On Christmas Day (25th Dec) the Cathedral will be open for services of worship only (no sightseeing entry). The Precincts will be open to all, free of charge, from 0700 to 2100.
On Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, we will be open for sightseeing from 1000 to 1700 (last entry at 1600).
Planning your visit? Check our opening times and upcoming closures.
*UPDATE* Please note, there will be no service of Said Evening Prayer at 4pm on 23rd or 24th December.
Apologies for the inconvenience.
Music has played an integral role in the life of Canterbury Cathedral since its foundation by St Augustine in 597 AD. The Cathedral’s musicians continue to inspire and uplift those who visit Canterbury today.
STARTING 14TH JANUARY 2026
Canterbury Youth Choir (CYC)
A brand new community choir for local children in school Years 3-6.
WHEN? Wednesdays, 4pm - 5.15pm
WHERE? Cathedral Community Studio, The Precincts, CT1 2EH
Why join?
- Sing every week, and develop your musical skills.
- Participate in special collaboration projects, with professional musicians, in exciting venues.
- Build confidence in your singing, and make new friends.
- Get a special concert t-shirt and folder (and weekly snacks!)
Plus, membership to the choir is FREE!
There are 30 spaces available in the launch choir - enquire now!
Highlighted Music events
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MONTHLY
FRIENDly Singing for Wellbeing
St Paul’s Church Hall, Canterbury, CT1 1NH
ALL welcome – rusty singers included!
Turn up for a cuppa and a biscuit, followed by sociable singing to put a smile on your face, led by Jamie Rogers, Assistant Director of Music, and our Choral Scholars.
Please join us between 14:00-15:00 on the following Mondays:
- 12 January 2026
- 9 February 2026
Plus more dates scheduled in 2026
Free to attend but donations welcomed.
All welcome. No need to book.
Organised by and in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Charity No 1210093).
FREE Informal Organ Recital
with Stephanie Gaunt, Organ Scholar at Canterbury Cathedral
Friday 14 November, 18:15 in the Quire - after 17:30 Evensong
One in our series of informal organ recitals, featuring the Cathedral’s resident organists and guests.
Free and un-ticketed, with a retiring collection.
See recital programme in the monthly Services and Music List
Handel’s Messiah by Candlelight
Saturday 22 November, 19:30-22:00 in the Quire
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 the Cathedral Quire.
BOOK NOW
Tickets are available to purchase online, or via the Canterbury Festival Box office:
Canterbury Festival Box Office, Festival House, 8 Orange Street, Canterbury, Kent CT1 2JA / 01227 457568
Air Ambulance Charity KSS presents
'Carols at Candlelight'
Monday 1 December, 19:30-20:45 in the Nave
For the first time ever, the much-loved KSS Carol Concert is coming to Canterbury Cathedral for a magical evening of festive music, reflection, and saving lives!
And while it’s a moment to pause and celebrate, it’s also a chance to make a real difference in keeping your local air ambulance flying.
Every ticket helps local air ambulances be there when it matters most.
TICKETS NOW ON SALE
Tickets are available to purchase on the KSS Air Ambulance Charity website.
Organised and managed by Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) (Charity No. 1021367).
Demelza House ‘Celebration of Christmas Canterbury’
Tuesday 16 December, 19:30-21:00 in the Nave
Demelza are delighted to once again invite you to their 'Celebration of Christmas' at Canterbury Cathedral!
This annual event - in support of Demelza House, the local children’s hospice care charity - will feature festive readings from special guests and timeless carols from the outstanding Canterbury Cathedral choir.
Tickets range: £11 - £26
Access is via pre-purchased tickets.
Tickets are available to book via the Demelza website.
This event is organised and managed by Demelza (Charity No. 1039651).
Canterbury Choral Society Family Carols
Wednesday 17 December, 19:00-20:30 in the Nave
This event is organised, managed and delivered by Canterbury Choral Society.
CCS Family Carols has become a much-loved part of Christmas for so many in Canterbury – a joyful mix of everyone’s favourites with some less well-known but highly engaging Christmas music from the UK and beyond.
Join them for a festive celebration featuring carols for all the family, including Away in a Manger, Once in Royal David's City, O come, All Ye Faithful, The First Nowell, and a selection of carols performed by Canterbury Choral Society and its Youth Choir.
Tickets: £5 Child; £12 Adult (+ booking fees)
Tickets are available to purchase on the Canterbury Festival website.
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