel ride, live music performances – including Saturday Shoppers’ Carol Services - a variety of fun low and no-cost activities, and free entry to The Precincts*, there’s lots for all to enjoy.

The city-wide Christmas Market runs until Christmas Eve (December 24) 2024.

Market opening times:

Monday to Friday - 10am to 6 pm
Saturdays - 9am to 6 pm
Sundays - 11am to 4 pm
Christmas Eve - closes at 4 pm

* Enjoy free access to the Precincts for the duration of the Christmas Market (15 November - 24 December 2024)

The Cathedral Shop

Shop Christmas at the Cathedral

Discover our beautiful collection of Christmas cards, our Official 2025 Canterbury Cathedral Calendar, 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.

Watch again

Recordings of many of our services are available to watch online.

Sunday, 27 November, 15.00

Advent Carol Service

This beautiful service at the beginning of the season of Advent brings together music, readings, and the lighting of candles.

Sunday, 4 December, 17.30

St Nicholas Family Service

A short service for children and families to celebrate the story of St Nicholas.

Sunday, 18 December, 17.30

Evensong by Candlelight for the Festival of Santa Lucia

A celebration of the Scandinavian Festival of Light in honour of St Lucia (or St Lucy).

Tuesday, 20 December, 19.00

Friends’ Carol Service

Everyone is welcome to attend our Friendly traditional Service in The Nave. Hear the Cathedral bells ring out to greet you as you arrive!

Friday, 23 December, 19.30 (doors open 18.30)

Cathedral Carol Service

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 the first of two identical services.

Christmas Eve, 24 December, 15.00 (doors open 14.00)

Cathedral Carol Service

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 the second of two identical services.

Sunday, 25 December, 11.00

Christmas Day Eucharist

A celebration of the birth of Christ led by the Most Reverend Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, with the clergy and choir of Canterbury Cathedral.

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