Christmas at the Cathedral
Experience Christmas at Canterbury Cathedral, and join in the celebration of festive traditions, both old and new.
Discover services of worship and carol services - both traditional and new - see the story of Christmas etched in stone and stunning stained glass, and don't miss the return of 'A Christmas Carol' performed for two nights only.
View the beautiful new Cathedral Nativity scene in the Precincts, and join us for special events, child-friendly activities, beautiful trees and decorations - plus the return of the Canterbury Christmas Market to the Cathedral grounds and throughout the city!
Whether your traditions feature choral music, carousels or Christmas trees – there’s something for everyone at Canterbury Cathedral.
Essential information Special services & events The Canterbury Christmas Market 'A Christmas Carol' at Canterbury Cathedral Festive Season at The Lodge
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
Special services and events
All our seasonal services are free to attend with retiring collections to help cover our costs.
If you require additional arrangements to attend any of our services please email [email protected]
Please read essential information here before attending.
Many special services will be livestreamed on our YouTube channel
Canterbury Cathedral presents
Handel’s Messiah by Candlelight
Saturday 21 November, 19:30
The girl choristers and Lay Clerks of Canterbury Cathedral will be joined by period instrument ensemble, The Harmonious Society of Tickle-Fiddle Gentlemen, and a stellar line up of critically-acclaimed soloists, for a candlelit performance of Handel’s Messiah.
This concert will be an intimate presentation of some of Handel’s most enduring music in the beautiful surroundings of Canterbury Cathedral’s Quire.
Tickets: £25 (plus £2 booking fees)
FESTIVE SEASON AT THE LODGE
Sparkle and Splendour: Archives & Library Tour and Meal
Treat yourself to a dive into the Archives and Library this season for a peek at some of the eye-catching treasures in the collections, before escaping to The Lodge for a 2-course Christmas meal to remember!
- Wednesday 25 November - Tour and Dinner starting at 18:15
- | BOOK NOW
- Friday 4 December - Tour and Lunch starting at 11:15 | BOOK NOW
£75 per person (10% discount for Friends of Canterbury Cathedral).
Journeying to Christmas Reflections
Fridays 27 November & 4, 11 & 18 December, 12:30-13:00 in the Nave
Take a moment to pause amidst the busyness of the season and prepare your heart for Christmas with this short, reflective service of words and music.
Led by Dean David, this peaceful contemplation, inspiration, and quiet anticipation as we journey through Advent towards the celebration of Christ’s birth.
In person only
Advent Carol Service
Sunday 29 November, 17:30-18:30
Begin the season of Advent with this beautiful candlelit service, a reflective 50-minute celebration of waiting and watching for Christmas.
As the church is illuminated by the warm glow of candlelight, each member of the congregation is invited to hold their own candle throughout the service, sharing in this powerful symbol of hope and expectation.
At the close of the service, take the light of Advent with you as you leave, carrying its message into the weeks leading up to Christmas.
In person and livestreamed
'Christmas in the Archives and Library' Open Days
Saturdays 5 & 12 December, 11:00-15:00
- Entrance through the Water Tower Corridor
Pop in to see some Christmas treasures in the Archives Reading Room!
This free display will include historic Christmas cards and the glimmering processional cross used in the installation of Archbishop Sarah, amongst other surprises.
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.
Please note, dogs are not permitted in the Archives.
St Nicholas Family Service
Sunday 6 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!
In person and livestreamed
Festival of Carols
Sunday 13 December, 17:30-18:30 in the Nave
This is a family-friendly service that features a living nativity tableau made up by member of the Cathedral’s Children’s Church, with seasonal musical provided by the Canterbury Youth Choir.
In person and livestreamed
Friends’ Carol Service
Tuesday 15 December, 19:00-20:00
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.
In person and livestreamed
NEW FOR 2026
Festive Sing-Along
Saturday 19 December, 12:00-13:00 in the Quire
Gather the family and join us for a festive celebration featuring the Canterbury Cathedral Youth Choir (CCYC).
Put on your favourite Christmas jumper, sing along to much-loved seasonal favourites, and enjoy a range of drop-in family activities throughout the event.
Lumos presents
A Christmas Candlelight Classical Concert by opera star Camilla Kerslakee
Saturday 19 December, 19:30 at Canterbury Cathedral
Step into a candlelit evening of festive classics and Christmas favourites, reimagined by a live string trio in the beautiful surroundings of Canterbury Cathedral.
Tickets range: £40- £90 (+ booking fees)
Candlelit Reflection with Organ Meditation
Sunday 20 December, 17:30-18:30
This simple candlelit service, with organ meditation, is a chance to step away from the commercial hustle and bustle of the city, and reflect on the true meaning of the season.
A reflective service led by Dean David, with organ played by Jamie Rogers.
In person and livestreamed
Cathedral Carol Services
Wednesday 23 & Thursday 24 December, 17:30-19:00
A traditional service, with seasonal 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
In person and livestreamed
Family Crib Service
Thursday 24 December, 10:00-10:45
A short family friendly re-telling of the Nativity story, with music from the Cathedral Choral Scholars and the singing of traditional Christmas Carols.
In person only
Midnight Mass
Thursday 24 December, 23:00-00:05
This traditional night-time communion service ends at midnight, marking the dawn of Christmas Day.
In person and livestreamed
Christmas Day
Friday 25 December
11:00 Christmas Eucharist
15:00 Evensong with Carols
In person and livestreamed
Memorial Service for the Martyrdom of St Thomas
Tuesday 29 December, 17:30-18:30
Traditional service marking the Martyrdom of St Thomas Becket, featuring music performed by a visiting choir.
Together we reflect on martyrdom then and now.
In person and livestreamed
Family-friendly Activities
Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card. Children aged 17 and under go free (T&Cs apply); does not apply to group bookings or school visits.
Drop-in Family Crafts
Saturdays 28 November & 5, 12, 19 December, 11:00-15:00
Operation Moonlight presents
'A Christmas Carol' at Canterbury Cathedral
Friday 13 & Saturday 14 November, 19:30
On Christmas Eve night, the miserly and cold-hearted businessman Ebenezer Scrooge embarks upon a journey through his past, present, and future, learning along the way to appreciate the true meaning of Christmas.
A theatrical festive treat for all the family, Dickens’ beloved tale of redemption is brought to the stage at Canterbury Cathedral in an authentic and joyful adaptation from Operation Moonlight.
SELLING FAST
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
Christmas Lunch & Dinners
Enquire for availability
Begin your festive celebrations at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge and join one of our festive three-course lunches.
The Refectory Restaurant is perfect for couples or small groups, or groups of over 50 guests can be accommodated in the Clagett Auditorium.
From £36 per person
FESTIVE SEASON AT THE LODGE
Christmas Afternoon Tea & Carol Service
Wednesday 23 & Thursday 24 December - slots available at 14:45, 15:00 & 15:15
Enjoy a festive afternoon tea in the heart of Canterbury with your loved ones, followed by guaranteed tickets to one of the ever popular Cathedral Carol Services.
£35 per person / £41 with a glass of Prosecco; Under 12’s - £14 ; Under 3’s eat for free
FESTIVE SEASON AT THE LODGE
New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner & Dance
Thursday 31 December, 18:30-01:00
It is never too early to make plans for New Year!
Celebrate the beginning of 2027 at the heart of Canterbury, in the grounds of the beautiful Canterbury Cathedral.
Enjoy a glass of Prosecco and canapés on arrival, followed by a six-course gala dinner, DJ and dancing, with music by popular 7-piece Band ‘Co Co’; finishing with a glass of Prosecco and Scottish Piper at midnight to ring in the New Year together!
£155 per person
+ 1-night & 2-night stay packages available
This event is for over 18s only