Canterbury Cathedral Christmas | Festive Events & Sacred Carols

What to expect at Canterbury Cathedral during Christmas

Nativity and decorations everywhere: From Nov 30, the Nativity Scene in the Precincts will be on display through to Epiphany on Jan 6.
Festive tours and exhibitions: Special seasonal tours such as “Christmas at the Cathedral” and “Festive Stained Glass Windows” offer deeper insight into heritage and the Nativity story.
Family-friendly fun: Free drop-in activities, storytelling sessions and music workshops for all ages help make it welcoming for children as well as adults.
Major carol services & sacred worship: From Advent Carol Service through to Midnight Mass and Carol Services on Christmas Eve, the cathedral’s liturgical life is a key part of the festive experience.
Christmas market in the Precincts: Complementing the cathedral experience, the city-wide market (including the Cathedral Precincts) runs Nov 12–Dec 24 and features dozens of wooden huts, festive food and gifts.
Footfall & ambience: Expect crowds, especially for carol services, and plenty of festive lighting, stalls, and a vibrant atmosphere in the precincts and surrounding city.

Canterbury Cathedral Christmas services

Journeying to Christmas Reflections

Join Dean David for a series of short, uplifting Christmas reflections featuring words and music.

Dates: Nov 28 and Dec 5, 12, and 19, 2025
Timings: 12:30pm–1pm
Location: Nave
Price: Free

Advent with Julian of Norwich: 'Fear, Hope and Love'

Find essential space for quiet contemplation and reflection before the rush of Christmas and focus on the wisdom of Julian of Norwich. The day will include three insightful talks, interspersed with quiet, reflective time.

Date: Nov 29, 2025
Timings: 10am–4pm
Location: Various chapels
Price: £12 per person

Advent Said Evening Prayer

A traditional service of Said Evening Prayer is held in the quiet intimacy of the Crypt every Sunday throughout Advent.

Dates: Nov 30 and Dec 7, 14, and 21, 2025
Timings: 4pm–4:30pm
Location: Crypt
Price: Free entry

Advent Carol Service

Mark the beginning of the Advent season with this beautiful service that masterfully weaves together readings, music, and the symbolic lighting of candles, leading us from darkness into the hope of Christmas.

Date: Nov 30, 2025
Timings: 5:30pm–6:30pm
Location: Nave
Price: Free entry

St Nicholas Family Service

Join the celebration of the story of St Nicholas, featuring performances by over 200 local school children involved in the Schools Music Outreach Programme.

Date: Dec 7, 2025
Timings: 5:30pm–6:15pm
Location: Nave
Price: Free

Festival of Carols with Living Nativity

This special service celebrates Christmas with seasonal music and readings, centred around a beautiful living nativity scene featuring members of the Cathedral community.

Date: Dec 14, 2025
Timings: 5:30pm–6:30pm
Location: Nave
Price: Free

Friends’ Carol Service

Join a warm and traditional carol service hosted by and benefiting The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral. Hear the beautiful Cathedral bells ring out your welcome, followed by festive readings and uplifting music sung by the esteemed Cathedral girl choristers.

Date: Dec 15, 2025
Timings: 7pm–8pm
Location: Nave
Price: Free

Candlelit Reflection with Organ Meditation

Mark the last Sunday before Christmas with a contemplative service led by Dean David. This reflective gathering focuses on scripture and moving poetry, accompanied by beautiful organ music.

Date: Dec 21, 2025
Timings: 5:30 pm–6:30 pm
Location: Nave
Price: Free

Evening Prayer with Congregational Carols

A reflective and concise carol service held in the historic Crypt, combining simple prayer with beautiful carol singing.

Date: Dec 22, 2025
Timings: 5:30pm–6pm
Location: Crypt
Price: Free

Cathedral Carol Services

A major highlight of the Cathedral’s year, these popular events feature music by the world-famous Cathedral Choir and include readings that beautifully tell the story of the birth of Christ.

Dates: Dec 23 & 24, 2025
Timings: 5:30 pm–7:00 pm
Location: Cathedral Nave
Price: Free (first-come, first-served)

Family Crib Service

Join this lively, family-friendly service celebrating the Nativity story featuring the beautiful music of the Cathedral Choral Scholars and traditional Christmas carols for everyone to sing.

Date: Dec 24, 2025
Timings: 10am–10:45am
Location: Nave
Price: Free

Midnight Mass

This traditional night-time communion service culminates precisely at midnight, symbolising the dawn of Christmas Day. Celebrate the joyous moment the Angels appeared to the Shepherds, welcoming the start of the Christian festive season.

Date: Dec 24, 2025
Timings: 11pm–12:15am
Location: Nave
Price: Free

Christmas Day

Celebrate Christmas Day at the Cathedral with these services:

Holy Communion: 8am
Said Morning Prayer: 9:15am
Christmas Eucharist: 11am
Evensong with Carols: 3pm

Date: Dec 25, 2025
Location: Nave
Price: Free

Other Canterbury Cathedral Christmas events

Canterbury Christmas Market

The 600-year-old Christmas Market returns to the Cathedral Precincts, one of the largest festive markets in the UK! Enjoy free entry to the Cathedral grounds (Precincts) while exploring a huge variety of gifts, crafts, food, and festive activities. Join the official city-wide Canterbury Christmas Lights Switch-On: Let It Snow on Nov 14!

Dates: Nov 12–Dec 24, 2025
Timings: 10am–6pm (Mon–Fri); 9am–6pm (Sat); 11am–4pm (Sun & Christmas Eve)
Location: Cathedral Precincts & city centre
Price: Free entry

A Christmas Carol

Dickens’ beloved tale of redemption is brought to life right in the setting of Canterbury Cathedral's Nave. Join the miserly, cold-hearted businessman Ebenezer Scrooge on Christmas Eve night as he takes an extraordinary journey through his past, present, and future. Watch him learn to appreciate the true meaning of Christmas in this authentic and joyful adaptation.

Dates: Nov 28 & 29, 2025
Timings: 7:30 pm–9:45 pm
Location: Nave
Price: from £16.65 (inc. booking fee)
Age restrictions: Recommended for ages 8+

Family-friendly activities

See the beautiful, traditional Nativity Scene, which will be on display outside the Cathedral or join a fun, self-guided trail during Gregory and Peti’s Star Trail. Sing, play, and move to stories and songs celebrating the Christmas story. Or join Deborah Hart, from TinyTalk Kent Downs, for family-friendly storytelling at Canterbury Cathedral.

Dates: Nov 29, 2025–Dec 20, 2026
Timings: Timings vary for each activity
Location: Various locations in the Cathedral
Price: Included with admission ticket

Carols at Candlelight: Air Ambulance Charity KSS

For the first time ever, the much-loved Air Ambulance Charity KSS Carol Concert is coming to Canterbury Cathedral. Join a magical evening of festive music, reflection, and life-saving fundraising. Every ticket purchased directly helps keep your local air ambulance flying and ready to respond when it matters most.

Date: Dec 1, 2025
Time: 7:30pm–8:45pm
Location: Nave
Price: £20 or £25 (depending on Tier)

Christmas at the Cathedral Tour

Discover the forgotten, surprising, and rebellious Christmas traditions of Canterbury's past. Learn how medieval Benedictine monks celebrated with compulsory baths and pittances, trace the origins of a popular carol in a Crypt stained glass window, and relive the infamous 1647 Plum Pudding Riots, when the Puritans banned Christmas!

Dates: Dec 4, 11, 18 & 22, 2025
Timings: 11:15am–12:30pm
Price: £5 plus admission

Festive Stained Glass Windows Tour

Did you know the stained glass at Canterbury Cathedral is among the oldest in the world? Join this guided, seasonal tour that introduces you to the range of stained glass found at Canterbury, from medieval masterpieces to modern creations. This special holiday edition focuses on the beautiful Nativity story windows.

Dates: Dec 5, 12 & 19, 2025
Timings: 11:15am–12:30pm
Price: £5 plus admission

Santons de Provence Nativity Figures Display

The Huguenot Chapel (French Church) invites visitors to view their unique collection of traditional 'Santons de Provence' Nativity figures.

Dates: Dec 15–20, 2025
Times: 10:30am–12pm and 2pm–4pm
Location: 10 yards from the south side of the Cathedral door (opposite the Cathedral Lodge hotel)
Price: Free

Demelza's Christmas Celebration at Canterbury Cathedral

Join Demelza (the local children’s hospice care charity) for their annual festive event: a Celebration of Christmas. This heartwarming evening features festive readings from special guests and timeless carols from the Canterbury Cathedral Choir.

Date: Dec 16, 2025
Timings: 7:30pm–9pm
Location: Nave
Price: £11–£26

Canterbury Choral Society Family Carols

This much-loved event is a perfect mix of Christmas nostalgia and musical discovery. Join your voice with others on classic carols like Away in a Manger, Once in Royal David's City, O come, All Ye Faithful, and The First Nowell. Enjoy Christmas music from the UK and beyond, performed by the Canterbury Choral Society and its Youth Choir.

Date: Dec 17, 2025
Timings: 7pm–8:30pm
Location: Nave
Price: £5 for children; £12 for adults (plus booking fees)

Christmas Candlelight in Canterbury Cathedral

Lumos transforms the historic Eastern Crypt of Canterbury Cathedral into a breathtaking sea of candlelight for a magical classical Christmas concert. Enjoy an intimate evening of timeless Christmas classics, performed by world-class musicians, immersed in festive cheer.

Dates: Dec 19 and 20, 2025
Timings: 7pm–9pm
Location: Eastern Crypt
Price: £20-£45 (based on seating)
Age restrictions: Recommended for ages 8+

Plan your Canterbury Cathedral Christmas visit

General visiting times:

Monday–Saturday: 10am–5pm (last admission 4pm)
Sunday: 11:30am–5pm (last admission 4pm)

Service timings:

Morning Prayer (Matins): 7:30am (Mon–Fri); 9:15am (weekends & bank holidays)
Holy Communion (lunchtime): 12:30pm (Wed only)
Choral Evensong: 5:30pm (Fri–Wed)
Said Evening Prayer: 5:30pm (Thurs)
Sung Eucharist: 11am (Sun)

Christmas opening hours:

Dec 23 & 24: 10am–3:30pm (last admission 2:30pm)
Dec 25: Closed for sightseeing

Address: Cathedral House, 11 The Precincts, Canterbury CT1 2EH, United Kingdom | Find on Maps

By train: Canterbury East and Canterbury West stations are close; Southeastern trains from London take ~55 mins.
By car: Limited parking onsite. Parking in the Cathedral grounds is only for Blue Badge holders by prior arrangement. Use nearby public car parks or park & ride facilities.
By bus: Local bus services stop near The Precincts and the city centre.

Note: During the Christmas market and major services, the area can be very busy; public transport is recommended.

Restrooms: Available throughout the Visitor Centre and Cathedral precincts (check signage on arrival).
Wheelchair access: The Cathedral is wheelchair accessible; the Nave is stated as fully wheelchair accessible.
Gift shop: Cathedral Shop offers seasonal Christmas cards, ornaments, decorations from £5.00 and above.

Step-free & distances: The Cathedral and Nave are wheelchair and step-free in key areas.
Sensory-friendly options: For major carol services, expect large crowds and live music. For a quieter alternative, consider the Crypt services or the Candlelit Reflection.
Service animals: Assistance dogs are permitted; other animals are not allowed at services.

Services & events: Arrive early for major events as doors often open ahead of time.
Tickets & seating: Some events are un-ticketed (first-come, first-served), and late arrival may mean no seat.
Photography: Photography is not permitted, especially during the services.
General conduct: Please respect the sacred nature of the building: remain quiet in chapels, wear appropriate dress for services, and no food or drink inside the cathedral interior.

Refectory Restaurant at The Lodge: Located within the Cathedral grounds (The Lodge), offering festive lunches from £32.50 per person.
Shared Festive Party Nights: Various dates in December at The Lodge, from £42 per person (Sun–Thu) and £49 (Fri–Sat).

Frequently asked questions about Canterbury Cathedral Christmas services

Do I need to book tickets in advance for the Christmas services?

Most worship services at Canterbury Cathedral, including the main Christmas Day Eucharist, are free to attend. However, space is limited, especially for major services like the Carol Services and Midnight Mass, so we advise arriving early. Some special concerts or fundraising events (like the Friends' Carol Service or third-party concerts) may require a paid ticket and advance booking.

Can I book tickets just for the Christmas events without a general admission ticket?

Yes, many special tours and concerts (such as the “Christmas at the Cathedral” tour or theatre production) require a separate booking in addition to any admission ticket.

How long do Christmas services typically last?

Most principal services, such as the Christmas Eucharist or Evensong, generally last between 60 to 90 mins. For specific services like Morning Prayer or shorter events, the duration may be closer to 30 to 45 mins. You can check the detailed Service and Music List for specific timings.

Will the famous Cathedral Choir perform during Christmas?

Yes! The Canterbury Cathedral Choir performs for the major Christmas services, including the popular Carol Services, the Christmas Eucharist, and Festal Evensong.

Is there a capacity limit for the events?

Yes, many of the services and concerts have limited seating and are first-come or ticketed. There is limited capacity, and early arrival is advised.

Are the Christmas events suitable for children?

Yes, there are numerous family-friendly activities, including storytelling sessions, a St Nicholas Family Service for children, and drop-in music workshops.

Will the events continue in poor weather?

Generally, yes, as most events are indoors (in the cathedral or Nave). Outdoor market elements may be subject to conditions; check the market website for weather updates.

Is the market entry included in cathedral admission?

Yes, the Christmas Market in the Precincts allows free access to the cathedral grounds during its period (Nov 12–Dec 24, 2025), though cathedral building entry still requires an admission ticket.

Can I visit the Nativity Scene in the Precincts at any time?

Yes, the Nativity Scene is on display in the Precincts from Advent Sunday (Nov 30) through to Epiphany (Jan 6) and can be viewed during visiting/opening times.

Are there opportunities for quiet reflection rather than large crowds?

Yes, services such as the Candlelit Reflection with Organ Meditation (Dec 21) or the Said Evening Prayer in the Crypt offer quieter, more contemplative options.

Are there services that are live-streamed?

Yes, several major seasonal services are live-streamed on the Canterbury Cathedral YouTube Channel, allowing those unable to attend in person to participate in worship.

Is the Cathedral open for regular sightseeing during the Christmas season?

Yes, the Cathedral generally remains open for sightseeing during its standard visiting hours, but the schedule is often adjusted around services and major events. Please check the Cathedral’s official calendar for specific opening and closing times, as visiting areas may be temporarily closed for rehearsals or worship.

Can I purchase Christmas gifts or souvenirs?

Yes, the Canterbury Cathedral Shop offers a wide range of seasonal items, including Christmas cards, Advent candles, decorations (like the Cathedral's festive baubles), and other unique gifts. All profits go directly towards the upkeep of the Cathedral.