How long do Christmas services and concerts at Westminster Abbey last?

Most services and concerts last between 60 to 90 minutes. It’s a good idea to check the event details when booking, as timings can vary slightly based on the specific service or concert.

Do the Christmas services include the Abbey’s famous choir?

Yes! Many Christmas services and concerts feature the renowned Westminster Abbey Choir, adding an extra layer of enchantment to the holiday music.

Are there family-friendly activities during the Christmas season?

Yes, Westminster Abbey often hosts family-friendly activities, including Christmas crafts, carol sing-alongs, and storytelling sessions. Check the schedule for details.

Is Westminster Abbey open for regular sightseeing during the Christmas season?

Yes, the Abbey remains open for regular tours and sightseeing, but holiday service schedules may affect hours. Check the calendar to ensure a smooth visit that doesn’t overlap with scheduled events.

Are there refreshments available at Westminster Abbey?

While there aren’t refreshments available inside the Abbey, there are nearby cafes and restaurants perfect for a warm cup of cocoa or a festive snack before or after your visit.

Can I purchase souvenirs or gifts related to the Christmas season?

Yes, Westminster Abbey’s gift shop offers a range of seasonal gifts and souvenirs, from Christmas ornaments to festive keepsakes. It’s a great way to bring a piece of your visit home with you.

Will there be Christmas decorations inside the Abbey?

While the decor in the Abbey remains classic and dignified, festive elements like wreaths and greenery bring a subtle but beautiful Christmas spirit to the sacred space.

Westminster Abbey Christmas | Festive Services & Carol Concerts

Westminster Abbey Christmas services & events

An Advent Liturgy

Dates: Nov 30 & Dec 7 2025 2025
Timings: 4 pm to 5 pm (6 pm to 7 pm on Dec 7)
Location: Westminster Abbey and St Margaret's Church
Included with admission: Free (booking is required)
Age restrictions: Children under 6 not recommended.

A dramatic, candle-lit service that marks the beginning of Advent with music and readings from Scripture. This special service focuses on the Advent themes of judgement and joyful expectation.

Lunchtime Talk: Dickens and Christmas

Dates: Dec 3 2025
Timings: 1 pm to 1:50 pm
Location: St Margaret's Church
Included with admission: No. Separate tickets from £5
Age restrictions: Recommended for ages 16+

In this festive lunchtime talk, discover how famed Victorian novelist Charles Dickens shaped the way we celebrate Christmas. It is held by Kirsty Parsons from the Charles Dickens Museum.

Family Day: Christmas crafts and carols

Dates: Dec 6 2025
Timings: 10 am to 1 pm
Location: Chapter House
Included with admission: No. Separate tickets from £5
Age restrictions: Suitable for children aged 3+

This special family day has stories, arts and crafts, and carol singing. There’s also a Christmas trail where you can discover the Abbey’s Christmas connections through the historic cloisters.

Christmas Concert

Dates: 19 Dec 2025
Timings: 7 pm to 8:20 pm (Doors open at 6:15 pm)
Location: Westminster Abbey
Included with admission: No. Ticket from £15–£49
Age restrictions: Children under 6 not recommended.

A festive choral concert featuring the Choir of Westminster Abbey and a programme blending traditional carols and seasonal readings. Note that photography, filming, and recording are not allowed.

Service of Carols and Lessons

Dates: 23–24 Dec 2025
Timings: 6 pm to 7 pm (with an additional service at 4 pm to 5 pm on the 24th)
Location: Westminster Abbey and St Margaret's Church
Included with admission: Free (booking is required)
Age restrictions: Suitable for all ages

A traditional candlelit Christmas service, with beautiful carols and anthems sung by the Abbey Choir. You can catch them at the Abbey on 23–24 Dec or at St Margaret's Church on Christmas Eve.

First Eucharist of Christmas Night

Dates: 24 Dec 2025
Timings: 11 pm to 12:30 am
Location: Westminster Abbey
Included with admission: No (it's free, but booking is required)
Age restrictions: Suitable for families and adults; note the late hour

Join a late-night service celebrating the birth of Christ. It's a beautiful service with Christmas carols, music from the Abbey Choir, a sermon, and Holy Communion.

Christmas Day Holy Communion

Dates: 25 Dec 2025
Timings: 8 am to 8:40 am
Location: Westminster Abbey
Included with admission: Free (Booking not required)
Age restrictions: Suitable for all ages

This quiet service is a bit more traditional, using the 1662 Book of Common Prayer. You'll hear Bible readings and prayers, and bread and wine are received as the body and blood of Jesus Christ.

Christmas Day Sung Eucharist

Dates: 25 Dec 2025
Timings: 10:30 am to 11:30 am
Location: Westminster Abbey
Included with admission: Free (booking is required)
Age restrictions: Suitable for all ages

Celebrate Christmas morning in a special way by joining the main service at Westminster Abbey. Celebrate the birth of Jesus and sing beautiful Christmas carols and music with the Abbey Choir.

Christmas Day Evensong

Dates: 25 Dec 2025
Timings: 3 pm to 4 pm
Location: Westminster Abbey
Included with admission: Free (booking is required)
Age restrictions: Suitable for all ages

A festive short service closing the Abbey’s official Christmas Day worship with traditional music (psalms, canticles, and anthems), Bible readings, and prayers following the traditional pattern in The Book of Common Prayer.

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Plan your Christmas at Westminster Abbey

Abbey hours: 9:30 am to 3:30 pm (Monday–Friday), 9:30 am to 3:30 pm (Saturday)
Christmas period: The Abbey remains open for visitors throughout December, but some areas may close for services—check above for day-specific restrictions.
Last entry: Generally 30 minutes before closing.
Closures: Sundays, Dec 6 and Dec 24-25 (open only for worship)

Best time to visit: Weekday mornings (Tuesday–Thursday) are best for a more relaxed experience before major services begin.

Westminster Abbey timings

Restrooms: Located inside the Abbey visitor areas, including accessible facilities.
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available inside visitor areas. (Westminster Abbey)
Gift shop: The Abbey Shop (9:15-17:00 daily) sells exclusive Christmas decorations, cards, and gifts. (Westminster Abbey)
Dining: The Cellarium Café & Terrace serves seasonal menus; on concert evenings, the café is open pre-performance from 5 pm.

Stained glass rose window in the south transept of Westminster Abbey, London.

Carer tickets: Free admission for registered disabled visitors and their carers are available.
Step-free access: Step-free routes available throughout most of the visitor areas, with ramps and lifts provided at key entrance points.
Wheelchair rental: Inquire with an Abbey Marshal for wheelchair availability on arrival.
Service dogs: Guide dogs, hearing dogs, and assistance dogs are welcome; no other animals are allowed.
Accessible toilets: Accessible toilets are available in the cloisters and the lobby of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries.
Quiet spaces: The Lady Chapel provides a calm environment for those seeking a quieter moment.

Services/concerts: Arrive at least 15 minutes early. Late entry may not be permitted.
Photography: Non-commercial photography permitted in visitor areas; All photography and recording is prohibited during concerts and service times.
Behaviour: As an active place of worship, please keep noise to a respectful level; mobile phones should be silent.
Children: Children under 6 are not recommended at concert events.
Bags: Large backpacks and suitcases are not permitted inside, and there will be a bag search at entry.
Dress code: While there is no specific dress code, you should show respect and dress modestly. Cover your shoulders and avoid low-cut clothes. Short skirts, shorts, and flip-flops are not permitted. You will be expected to remove your hats inside the Abbey.

Frequently Asked Questions Westminster Abbey Christmas services and events

While attending a service at Westminster Abbey does not usually require tickets or booking, there are specific Christmas events like the Service of Carols and Lessons, the First Eucharist of Christmas Night, the Christmas Day Sung Eucharist, and the Christmas Concert, that require bookings. In such cases, booking in advance is recommended, especially during the festive season, as seats fill up quickly. Reserve early to secure your spot and enjoy a peaceful, inspiring experience at the Abbey.

Your guide to Christmas at Westminster Abbey

What to expect at Westminster Abbey during Christmas