Traditions
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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.
What's On? Festive Family Favourites Essential information Christmas Parties at The Lodge Canterbury Christmas Market
What's On?
All our seasonal services are free to attend with retiring collections, and many will be livestreamed on our YouTube channel
If you require additional arrangements to attend any of our services please email [email protected]
Please read essential information here before attending.
Operation Moonlight presents
'A Christmas Carol' at Canterbury Cathedral
Fri 13 & Sat 14 November, 19:30
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
Handel’s Messiah by Candlelight
Sat 21 November, 19:30
This concert will be an intimate presentation of some of Handel’s most enduring music in the beautiful candlelit surroundings of Canterbury Cathedral.
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.
Tickets: £25 (plus £2 booking fees)
Sparkle and Splendour: Archives & Library Tour and Meal
25 November & 4 December
Discover the stories held within Canterbury Cathedral.
Step behind the scenes of the Cathedral’s Archives and Library and explore a remarkable collection of historic documents, rare books and fascinating objects.
Enjoy an exclusive presentation of treasures rarely seen by the public and discover the stories they reveal about the Cathedral’s past. All topped off with a delicious meal as part of your ticket price.
- Wed 25 November - Tour and Dinner from 18:15
- Fri 4 December - Tour and Lunch from 11:15
£75 per person (10% discount for Friends of Canterbury Cathedral).
To book, call 01227 865350 or email [email protected]
Please advise of any allergies or dietary requirements at the time of booking.
Journeying to Christmas Reflections
Fridays 27 November & 4, 11 & 18 December, 12:30-13:00
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
EXCLUSIVE ONSITE PARTNERSHIP CLASS
RSN Day Class: Canterbury Robin inspired by the James I Charter
Sat 28 November, 10:00-16:00
Embroider a beautiful festive robin motif, with Royal School of Needlework tutor, Kathryn Sanders - an exclusive design and class, inspired by the original James I Charter issued in 1608, and visit the Cathedral Archives and Library to view the charter close-up.
Class cost: £185
Advent Carol Service
Sun 29 November, 17:30-18:30
Begin the season of Advent with this beautiful candlelit service, a reflective celebration of waiting and watching for Christmas.
Each member of the congregation is invited to hold their own candle, sharing in this powerful symbol of hope and expectation.
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
- Entry via the Water Tower corridor
Pop in to take a peek at some festive treasures in the Reading Room!
The 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 form of admission. Kids go FREE every day! (T&Cs apply)
Dogs are not permitted in the Archives.
St Nicholas Family Service
Sun 6 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!
In person and livestreamed
Festival of Carols
Sun 13 December, 17:30-18:30
This family-friendly service tells the story of the Nativity through a reenactment by members of the Cathedral’s Children’s Church, with seasonal music provided by the Canterbury Cathedral Youth Choir (CCYC).
In person and livestreamed
Friends’ Carol Service
Tues 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
Lumos presents
A Classical Candlelight Christmas Experience at Canterbury Cathedral
Fri 18 December, 19:30
Step into a candlelit evening of festive classics and Christmas favourites, reimagined by a live string sextet in the beautiful surroundings of Canterbury Cathedral.
Tickets: £40- £90 (+ booking fees)
Lumos presents
A Christmas Candlelight Classical Concert by opera star Camilla Kerslake
Sat 19 December, 19:30
Step into a candlelit evening of festive classics and Christmas favourites, reimagined by a live string trio in the beautiful surroundings of Canterbury Cathedral.
This performance will include a pianist, string trio, and BRIT-nominated soprano, Camilla Kerslake!
Tickets: £40- £90 (+ booking fees)
NEW FOR 2026
Festive Sing-Along
Sat 19 December, 12:00-13:00
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.
Candlelit Reflection with Organ Meditation
Sun 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.
Led by Dean David, with organ played by Jamie Rogers.
In person and livestreamed
Cathedral Carol Services
Wed 23 & Thurs 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.
Both services are un-ticketed; seated on a first-come first-served basis. This is a popular service; queues likely. Doors open at 16:30.
In person and livestreamed
Family Crib Service
Thurs 24 December, 10:00-10:45
A short family friendly re-telling of the Nativity story, with music and the singing of traditional Christmas Carols.
In person only
Midnight Mass
Thurs 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
Fri 25 December
11:00 Christmas Eucharist
15:00 Evensong with Carols
In person and livestreamed
Memorial Service for the Martyrdom of St Thomas
Tues 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, at Canterbury Cathedral.
In person and livestreamed
New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner & Dance
Thurs 31 December, 18:30-01:00
Celebrate the beginning of 2027 at the heart of Canterbury, at The Lodge, in the grounds of the beautiful Canterbury Cathedral.
Enjoy Prosecco and canapés, a six-course gala dinner, live music, DJ and dancing, plus a Scottish Piper at midnight to ring in the New Year together!
£155 per person (+ stay packages available)
Epiphany Services
6 & 10 January 2027
Sung Eucharist for Epiphany
Wed 6 January 2027, 17:30
Epiphany Carol Service
Sun 10 January 2027, 17:30
In person and livestreamed
Festive Family Favourites
Drop-in Family Crafts
Saturdays 28 November & 5, 12, 19 December, 11:00-15:00
Make your own pilgrim stockings in felt and stained glass, and complete the Christmas Star Trail.
Included free with a valid form of admission. Kids go FREE every day! (T&Cs apply)
St Nicholas Family Service
Sun 6 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!
In person and livestreamed
Festival of Carols
Sun 13 December, 17:30-18:30
This family-friendly service tells the story of the Nativity through a reenactment by members of the Cathedral’s Children’s Church, with seasonal music provided by the Canterbury Cathedral Youth Choir (CCYC).
In person and livestreamed
NEW FOR 2026
Festive Sing-Along
Sat 19 December, 12:00-13:00
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.
Family Crib Service
Thurs 24 December, 10:00-10:45
A short family friendly re-telling of the Nativity story, with music and the singing of traditional Christmas Carols.
In person only
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.
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