Enjoy Gloucester Cathedral This Advent and Christmas
All is calm, all is bright at Gloucester Cathedral this Advent and Christmas
Gloucester Cathedral shares its packed programme of worship, services, events, and activities for this festive season.
The Cathedral warmly welcomes regular worshippers and new visitors alike to participate in its services and events.
The Very Reverend Andrew Zihni, Dean of Gloucester, said:
“We are delighted to invite you to Gloucester Cathedral this Advent and Christmas to embrace the spirit of this special time of year.
At the centre of the anticipation and celebration is the birth of Jesus Christ. In a world that often feels chaotic and divided, we can find comfort in the promise that ‘all is calm, all is bright’ because of his birth.”
Find comfort at a service with some world-class music
A variety of traditional services will take place at the Cathedral this year, beginning with the Advent Carol Service at 6pm on Sunday, 1 December. On 7 December, between 11am and 3.30pm, the Cathedral choirs will perform bite-sized bursts of festive praise on the hour at Carols on the Hour. This will be followed by other special services, including Family Crib Services on 21, 23, and 24 December – perfect for getting families into the festive spirit. Due to popular demand, an extra service has been added to this year’s programme, offering even more families the chance to attend. Traditional readings, carols, and beautiful music will also be featured at the Cathedral Carol Services on 22 and 23 December at 6pm. Midnight Mass will mark the start of Christmas Day on 24 December at 11.15pm, followed by the Christmas Day Eucharist on 25 December at 10.15am.
No tickets are required for these services, but seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis, so the Cathedral recommends arriving in good time.
Enjoy Gloucester Cathedral This Advent and Christmas
Delight in the decorations
From 6 December, the Cathedral will be beautifully decorated for Advent and Christmas, with majestic trees, festive Cloisters, and a warm seasonal atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy the Cathedral’s decorations during regular visiting hours, with entry by voluntary donation.
The decorations are especially beautiful at night, and for a unique experience, tickets are available for the Cathedral’s Christmas Experience at Night events on 6, 7, 14, 19, 20, and 21 December from 5.45pm to 8.45pm. Enjoy live performances from Cathedral musicians and friends, and experience the festive charm of the Cathedral after dark. Tickets are £8 for adults and £3 for children. Enhance your Christmas Experience at Night with an unwrapped ticket for a behind-the-scenes library or tower tour. More details and booking information are available on the Cathedral website: www.gloucestercathedral.org.uk.
Enjoy festive fun for all the family
The new Once Upon a Star: The Christmas Story trail will run from 6 December to 5 January, guiding participants through the story of the first Christmas with a free map. On 14 December, children can learn about the origins of Father Christmas and meet St Nicholas himself in the charming Chapter House.
Provide support for the community
Between 30 November and 19 December, the Cathedral will collect items for Gloucester Foodbank to help fill emergency food parcels. For information on the items needed, please visit the Cathedral’s website.
Support the In Tune Music and Organ Campaign
It wouldn’t be Advent and Christmas without the Cathedral choirs’ heavenly music. By supporting Gloucester Cathedral’s In Tune campaign, you help bring the joy of music and singing to children across the city, county, and diocese. Through workshops and performances at the Cathedral, we aim to inspire young musical talent.
Help us unlock musical opportunities for the next generation. Donate to the In Tune Campaign here: https://gloucestercathedral.org.uk/support/in-tune-organ-and-music-campaign.
Explore Gloucestershire
6 November 2024
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