During Advent and Christmas at Durham Cathedral, we host many services, starting with Advent Procession, into Christmas Day services, before entering into the season of Epiphany and Candlemas. Hear choral music sung by the Choirs of Durham Cathedral, join in with community Carol Services and experience Christmas concerts in the atmospheric cathedral.
What is Advent?
Advent is a time of waiting and hope, before a joyous celebration of Jesus' birth at Christmas. This year Advent begins on Sunday 1 December and lasts for four weeks. As the days reach their shortest, we take time during Advent to reflect and light candles to show our hope, in preparation for Christmas.
Popular Advent and Christmas Services
Carol services and other services in December
Carols for All
Event date and start time
Various dates and times
Sing your favourite Christmas carols with friends at the Carols for All services in the cathedral.
More infoChildren's Lantern Parade and Saint Nicholas' Service
Event date and start time
Saturday 7 December 2024 2:30pm
Build excitement for the Christmas season with a lantern procession from the Market Place to the cathedral.
More infoSt Cuthbert's Hospice Light Up a Life Service
Event date and start time
Sunday 15 December 2024 7:00pm
Remember and celebrate the lives of lost loved ones this Christmas.
More info
Christmas Day Services
Midnight Mass
Event date and start time
Tuesday 24 December 2024 & Wednesday 25 December 2024 11:00pm
More infoHoly Communion on Christmas Day
Event date and start time
Wednesday 25 December 2024 8:00am
A service of prayers and Bible readings, in which we offer bread and wine to God in thanksgiving for his goodness to us, which we receive back as the body and blood of Christ.
More infoSung Eucharist on Christmas Day
Event date and start time
Wednesday 25 December 2024 10:00am
More info
Matins on Christmas Day
Event date and start time
Wednesday 25 December 2024 11:30am
We celebrate Christmas in the traditional service of Matins (Morning Prayer) sung by the Cathedral Choir and preached by The Very Revd Dr Philip Plyming, the Dean of Durham.
More infoEvensong on Christmas Day
Event date and start time
Wednesday 25 December 2024 3:30pm
Evensong is a service of bible readings, psalms and prayers. The choir sing for us accompanied by organ music.
More infoDo I need a ticket to come to a service?
Unless otherwise indicated, none of our Christmas services are ticketed this year. Entry to the cathedral will be first come, first served, and we suggest you dress warmly for queueing outside.
Christmas at Durham Cathedral
Things to enjoy in the cathedral this Winter
- Wrap up warm and enjoy the cold air with walks on the riverbanks and woodlands that surround the cathedral. We have downloadable trails to suit all interests, including photography, geology, nature, history, and pilgrimage.
- Grab a hot drink from the café and try one of our delicious homemade sweet treats.
- Wander around the gift shop and pick up a souvenir to remind you of your visit.
- Find out how the cathedral was founded by wandering monks, how the cathedral has looked through years gone by, and how the building has survived centuries of history, in a 1-hour tour with one our expert volunteer guides.
- Find refuge from the hustle and bustle in the cathedral, and take a moment to remember those who won't be with us this year. Light a candle at one of our candle stands, come to a service, and speak to a chaplain if you would like someone to share your worries with.