Gloucester Cathedral Advent and Christmas 2025 Guide
Discover tidings of comfort and joy at Gloucester Cathedral this Advent and Christmas
Gloucester Cathedral invites all to experience ‘tidings of comfort and joy’ this Advent and Christmas in its packed programme of services, music and family-friendly events and activities.
"The angels proclaimed, “I bring you tidings of great joy” - a message of hope, love and peace that continues to speak to us all today.
Whether you come to pause in the quiet beauty of Advent or to celebrate the wonder of Christ’s birth, there’s a warm welcome waiting for you."
– The Very Reverend Andrew Zihni, The Dean of Gloucester.
Worship at Gloucester Cathedral this Advent and Christmas
A whole host of carol services will be on offer within the magnificent surroundings of Gloucester Cathedral, beginning with the Advent Carol Service this Sunday 30 November at 6pm, which will mark the start of the new Church year.
Due to popular demand, the traditional Cathedral Carol service will be taking place three times this year on Sunday 21, Monday 22 and Tuesday 23 December at 6pm. Families can also enjoy Family Carol Services on Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 December at 2.30pm, a joyful celebration suitable for all ages.
Christmas worship continues with Midnight Mass on 24 December at 11.15pm, and the Christmas Day Eucharist on 25 December at 10.15am, offering opportunities for all to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. While no tickets are required for any Advent or Christmas services, it is advised that people arrive early as space is limited and seating is offered on a first come first served basis.
Visit the beautifully decorated Cathedral and experience fun for all the family
Throughout December, the Cathedral interior will be transformed with seasonal decorations, twinkling lights and beautiful Christmas trees in the Nave, Quire and Cloister. All are welcome to enjoy the festive atmosphere during the Cathedral’s visitor opening hours, with families invited to explore the building by taking part in the Good Tidings Family Trail, a free activity for young visitors to enjoy.
Families can also step into the story of Father Christmas and meet St Nicholas on Saturday 13 and Saturday 20 December, with free admission and no booking required.
Visitors seeking a truly atmospheric experience can enjoy the Cathedral Christmas Experience at Night, running on selected dates throughout December. These special evenings offer the chance for people to admire the Cathedral after dark, accompanied by music from Cathedral musicians and friends. Tickets for general entry are £8.50 for adults and £5 for children.
Support your community this Christmas
Gloucester Cathedral will be supporting Gloucester Foodbank again this festive season. A collection will be available for donations to the foodbank between Saturday 29 November and Thursday 18 December in the Nave of the Cathedral, bringing comfort and care to those facing difficult times. Tinned food and toiletries are required, with a full list of items available to view on the Cathedral website.
Enjoy listening to music from the Cathedral’s musicians and choirs
Music is at the heart of Christmas at Gloucester Cathedral, with choirs singing and leading congregations in carols during the Cathedral’s services and at special events throughout the season. Highlights include the ever popular Carols on the Hour on Saturday 6 December, running from 11am and offering short bursts of festive song throughout the day, and Britten’s Ceremony of Carols on Sunday 7 December at 4.15pm.
This season, the Cathedral invites supporters to help shape its musical future through the In Tune Music and Organ Campaign. Individuals can sponsor a pipe on behalf of a loved one in the Cathedral’s new organ, arriving next year. Pipes available form part of the Super Octave and Tierce stops, which create the bright, sparkling notes that are heard at Christmas time, making it the perfect festive gift for music lovers. Pipe sponsorship begins at £25 and includes a personalised pack, priority booking for next June’s Organ Festival, and regular updates on the organ’s progress.
Pipes may be sponsored via the Cathedral Gift Shop or via the Cathedral website: https://gloucestercathedral.org.uk/visit/gift-shop.
Find out more about Advent and Christmas at Gloucester Cathedral on the Cathedral website: https://gloucestercathedral.org.uk/whats-on.
Explore Gloucestershire
3 December 2025
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