As Christmas draws nearer, Durham Cathedral is inviting people to experience the joy of the festive season with a programme of special services, concerts and events, in celebration of the birth of Christ starting from 30 November.
Each year, visiting the cathedral for Advent and Christmas is part of many people’s annual tradition. This year services start on Saturday 30 November, 6pm, with the Advent Procession (repeated at the same time on Sunday 1 December) and officially marks the start of advent. These special, atmospheric services feature the theatrical procession of choir and clergy in the darkness, with only flickering candlelight illuminating their way.
Durham Christmas Festival then begins on Friday 6 December and runs until Sunday 8 December. Those visiting on Saturday can join a Carols for All sing-a-long service in the cathedral at 11am and 1.30pm, and visitors on Sunday can join in for festive carols at 2pm. Families won’t want to miss the Children’s Lantern Parade from the Market Place at 2.30pm and the Saint Nicholas’ Service at 3pm.
On Saturday 14 December, 6pm the Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols will transport you back to the medieval monastery of the cathedral, with the signing of ancient choral music and harpist Helena Pearson.
The ever popular Blessing of the Crib and Lighting of the Christmas Tree takes place on Sunday 15 December at 3:30pm. This special service sees the magical moment that the 26 ft tall Norwegian Spruce tree is illuminated for the first time. While everyone is welcome at all services, this is one in particular that will get families and children into the Christmas spirit.
Throughout December families can also pick up a free family activity leaflet which explores the Christmas story through puzzles and activities or stop by to see Durham Cathedral in LEGO® decorated for the season. The cathedral gift shop is the perfect place to pick up unique local items or for those searching for a unique present for the person in their life that’s a little more difficult to buy for, the cathedral is also selling tickets to Vivaldi Four Seasons at Christmas by Candlelight on Friday 27 December at 7:30pm and unique stone carving experiences with a stonemason in 2025.
The holiday season can be a difficult time for those missing friends and family members. The special St Cuthbert’s Hospice service on Sunday 15 December at 7pm, welcomes people to Light up the Life of someone in need by making a donation in memory of a loved one. The names of those being remembered will be entered into a book of remembrance and dedicated at this service.
The cathedral also plays host to a number of rousing carol services from local community groups, schools and organisations throughout December including the NHS Carol Service on Tuesday 17 December at 7.30pm and the NSPCC Carol Service on Saturday 21 December at 11am, to which all are welcome.
On Christmas Eve, the cathedral delivers a special Midnight Mass at 11pm and on Christmas Day itself, services take place and all are welcome.
There is no admission charge to enter the cathedral, however all donations are gratefully received.
For more information about visiting the cathedral and attending special services and events visit: www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/christmas
