Evening closure of Precincts, Tues 26 – Sat 30 September
Due to the Luxmuralis light show and the need to manage large queues, public entry to the Precincts after 17:30 will only be possible for Luxmuralis ticket holders or those attending Choral Evensong.
Planning your visit? Remember to check our upcoming closures.
Advent and Christmas 2023
Celebrate with us
The Song of the Angels
All are welcome to celebrate the Christmas season with us at
Canterbury Cathedral.
This Christmas season, Canterbury Cathedral delves into the story of the song of the Angels to the shepherds, bringing you a series of services, events and decorations to celebrate their message of peace and goodwill to all.
Upcoming services
Sunday 10 December, 17:30-18:15
St Nicholas Family Service
This short service for children and families is a joyful celebration of the story of St Nicholas and a chance to find out more about the original Santa Claus!
Free to attend, and everyone is welcome.
Please note, no evensong/evening prayer this day.
Tuesday 19 December, 19:30-21:00
Demelza House Carols
A popular festive service with readings and carols to support Demelza, the local children’s hospice care charity, and celebrate their 25th anniversary.
Access is via pre-purchased tickets, which are available from the Demelza website.
This event is organised and managed by Demelza.
Saturday 23 December, 10:00
Family Crib Service
A joyful and informal service for children and families which tells the story of the birth of Jesus, with music from the Cathedral Choral Scholars and the singing of traditional Christmas Carols. The service lasts around 45 minutes.
Everyone is welcome, and the service is free to attend.
Saturday 23 December, 17:30-19:00
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 first of two carol services.
Please note, there will be no evensong or said prayer on this day.
Sunday 24 December, 17:30-19:00
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 carol services.
Please note, there will be no evensong or said prayer on this day.
Monday 25 December, 11:00-12:30
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.
Everyone is welcome, and the service is free to attend.
Our standard 08:00 Holy Communion and 09:15 Said Matins will also take place on Christmas Day.
Monday 25 December, 15:00-16:00
Christmas Day Evening Prayer with Carols
With a beautiful arrangement of carols and readings, this Evensong is set to be an exceptional moment in your day.
Hear once again the story of Christmas and experience the peace and goodwill which the angels announced in this act of worship which lasts for 45 minutes.
Friday 29 December, 17:30-18:30
Memorial Service for the Martyrdom of St Thomas
834 years after his death, we recall the story of Archbishop Thomas Becket reflecting on martyrdom then and now.
Preacher: Rt Revd Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, Bishop of Chelmsford
Sunday 7 January 2024, 17:30-18:30
Epiphany Carol Service
A beautiful carol service to celebrate the Feast of Epiphany.
The music and readings reflect on the three signs of Christ’s 'Epiphany' (his manifestation to the world): the visit of the wise men, the Baptism of Christ, and the transformation of water into wine at the wedding at Cana. The service lasts about 50 minutes.
Everyone is welcome, and the service is free to attend.
At The Cathedral Lodge
Festive Lunches and Christmas Parties
From only £29 per person
Looking for an exceptional Christmas Lunch or Christmas Party Night in Canterbury? Then look no further. Situated within the inspirational grounds of Canterbury Cathedral, the Cathedral Lodge offers superb first class banqueting facilities and is in the ideal location to celebrate Christmas.
Our great value Christmas lunches and Christmas party nights are perfect for large or small groups and a great way to celebrate with your family, friends or colleagues.
Sunday, 31 December, 18.00-01:00
New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner and Dance
£125 per adult (Gala Dinner only)
We cannot think of a more spectacular back drop to seeing in the New Year in Canterbury. Enjoy a glass of Prosecco and canapés on arrival, a 6-course gala dinner, DJ and dancing with the popular 8-piece Band ‘Co Co’, followed by a glass of Prosecco and a Scottish Piper at midnight.
Unique gifts for Christmas
Treat yourself (and the Cathedral)
Discover hundreds of unique products and special gifts in-store and online with our Cathedral Shop.
All profits go towards the upkeep of Canterbury Cathedral
For families
Throughout December
Gregory Gargoyle’s Angel Trail
Look for clues in the stained-glass windows, statues, stone, and wall paintings to find some of our many angels across the Cathedral and learn about their history and importance.
Return your completed trail to the Cathedral Shop and claim your prize!
Children (under 17) go FREE to the Cathedral, when accompanied by a paying adult. This event is included with admission.
Sunday 10 December, 17:30-18:15
St Nicholas Family Service
A short service for children and families to celebrate the story of St Nicholas.
Please note, no evensong/evening prayer this day.
Monday 18 December, 19:00-20:30
Canterbury Choral Society Family Carols
Sing a selection of the finest carols with Canterbury Choral Society and the Festival Brass Ensemble.
Tickets £11, £7 Children (ages 3-16)
This event is organised, managed and delivered by Canterbury Choral Society.
Tuesday 19 December, 19:30-21:00
Demelza House Carols
A popular festive service with readings and carols to support Demelza, the local children’s hospice care charity, and celebrate their 25th anniversary.
Access is via pre-purchased tickets, which are available from the Demelza website.
This event is organised and managed by Demelza.
Saturday 23 December, 10:00
Crib Carol Service
A joyful and informal service for children and families which tells the story of the birth of Jesus. Includes the singing of traditional Christmas Carols.
Saturday, 23 December, 17:30-19:00
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 first of two identical services.
Please note, there will be no evensong or said prayer on this day.
Sunday 24 December, 17:30-19:00
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 first of two identical services.
Please note, there will be no evensong or said prayer on this day.
Monday 25 December, 11:00-12:30
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.
Everyone is welcome, and the service is free to attend.
Our standard 08:00 Holy Communion and 09:15 Said Matins will also take place on Christmas Day.
Thursdays between 23 November - Thursday 21 December
“The Song of The Angels” Talks by our clergy
This series of five talks takes you into the heavenly realm of angels to explore what they are and how their message of “Peace and Goodwill to all” still resonates as powerfully today as it did when given to shepherds on a hill side centuries ago.
Every Monday to Saturday in Advent
Advent Calendar of Angels
A series of videos which will include short reflections on angels in stone, glass and music.
These can be found here or on our YouTube channel.
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