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From special services, tours and talks, to unique exhibitions, music concerts and visitor events, there's always lots to discover at Canterbury Cathedral.
Advent and Christmas at Canterbury Cathedral
Journeying to Christmas
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 (with free access to the Precincts*).
* Enjoy free access to the Precincts for the duration of the Christmas Market (15 November - 24 December 2024)
Image: Visualisation created by R3nder
FREE* exhibition
Cross-Currents
18 October 2024 – 15 February 2025
An installation of hundreds of beautiful, delicate hand-crafted boats embarked on their own journey through the vast architecture of Canterbury Cathedral, each fragile boat symbolizing the transient passage of the life of an individual.
*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends Card. Children aged 17 and under go free (T&Cs apply). No need to book.
Highlighted events
Wednesdays, 11:15-12:30 (with some exceptions)
‘The St Thomas Becket Story’ Tour
Uncover the full story of St Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral, where echoes of his life and legacy resound.
Explore the places in the Cathedral associated with the life and death of the renowned saint and martyr, from the location of his shocking murder in 1170 to the site of his first tomb, where over 700 miracles were reported. Discover how the story was re-told in stained glass.
£5 per person, plus admission charge.
WEEKLY Monday - Saturday 10:30, 12:00 and 14:00 and Sundays 13:00
'The Inside Story' Tour
Discover the story of Canterbury Cathedral through its soaring architecture, beautiful medieval stained glass and the history that helped make and shape the Cathedral.
From the Cathedral’s origins in the 6th century, the tour will encompass 1,400 years of history - with tales of royalty, clergy and everyday craftsmen who made the Cathedral what it is today - set amid a background of wars, political struggle and tales of bravery.
£5 per person, plus Cathedral admission charge.
Book at our Visitor Centre.
DAILY Between 10:00- 16:00, various intervals
FREE* Mini Talks
Listen to a bite-sized exploration of the Cathedral’s history with a free 15-minute Mini Talk, delivered by our knowledgeable team.
A great chance to discover more about the 1,400 years of history of our magnificent Cathedral - from the Black Prince and the turbulent Thomas Becket, to our Historic Graffiti and marvellous Stained Glass.
Take a pew and learn something new!
Talks subject to availability on the day. Ask at our Visitor Centre for times.
*Included with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket or Cathedral Pass
Fridays, 11:15-12:15 (with some exceptions)
Stained Glass Windows Tour
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.
Discover richly-detailed Bible-story windows, explore Miracle Windows and see the oldest stained glass in England. You will be introduced to 20th Century glass reflecting stories of hope, and meet a host of famous faces immortalised in glass along the way.
£5 per person, plus admission charge.
MONTHLY
FRIENDly Singing for Wellbeing
Turn up for a cuppa and a biscuit followed by some sociable singing to put a smile on your face, led by Jamie Rogers, Assistant Director of Music, and our Choral Scholars.
ALL welcome – rusty singers included!
Free to attend but donations welcomed.
14.00-15.00 on the following Mondays:
- 11 November
- 9 December
Mondays (until 16 December), 12:30-13:00 in the Crypt
Taizé Lunchtime Prayer
The worship of Taizé is based on simple repetitive chants, the reading of scripture and silence.
All our welcome to come and experience this way of praying as we connect with God and one another through sound and silence.
In person only.
This event is free, but donations are kindly accepted.
New dates added regularly
American Connections Tour
Discover the strong bond that Canterbury Cathedral has with the United States.
This is the story of centuries of friendship across the Atlantic.
Dates:
- Pearl Harbour Memorial Day: 7 December, 11:15-12:30
£5 per person, plus admission charge.
Online Book Group: The Book of Margery Kempe (c.1436-8)
SESSION RECORDINGS AVAILABLE
This book group has now concluded, but you can still watch the session recordings to read and reflect on the text in your own time.
Known as the earliest autobiography written in the English language, The Book of Margery Kempe (c.1436-8) describes the dramatic transformation of its heroine from failed business woman and lustful young wife to devout and chaste pilgrim.
We joined Canon Emma online via Zoom, to reflect and discuss this extraordinary account of a medieval wife, mother and mystic.
Thursdays 5 & 19 December, between 14:15-16:00
Gentle Tours
Join us for our short step-free tours, in a smaller group, delivered at a gentle pace.
The tour is split into two 40-minute sessions, with a comfort break in between.
£5 per person, plus Cathedral admission charge.
Please note, there is no discount available if you wish to join one session of the tour only.
FREE* & FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
Cross-Currents exhibition
Until 15 February 2025
Cross-Currents is an installation of hundreds of beautiful, delicate hand-crafted boats embarked on their own journey through the vast architecture of Canterbury Cathedral, each fragile boat symbolizing the transient passage of the life of an individual.
Participating in the creative process is very much a part of this exhibition; visitors and the community will have an opportunity to participate in the Cross-Currents voyage through the practice of creating a boat themselves to accompany the fleet.
*This exhibition is included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends Card. Children aged 17 and under go free (T&Cs apply). No need to book.
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.
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.
Only certified assistance animals are permitted at this service. Other animals will not be allowed access.
Tuesday 26 November, 10:30-11:30 in the Clagett Auditorium
TALK: Canterbury in the Time of Daniel Defoe and Jane Austen
Popular speaker Doreen Rosman returns to continue her series of talks on the history of life in Canterbury.
This talk will depict life in the Georgian city and explore how it had changed by the time Jane Austen visited, three-quarters of a century after Defoe.
£10 Friends of Canterbury Cathedral, £15 non-members. Includes tea and coffee.
This event is supported by The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 256575).
Thursdays over 4 weeks (28 November-19 December) 20:00-21:00, via Zoom
Journeys of Healing through Advent: Poetry and Scripture
Dr Tim Naish, our Canon Librarian, will lead a reflection each evening on a poem and passage of scripture, with an opportunity for questioning and group discussion.
The group is free, but any donation you may wish to make to the mission and ministry of the Cathedral will be warmly received.
Booking essential - Book to be sent a zoom link. It will be the same link for every week.
‘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 by the Christmas Tree in the Precincts
In the event of bad weather, this will take place by the Crib inside the Cathedral, where entry to the west end will be free for this half hour service. An admission ticket would need to be purchased to enter the rest of the Cathedral.
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.
Advent Carol Service †
Sun 1 December, 17:30-18:30
This beautiful service at the start of the Advent season brings together music, readings, and the lighting of candles.
† Live streamed on our YouTube channel
Thursday 5 December, 11:00-12:00 in the Clagett Auditorium
TALK: The Discovery of Richard III
In this talk, Dean David will tell the story of the discovery of the remains of King Richard III in a Leicester car park and his reburial, with dignity and honour, in Leicester Cathedral.
£10 Friends of Canterbury Cathedral, £15 non-members. Includes tea and coffee.
This event is supported by The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 256575).
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
Friday 6 December, 11:00-12:30
Stained Glass Studio Tour
Our Cathedral Studios workshop is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of Stained Glass Heritage.
Visit the studio, meet one of our conservators and learn more about their work specialising in the conservation, restoration and protection of stained glass from the 12th Century to the 20th Century.
£25 per person. Cathedral admission not included.
St Nicholas Family Service †
This service took place on 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!
† Live streamed on our YouTube channel
FREE* Christmas Crafting
Saturdays (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.
Make your own unique star decorations to take home, or hang on our Community Christmas Tree in the Nave.
Drop-in activity; no need to book.
All welcome. Suitable for ages 4+
Children must be supervised by a parent/carer at all times.
*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card. Children aged 17 and under go free (T&Cs apply).
Part of our Cross-Currents exhibition
FREE* Boat Making
Saturday 14 December, 11:00-15:00 at the Compass Rose
Cross-Currents is an installation of hundreds of beautiful, delicate hand-crafted boats, embarked on their own journey through the vast architecture of Canterbury Cathedral.
Each fragile boat symbolizing the transient passage of the life of an individual.
Please join us in making hand-crafted boats that may join the fleet.
Drop-in activity; no need to book.
All welcome. Suitable for ages 4+
Children must be supervised by a parent/carer at all times.
*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.
Saturdays 14 & 21 December, 12:00 in the Huguenot Chapel
'Walloons and Huguenots, Refugees saving Canterbury from Economic collapse.'
1561: A community gathered in Sandwich
1567-8: Another community began in Canterbury
Numbers fluctuated but, at times, they amounted to between one half & one third of the entire city population. They were entirely self-sufficient & appointed some of their own community to control morals & behaviour.
Though City regulations restricted their commercial life, these refugees practised a wide variety of occupations – essential to any independent community.
Please join us for this presentation, that will explore this topic further.
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.
www.frenchchurchcanterbury.org.uk
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.
† Live streamed on our YouTube channel
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 certified assistance animals are permitted at services. Other animals will not be allowed access.
Please read essential information here before attending.
Demelza 'Celebration of Christmas'
Mon 16 December, 19:30-21:00 in the Nave
Demelza are delighted to invite you to their 'Celebration of Christmas' at Canterbury Cathedral for the 20th year!
This annual event - in support of Demelza House, the local children’s hospice care charity - will feature festive readings from special guests, including Cheryl Baker and Anna-Jane Casey, and timeless carols from the outstanding Canterbury Cathedral choir.
Access is via pre-purchased tickets; available from the Demelza website.
This event is organised and managed by Demelza.
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.
† Live streamed on our YouTube channel
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 certified assistance animals are permitted at services. Other animals will not be allowed access.
Please read essential information here before attending.
Canterbury Choral Society Family Carols
Thurs 19 December, 19:00-20:30 in the Nave
Sing a selection of the finest carols with Canterbury Choral Society and the Festival Brass Ensemble.
Tickets: £13 Adults, £7 children (aged 3-16) Incl. £2 booking fee
Buy tickets online from the Canterbury Festival website.
This event is organised, managed and delivered by Canterbury Choral Society.
Sponsored by Pharon Independent Financial Advisers
Evening Prayer with Congregational Carols
Fri 20 December, 17:30-18:15 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 certified assistance animals are permitted at services. Other animals will not be allowed access.
Please read essential information here before attending.
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.
† Live streamed on our YouTube channel
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 certified assistance animals are permitted at services. Other animals will not be allowed access.
Please read essential information here before attending.
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]
All requests must be received at least four working days before the service date.
Only certified assistance animals are permitted at services. Other animals will not be allowed access.
Please read full event information before attending.
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.
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 certified assistance animals are permitted at services. Other animals will not be allowed access.
Please read essential information here before attending.
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.
† Live streamed on our YouTube channel
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 certified assistance animals are permitted at services. Other animals will not be allowed access.
Please read essential information here before attending.
Christmas Day
Wednesday 25 December
09:15 Said Morning Prayer
11:00 Christmas Eucharist †
15:00 Evensong with Carols †
† Live streamed on our YouTube channel
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 certified assistance animals 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†
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
† Live streamed on our YouTube channel
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 certified assistance animals are permitted at services. Other animals will not be allowed access.
Please read essential information here before attending.
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
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 certified assistance animals are permitted at services. Other animals will not be allowed access.
Please read essential information here before attending.
Dates in January, February & March 2025
Historic Graffiti Tour
In this tour, members of the Cathedral’s Historic Graffiti Team will shine a light on a selection of the historic graffiti that can be found throughout the Cathedral.
Focusing on the Eastern Crypt, Quire and Trinity Chapel, a selection of different types of historic graffiti from different periods will be revealed; along with the very different motivations in the past for making marks on walls.
Dates:
- Thurs 16 January, 13:15-14:15
- Thurs 20 February 13:15-14:15
- Thurs 13 March, 13:15-14:15
£5 per person, plus admission charge.
Friday 21 & Saturday 22 February 2025 in the Canterbury Cathedral Nave
80s, 90s &00s Silent Disco
presented by Silent Discos in Incredible Places
*SELLING FAST*
After several sold out shows in Canterbury Cathedral, An 80s, 90s & 00s Silent Disco like no other is back by popular demand.
Expect some of the UK's best DJs playing all your favourite tunes in the stunning, illuminated surroundings of Canterbury Cathedral.
Friday 21 February 2025
- Session 1:6:30PM - 9:00PM *SOLD OUT*
- Session 2: 9:30PM - 12:00AM - LIMITED TICKETS LEFT
Saturday 22 February 2025
- Session 1: 6:30PM - 9:00PM *SOLD OUT*
- Session 2: 9:30PM - 12:00AM *SOLD OUT*
This is strictly a 18+ event.
Saturday 22 March 2025, 19:30 at Canterbury Cathedral
Canterbury Choral Society presents Dvořák: Stabat Mater
This event is organised, managed and delivered by Canterbury Choral Society.
Perhaps in this intensely passionate score, the greatest Czech composer pours out his most profound and heartfelt writing, standing alongside his greatest works such as the Cello concerto and the New World Symphony, and surpassing all his other choral works. This concert is an opportunity to experience a work of great profundity. Its composition followed the death of his fourth, and last-remaining child – he was to have more who survived him. It is a work of deep beauty and pathos from its extended first movement, as Mary laments the death of her son Jesus at the foot of the cross. Dvořák’s composition stands together with other great settings of the text from Palestrina in the 16th century, Rossini and Verdi in the 19th, through to Penderecki and Szymanowski in the 20th century. Dvořák’s creation was on a more expansive scale than all of these others.
The London Mozart players
Verity Wingate: Soprano
Rebecca Afonwy-Jones: Mezzo soprano
Tenor: Peter Davoren
Bass: William Gaunt
Sponsored by Lady Kingsdown
Tickets range £10 - £34 (Incl £2 booking fee)
Doors open at 19:00
Saturday 10 May 2025 (between 11:30-18:00), in the Quire
Be a part of
The Big FRIENDly Sing!
* SIGN UP TO SING NOW *
Join us for our fourth Big FRIENDly Sing!
Come along and sing Mozart’s Requiem from scratch, conducted by Dr David Newsholme, Director of Music at the Cathedral.
Pricing to sing:
- £30 to sing with own score
- £35 to sing with hired music on the day
Invite family and friends to attend the performance!
All are welcome!
Tickets to the event:£15 (Children go free)
This is a charity event in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 256575).
Saturday 21 June 2025, 19:30 at Canterbury Cathedral
Canterbury Choral society presents Elgar: The Kingdom
This event is organised, managed and delivered by Canterbury Choral Society.
Elgar conceived The Kingdom as part of a trilogy of oratorios though he only completed two, the second being The Apostles. His oratorio The Dream of Gerontius stands apart from these two works, but the best writing in The Kingdom and The Apostles marks them as equals. The soaring soprano solo ’The sun goeth down’ is outstandingly impressive and demanding for the singer, in this performance to be sung by Sophie Bevan, returning after last singing it with CCS to great acclaim in 2011 at the outset of her prolific career.
Elgar tells the story of the development of the Christian church with choruses and solos of touching beauty together with some of his most stirring and evocative orchestral writing. A wonderful work not to be missed!
The London Mozart Players
Sophie Bevan: Soprano
Mezzo soprano: tbc
Peter Hoare: Tenor
Benjamin Bevan: Bass
Tickets range £10 - £34 (Incl £2 booking fee)
Doors open at 19:00
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