Gloucester Cathedral: Advent and Christmas 2024

A Message from the Dean of Gloucester

The Very Reverend Andrew Zihni, Dean of Gloucester, warmly invites everyone to embrace the festive season at Gloucester Cathedral. The program offers moments of tranquility amidst the holiday busyness, celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ through stunning decorations and exceptional music from the Cathedral choirs. The message emphasizes sharing love and light, offering comfort in a world that can feel chaotic.

Key Services and Events

Advent Carol Service

Sunday, 1 December, 6pm. A majestic service marking the beginning of the new Christian year.

Family Crib Service

Saturday 21 December, Monday 23 December, and Tuesday 24 December, 2:30pm. These services are perfect for families to get into the festive spirit.

Cathedral Carol Service

Sunday 22 and Monday 23 December, 6pm. Featuring traditional readings, carols, and music from the Cathedral Choirs.

Midnight Mass

Tuesday 24 December, 11:15pm. An atmospheric service to mark the start of Christmas Day.

Christmas Day Eucharist

Wednesday 25 December, 10:15am. A service to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Cathedral Eucharist for the Celebration of the Epiphany

Sunday 5 January, 10:15am. Commemorating the visit of the Three Kings.

Faithful Generations Day

Saturday 1 February, from 12 noon. An afternoon for grandparents and children to explore Christian faith and spirituality through prayer spaces, activities, and workshops. Admission is free, booking online is recommended.

Candlemas Carol Service

Sunday 2 February, 6pm. A candlelit service with choral music and readings to conclude the Christmas season.

Community Partnerships and Special Concerts

Teenage Voices Project Christmas Concert

Thursday 28 November, 6pm. A concert by students from two Gloucestershire schools, free with a retiring collection for Cathedral music.

Chorister Coffee Concert

Saturday 30 November, 11am. Featuring the Cathedral Choristers performing seasonal music in the Chapter House. Tickets are £10, proceeds support the 'In Tune Music and Organ' campaign.

Carols on the Hour

Saturday 7 December, 11am - 3:30pm. The Cathedral choirs will perform short bursts of festive music on the hour. No booking required.

Messiaen's La Nativité du Seigneur

Sunday 15 December, 6:30pm. Jonathan Hope performs Messiaen's organ cycle for Christmas. Admission is free with a retiring collection for Cathedral Music.

Meningitis Now Christmas Concert

Wednesday 27 November, 7:30pm. Tickets £12.

Gloucester City Mission's Christmas Carol Concert

Friday 29 November, 7:30pm. Free admission, no booking required.

Gloucester Choral Society presents Handel's Messiah

Saturday 30 November, 5pm. Tickets from £10, with concessions for students and under 25s.

Friends of Gloucester Cathedral Christmas Carol Celebration

Thursday 5 December, 5:30pm. Tickets £12 for members, £14 for guests.

Saint Cecilia Singers Christmas Concert

Friday 13 December, 8pm. Tickets £20, includes a glass of mulled wine.

Ecclesiastical's Christmas Carol Celebration

Tuesday 17 December, 7:30pm. Details available online.

Gloucester Morris Men and Mummers Dance on Cathedral Green

Thursday 26 December, 12 noon. Free admission, no booking required.

Carols for All with Gloucester Choral Society

Thursday 26 December, 3pm. Free admission, no booking required.

Cathedral Christmas Experience at Night

From Friday 6 December, Gloucester Cathedral will be beautifully decorated for Advent and Christmas. Majestic trees will adorn the Nave and Quire, and the Cloisters will offer a festive atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy the Cathedral's beauty during regular opening hours, with entry by voluntary donation.

Experience at Night:

• Dates: Friday 6, Saturday 7, Saturday 14, Thursday 19, Friday 20, Saturday 21 December, 5:45pm - 8:45pm (last entry 7:45pm).
• General Admission: Adult £8, Child £3.
• Make your Christmas Experience at Night extra special with an unwrapped ticket.
• Unwrapped Tower Tours: Adult £20, Child (6-17 years) £10.
• Unwrapped Library Tours: Adult £12, Child (6-17 years) £6.

Peek behind the scenes in the medieval library or see the city at night from the top of the tower. Details for selected dates are available online.

Family Festive Fun

Once upon a STAR: The Christmas story!

From 6 December - 5 January. A family trail discovering the story of the first Christmas. Pick up a free trail map from the Welcome Desk.

Meet St Nicholas at Gloucester Cathedral

Saturday 14 December, 10am - 4pm. Learn about the origins of Father Christmas and meet St Nicholas. Children receive a book gift, and families can enjoy crafts and a scratch Nativity. No booking required, free of charge.

Christmas Library Tours

Saturday 7 December, various times. Explore the Cathedral's monastic library and the Christmas story through historic Bibles. Adult Ticket £12, Child Ticket £6. Book online.

Support and Donations

Christmas Foodbank Collection

From 30 November to 19 December, donations for Gloucester Foodbank can be dropped off in the Nave. Visit the website for information on needed items.

IN TUNE Music and Organ Campaign

Support the campaign to raise £3 million by 2026 to fund Singing and Organ Academies and rebuild the historic Cathedral organ. Donations can be made to support organ pipes: £25 for a 1' pipe, £50 for a 2' pipe, £100 for a 4' pipe.

Additional Information

Cathedral Gift Shop

Offers a selection of unique and locally-sourced Christmas gifts.

The Monk's Kitchen

The NATIVI-TEA returns! From Monday 2 December to Tuesday 24 December. Enjoy a festive twist on afternoon tea with a mince pie, fudge, and mulled wine. Cost is £18.50 per person. Call 01452 689 755 to book.

Feedback

Visitors are encouraged to complete a survey to help improve the visitor experience. Scan the QR code to access the survey.

Contact Information

Gloucester Cathedral
12 College Green, Gloucester, GL1 2LX
Tel: 01452 528095
Website: www.gloucestercathedral.org.uk