Worcester Cathedral is preparing to welcome the local community to join together and celebrate a packed programme of services, concerts and events this Christmastime.
The theme of the Cathedral’s Christmas this year is ‘Togetherness’, and it is also asking those who can, to donate to its Christmas Appeal 2023, to ensure the Cathedral can continue to play an integral part in everyone’s Christmas story now, and for years to come. The glittering Christmas Tree Festival will run from Thursday 7 December 2023 to Sunday 14 January 2024.
Tickets are not required again this year, and all are warmly welcome to visit and view the glittering avenue of innovatively designed trees lining the medieval cloister. They will be available to view during normal opening times, every day except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day*.
This Christmas, you can experience the beauty of a carol service at the Cathedral, with traditional readings, anthems sung by one of the Cathedral’s choirs, and your favourite carols accompanied by the magnificent organ. Or attend one of the crib services on Christmas Eve to see the Christmas story re-enacted – with real animals!
* Tickets are not required for the following services this year:
Friday 01 December
2pm ‘Shoppers’ Carol Service: Readings and music
Saturday 02 December
2pm ‘Shoppers’ Carol Service: Readings and music
Sunday 03 December
6:30pm The Advent Procession by candlelight: Music sung by the Cathedral Choir
Sunday 17 December
4pm Carol Service: Readings and music sung by the Cathedral Voluntary Choir
Tuesday 19 December
6:30pm Blue Light Carol Service: Readings and music sung by the Cathedral Chamber Choir
Wednesday 20 December
6:30pm Worcester News Carol Service: Readings and music sung by the Cathedral Choir
Friday 22 December
6:30pm Carol Service: Readings and music sung by the Cathedral Choir
Saturday 23 December
2pm ‘Shoppers’ Carol Service: Readings and music
6:30pm Carol Service: Readings and music sung by the Cathedral Choir
Sunday 24 December
1pm & 3pm Crib Service with carols and the story of Christmas
5:30pm Evening Service: Readings and music sung by the Youth Choir and former Choristers
11:30pm The Midnight Eucharist: Music sung by the Cathedral Choir
Monday 25 December
8am Holy Communion (BCP)
10:30am Eucharist for Christmas Day: Music sung by the Cathedral Choir
4pm Choral Evensong with Carols sung by the Cathedral Choir
Christmas Fayre in the Cloister
Pop along from Thursday 30 November - Sunday 3 December and grab your Christmas goodies in the glorious setting of the medieval cloister.
There will be festive stock aplenty on offer and stalls will be open from 10am - 5pm Thursday 30 November - Saturday 2 December, and from 12.30 - 3.30pm on Sunday 3 December.
Tidings of Joy – Cathedral Christmas Concert
Saturday 16 December, 7.30pm
An enchanting evening of Christmas music performed by the choirs of Worcester Cathedral. This ever-popular Christmas concert has become a traditional part of Christmas for many families. Join in for a feast of festive music, performed with a seasonal dose of Christmas cheer!
Book tickets | https://www.worcestercathedral.org.uk/whats-on/tidings-of-joy-cathedral-christmas-concert-2023
Christmas Opening Times
Monday - Saturday 10am-5pm (last entry 4.30pm)
Sunday 1-3pm (last entry 2.30pm)
Christmas Eve: Open for services only
Christmas Day: Open for services only
The Cathedral will be open for visiting, except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, throughout the festive period.
Due to a high volume of services taking place, there may be some slight changes to visiting hours at times. Please check the Planned Closures page before visiting.
There are also trails available in the Cathedral, as well as a photography exhibition in the Chapter House until 3 December, the quaint gift shop is stocked with all your Advent and Christmas goodies, and the cosy cloister café is open too!
*The Christmas Trees will be available to view on Christmas Eve for those attending the 1pm and 3pm Crib Services, as the exit will be via the Cloisters.
