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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.
Special services and events Child-friendly A FRIENDly Christmas Christmas Market Shop Christmas Advent & Christmas 2024 What's On Guide (PDF)
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.
Journeys of Healing through Advent: Poetry and Scripture
Thursdays over 4 weeks (28 November-19 December) 20:00-21:00, via Zoom
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 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.
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.
If you require additional arrangements to attend the service, please email [email protected]
† Live streamed on our YouTube channel
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
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.
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.
If you require additional arrangements to attend the service, please email [email protected]
† Live streamed on our YouTube channel
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
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.
Accessibility and Parking
If you or a member of your party require additional arrangements to attend a service - such as a wheelchair space, space for an assistance animal - please contact our Events Office at [email protected]. All requests must be received at least four working days before the service date.
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.
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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