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From special services, tours and talks, to unique exhibitions, music concerts and visitor events, there's always lots to discover at Canterbury Cathedral.
Advent and Christmas at Canterbury Cathedral
Journeying to Christmas
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 (with free access to the Precincts*).
* Enjoy free access to the Precincts for the duration of the Christmas Market (15 November - 24 December 2024)
Image: Visualisation created by R3nder
FREE* exhibition
Cross-Currents
18 October 2024 – 15 February 2025
An installation of hundreds of beautiful, delicate hand-crafted boats embarked on their own journey through the vast architecture of Canterbury Cathedral, each fragile boat symbolizing the transient passage of the life of an individual.
*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends Card. Children aged 17 and under go free (T&Cs apply). No need to book.
Highlighted events
Wednesdays, 11:15-12:30 (with some exceptions)
‘The St Thomas Becket Story’ Tour
Uncover the full story of St Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral, where echoes of his life and legacy resound.
Explore the places in the Cathedral associated with the life and death of the renowned saint and martyr, from the location of his shocking murder in 1170 to the site of his first tomb, where over 700 miracles were reported. Discover how the story was re-told in stained glass.
£5 per person, plus admission charge.
WEEKLY Monday - Saturday 10:30, 12:00 and 14:00 and Sundays 13:00
'The Inside Story' Tour
Discover the story of Canterbury Cathedral through its soaring architecture, beautiful medieval stained glass and the history that helped make and shape the Cathedral.
From the Cathedral’s origins in the 6th century, the tour will encompass 1,400 years of history - with tales of royalty, clergy and everyday craftsmen who made the Cathedral what it is today - set amid a background of wars, political struggle and tales of bravery.
£5 per person, plus Cathedral admission charge.
Book at our Visitor Centre.
DAILY Between 10:00- 16:00, various intervals
FREE* Mini Talks
Listen to a bite-sized exploration of the Cathedral’s history with a free 15-minute Mini Talk, delivered by our knowledgeable team.
A great chance to discover more about the 1,400 years of history of our magnificent Cathedral - from the Black Prince and the turbulent Thomas Becket, to our Historic Graffiti and marvellous Stained Glass.
Take a pew and learn something new!
Talks subject to availability on the day. Ask at our Visitor Centre for times.
*Included with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket or Cathedral Pass
Fridays, 11:15-12:15 (with some exceptions)
Stained Glass Windows Tour
Join us on a guided tour, offering an introduction to the history and range of stained glass found at the Cathedral, from medieval to modern.
Discover richly-detailed Bible-story windows, explore Miracle Windows and see the oldest stained glass in England. You will be introduced to 20th Century glass reflecting stories of hope, and meet a host of famous faces immortalised in glass along the way.
£5 per person, plus admission charge.
MONTHLY
FRIENDly Singing for Wellbeing
Turn up for a cuppa and a biscuit followed by some sociable singing to put a smile on your face, led by Jamie Rogers, Assistant Director of Music, and our Choral Scholars.
ALL welcome – rusty singers included!
Free to attend but donations welcomed.
14.00-15.00 on the following Mondays:
- 11 November
- 9 December
Mondays (until 16 December), 12:30-13:00 in the Crypt
Taizé Lunchtime Prayer
The worship of Taizé is based on simple repetitive chants, the reading of scripture and silence.
All our welcome to come and experience this way of praying as we connect with God and one another through sound and silence.
In person only.
This event is free, but donations are kindly accepted.
New dates added regularly
American Connections Tour
Discover the strong bond that Canterbury Cathedral has with the United States.
This is the story of centuries of friendship across the Atlantic.
Dates:
- Thanksgiving: 28 November, 11:15-12:30
- Pearl Harbour Memorial Day: 7 December, 11:15-12:30
£5 per person, plus admission charge.
Tuesdays, over 10 weeks (starting 10 September), 20:00 - 21:00 BST, via Zoom
Online Book Group: The Book of Margery Kempe (c.1436-8)
SESSION RECORDINGS AVAILABLE
Known as the earliest autobiography written in the English language, The Book of Margery Kempe (c.1436-8) describes the dramatic transformation of its heroine from failed business woman and lustful young wife to devout and chaste pilgrim.
You are warmly invited to join Canon Emma online each Tuesday evening via Zoom, to reflect and discuss this extraordinary account of a medieval wife, mother and mystic.
Together, over ten weeks, we shall read and discuss the complete text - focussing on specific chapters each week.
The group is free, but any donation you may wish to make to the mission and ministry of the Cathedral will be warmly received.
*Please reserve your space to be sent a zoom link. It will be the same link for each week.*
Thursdays 5 & 19 December, between 14:15-16:00
Gentle Tours
Join us for our short step-free tours, in a smaller group, delivered at a gentle pace.
The tour is split into two 40-minute sessions, with a comfort break in between.
£5 per person, plus Cathedral admission charge.
Please note, there is no discount available if you wish to join one session of the tour only.
FREE* & FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
Cross-Currents exhibition
Until 15 February 2025
Cross-Currents is an installation of hundreds of beautiful, delicate hand-crafted boats embarked on their own journey through the vast architecture of Canterbury Cathedral, each fragile boat symbolizing the transient passage of the life of an individual.
Participating in the creative process is very much a part of this exhibition; visitors and the community will have an opportunity to participate in the Cross-Currents voyage through the practice of creating a boat themselves to accompany the fleet.
*This exhibition is included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends Card. Children aged 17 and under go free (T&Cs apply). No need to book.
Exclusive Onsite Partnership Class
Royal School of Needlework: Pilgrims' Christmas Stockings
Saturday 16 November, 10:00-16:00 in the Community Studio
Following the success of our previous classes, Helen Stevens, RSN Tutor will lead the class to stitch a stunning Christmas tree decoration inspired by the medieval glass of Canterbury Cathedral, which features the ornately decorated boots of Becket pilgrims.
You will also have the opportunity to see the stunning glass window depicting the pilgrimage and enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to the Stained Glass Studio with Director, Léonie Seliger.
This event includes entrance to the Cathedral after the class, until 5pm.
The class cost is £170 per student and includes all materials and necessary equipment to complete the project.
This exclusive project is part of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral's unique association with the Royal School of Needlework.
Tues 19 November, 10:30-11:30 in the Clagett Auditorium
TALK: More Than a Nail Man: Modern art installations in Canterbury Cathedral
Canon Christopher Irvine, former Canon Librarian at Canterbury and now Honorary Teaching Fellow at St Augustine’s College of Theology, will look at three extraordinary pieces of contemporary sculpture in our Cathedral: Stephen Cox’s altar and water stoup in St Anselm’s Chapel and the Nave, and Anthony Gormley’s ‘Transport’ in the Crypt.
Learn how and why they were commissioned, wonder at their materiality and design, and see how they connect with some of the key figures in the story of our Cathedral.
£10 Friends of Canterbury Cathedral, £15 non-members. Includes tea and coffee.
This event is supported by The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 256575).
Canterbury Cathedral presents
Handel’s Messiah by Candlelight
Saturday 23 November, 19:30-22:00 in the Quire, Canterbury Cathedral
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 Canterbury Cathedral’s Quire.
Tickets: £27 (Incl. £2 booking fee)
This event is organised, managed and presented by Canterbury Cathedral
Saturday 23 November, 17:30 in the Nave
Holodomor Remembrance Day Service
with the Canterbury Ukrainian Ladies Choir
All are welcome to join us for this special service, as we pray for Ukraine and all who suffer.
Preacher: The Archbishop of Canterbury.
This service replaces our usual 17:30 Choral Evensong service on this day.
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 25 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).
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.
Tuesday 26 November, 10:30-11:30 in the Clagett Auditorium
TALK: Canterbury in the Time of Daniel Defoe and Jane Austen
Popular speaker Doreen Rosman returns to continue her series of talks on the history of life in Canterbury.
This talk will depict life in the Georgian city and explore how it had changed by the time Jane Austen visited, three-quarters of a century after Defoe.
£10 Friends of Canterbury Cathedral, £15 non-members. Includes tea and coffee.
This event is supported by The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 256575).
Thursdays over 4 weeks (28 November-19 December) 20:00-21:00, via Zoom
Journeys of Healing through Advent: Poetry and Scripture
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.
FREE Star Decoration Making
Sat 30 November, 11:00-15:00 in the Viewing Gallery
Bring your little ones to a heart-warming Christmas drop-in session where they can craft their own star decorations that will adorn the Cathedral’s ‘Children’s Christmas Tree’ in the Nave.
Drop-in activity; no need to book.
Suitable for ages 4+.
You do not need a Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card to take part.
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.
Advent Carol Service †
Sun 1 December, 17:30-18:30
This beautiful service at the start of the Advent season brings together music, readings, and the lighting of candles.
† Live streamed on our YouTube channel
Mothers’ Union Advent Service
Wed 4 December, 11:00-12:00 in the Crypt
All are welcome.
Thursday 5 December, 11:00-12:00 in the Clagett Auditorium
TALK: The Discovery of Richard III
In this talk, Dean David will tell the story of the discovery of the remains of King Richard III in a Leicester car park and his reburial, with dignity and honour, in Leicester Cathedral.
£10 Friends of Canterbury Cathedral, £15 non-members. Includes tea and coffee.
This event is supported by The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 256575).
SPECIAL SEASONAL TOUR
‘Christmas at the Cathedral’ Tour
Thursdays 5, 12 & 19 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
Friday 6 December, 11:00-12:30
Stained Glass Studio Tour
Our Cathedral Studios workshop is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of Stained Glass Heritage.
Visit the studio, meet one of our conservators and learn more about their work specialising in the conservation, restoration and protection of stained glass from the 12th Century to the 20th Century.
£25 per person. Cathedral admission not included.
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!
† Live streamed on our YouTube channel
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.
† Live streamed on our YouTube channel
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
Hear the Cathedral bells ring out to greet you as you arrive at our Friendly traditional Service.
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.
† Live streamed on our YouTube channel
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]
† Live streamed on our YouTube channel
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.
† Live streamed on our YouTube channel
Christmas Day
Wednesday 25 December
09:15 Said Morning Prayer
11:00 Christmas Eucharist with the Archbishop of Canterbury †
15:00 Evensong with Carols †
† Live streamed on our YouTube channel
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
† Live streamed on our YouTube channel
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
Friday 21 & Saturday 22 February 2025 in the Canterbury Cathedral Nave
80s, 90s &00s Silent Disco
presented by Silent Discos in Incredible Places
*SELLING FAST*
After several sold out shows in Canterbury Cathedral, An 80s, 90s & 00s Silent Disco like no other is back by popular demand.
Expect some of the UK's best DJs playing all your favourite tunes in the stunning, illuminated surroundings of Canterbury Cathedral.
Friday 21 February 2025
- Session 1:6:30PM - 9:00PM *SOLD OUT*
- Session 2: 9:30PM - 12:00AM - LIMITED TICKETS LEFT
Saturday 22 February 2025
- Session 1: 6:30PM - 9:00PM *SOLD OUT*
- Session 2: 9:30PM - 12:00AM *SOLD OUT*
This is strictly a 18+ event.
Saturday 10 May 2025 (between 11:30-18:00), in the Quire
Be a part of
The Big FRIENDly Sing!
* SIGN UP TO SING NOW *
Join us for our fourth Big FRIENDly Sing!
Come along and sing Mozart’s Requiem from scratch, conducted by Dr David Newsholme, Director of Music at the Cathedral.
Pricing to sing:
- £30 to sing with own score
- £35 to sing with hired music on the day
Invite family and friends to attend the performance!
All are welcome!
Tickets to the event:£15 (Children go free)
This is a charity event in support of The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral (Registered Charity No 256575).
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