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 on offer this festive season.

Collage of images of Gloucester Cathedral with Christmas decorations.

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

There are a variety of traditional services taking 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 every hour at Carols on the Hour. This will be followed by a number of other special services, including Family Crib Services on 21, 23 and 24 December. These services are perfect for getting families into the festive spirit. Due to popular demand, the Cathedral has included an extra service in this year’s programme, offering even more families the chance to attend. Meanwhile, expect traditional readings, carols and beautiful music at the Cathedral Carol Services taking place 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 where the community is welcome to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ at 10.15am.

No tickets are required to attend these services, but seating will be allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis. Therefore, the Cathedral recommends arriving in good time.

Delight in the decorations

The Cathedral will be beautifully decorated for Advent and Christmas from 6 December. Expect majestic trees, festive Cloisters and a warm atmosphere to celebrate the season. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the Cathedral during regular visiting opening hours and entry is by voluntary donation.

The decorations shine their brightest at night and so, for something extra special, purchase a ticket to the Cathedral’s Christmas Experience at Night events, taking place on 6, 7, 14, 19, 20 and 21 December between 5.45pm and 8.45pm. Enjoy live performances from Cathedral musicians and friends and experience the festive charm of the Cathedral after dark. Tickets for general admission are £8 for an adult and £3 for a child. You can make your Christmas Experience at Night extra special with an unwrapped ticket to peek behind the scenes on a library or tower tour. More details of these events, and how to book, can be found on the Cathedral website.

Enjoy festive fun for all the family

The brand-new Once Upon a Star: The Christmas Story trail is running from 6 December to 5 January, with a free map guiding participants through the journey of the first Christmas. Meanwhile on 14 December, children can discover the origins of Father Christmas and meet St Nicholas himself in the delightful setting of the Chapter House.

Provide support for the community

Between 30 November and 19 December, the Cathedral will be collecting items for Gloucester Foodbank. The items will be used to help Gloucester Foodbank fill their emergency food parcels. Please visit the Cathedral website for more information on items the Foodbank need your help with.

Support the In Tune Music and Organ Campaign 

It wouldn’t be Advent and Christmas without the heavenly sound of our choirs filling the Cathedral. By supporting Gloucester Cathedral’s In Tune campaign, you can 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.