Westminster Abbey Christmas Guide 2024: Services & Festivities

Westminster Abbey Christmas services

An Advent Liturgy

Attend a dramatic candlelit service. Listen to beautiful hymns, readings, and anthems sung by the world-famous Abbey Choir. This special service focuses on the anticipation of Christ and the promise of hope. It's a powerful and inspiring way to celebrate the season, lasting about an hour.

Date: December 1
Timings: 4pm - 5pm
Price: Free (Booking not required)

Service of Carols and Lessons

Check out a traditional Christmas service. You'll hear beautiful carols and anthems sung by the Abbey Choir. You can catch them at the Abbey on December 23 or at St Margaret's Church on Christmas Eve. These services are about an hour and might not be the best for little ones.

Date: December 23 & 24
Timings: 6pm - 7pm; 4pm - 5pm
Price: Free (Booking required)

First Eucharist of Christmas Night

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. It's a great way to reflect on the meaning of Christmas. Just a heads up, the service lasts about an hour and a half.

Date: December 24
Timings: 11pm - 12:30am
Price: Free (Booking required)

Christmas Day Holy Communion

This quiet service is a bit more traditional, using the 1662 Book of Common Prayer. It's in a language you might not be used to. You'll hear Bible readings and prayers, and bread and wine are received as the body and blood of Jesus Christ. It's a peaceful service that lasts about 40 minutes.

Date: December 25
Timings: 8am - 8:40am
Price: Free (Booking not required)

Christmas Day Sung Eucharist

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. There will also be a sermon and Holy Communion, and the service lasts about 90 minutes.

Date: December 25
Timings: 10:30am - 11:30am
Price: Free (Booking required)

Christmas Day Evensong

Want a more traditional Christmas experience? Come to the Christmas Day Evensong service, with traditional music (psalms, canticlesm, and anthems), Bible readings, and prayers following the traditional pattern in The Book of Common Prayer. The service lasts about an hour.

Date: December 25
Timings: 3pm - 4pm
Price: Free (Booking not required)

Christmas Concert

Inspired by the Festival of Lessons and Carols, the Westminster Abbey choir presents a concert featuring festive choral works, carols, and seasonal readings. Don’t miss Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols, performed by the Abbey Choristers and harpist Cecilia Sultana De Maria.

Date: December 20
Timings: 7pm - 8.20pm
Price: £15 - £47

Know before you go:

Entry to Westminster Abbey is via the Great West Door. Doors open at 6:15pm and there will be no interval. Latecomers will be admitted but may not be able to occupy their allocated seats until a suitable break in the performance.
Your bag will be searched. Do not bring any large items with you.
Photography, filming, and sound recording are not permitted at Abbey concerts.
Older children are welcome at the evening concerts but we do not recommend them for children under the age of 6.

Plan your Christmas at Westminster Abbey

The Westminster Abbey timings during December have not yet been announced. Please check back later.

Please note that the Westminster Abbey hosts special Christmas events in December, the timings of which vary depending on the event.

Westminster Abbey timings

Address: Westminster Abbey, 20 Deans Yd, London SW1P 3PA, United Kingdom

Find on Maps

By tube: The nearest underground stations are Westminster and St James Park, each about a five-minute walk from the abbey.
By bus: The bus routes 11, 24, 88, 148, and 211 pass by the Westminster Abbey entrance. The nearest bus stops are the Parliament Square stop, Abingdon Street - Stop L, Westminster Station - Stop G, and Westminster Station - Stop A.
By train: The nearest stations are Victoria and Waterloo stations. The abbey is a 15-minute walk from both.

Carer tickets: Free admission for registered disabled visitors and their carers are available.
Wheelchairs available: Inquire with an Abbey Marshal for wheelchair availability on arrival.
Audio tours: Audio-described tours for visually impaired visitors with assistance from VocalEyes are available.
Service dogs: Guide dogs, hearing dogs, and assistance dogs are welcome; no other animals are allowed.
Hearing loops: Hearing loop systems cover the entire Abbey main building.
Accessible toilets: Accessible toilets are available in the cloisters and the lobby of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries.

If partaking in religious services, dress in a manner that respects the cultural and spiritual significance of the venue. Keep in mind the solemnity of the occasion; avoid overly casual or revealing attire. Opt for neat and presentable smart-casual clothing.
As the weather may vary, consider wearing layers for comfort. Bring a coat or jacket if the weather is chilly.
Be prepared for some walking; comfortable shoes are advisable.
Consider adding a festive touch to your outfit, such as a holiday-themed accessory or colors.

Westminster Abbey does not offer on-site parking. Nearby parking spaces are available, including:

Great College Street: The closest parking is on Great College Street, a 3-minute walk away.
Waterloo Car Park: The 24-hour Waterloo Car Park on York Road is a convenient option, just a 15-minute walk from the abbey.
Q-Park Victoria: Another 24-hour option is the Q-Park Victoria on Arneway Street, only an 8-minute walk from the abbey.

Due to high demand, plan parking arrangements in advance, especially during peak times. Consider using public transportation due to limited parking availability.

As a place of worship, maintain a respectful demeanor during services and events.
Respect the Abbey's photography policies -Photography policies may vary during services. It's advisable to check the Abbey's guidelines and be respectful of the solemnity of the occasion.

Check the Christmas event schedule, including services, carol singing, and festive activities, and plan your visit accordingly.
Arriving at least 30-45 minutes early is ideal. This allows time for check-in, finding your seat, and soaking in the atmosphere. Christmas events can be popular, so early arrival helps you avoid any last-minute rush.
Wear comfortable clothing and consider layers for varied temperatures inside the abbey.
If you are driving to the abbey, be aware of limited on-site parking and explore nearby parking facilities.
Take advantage of your visit by exploring nearby attractions, such as the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.

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Frequently Asked Questions Westminster Abbey Christmas services and events

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

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.

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.