Gloucester Cathedral is inviting visitors to 'discover tidings of comfort and joy' this Christmas, with a packed programme of events and a warm welcome waiting for one and all.
What's on this Christmas at Gloucester Cathedral?
Whether you're looking for a place to worship, something fun to do with the family, or an exciting evening out to enjoy the sights and sounds of the festive season, Gloucester Cathedral has something for everyone.
Advent and Christmas at Gloucester Cathedral officially starts on Sunday 30 November 2025 with the Advent carol service and concludes on Sunday 4 January 2026.
Here are SoGlos's highlights from its packed events programme...
Family Christmas events at Gloucester Cathedral
Pick up a free trail map from the Welcome Desk and set off on the Good Tidings Family Trail around the cathedral, discovering all the decorations along the way as you help the angels spread their message of joy. The trail is open from Friday 5 December 2025 throughout the festive season until Sunday 4 January 2026.
Discover the real man behind the legend, as St Nicholas visits the cathedral on Saturday 13 and Saturday 20 December 2025 to give children a special gift to take home – with Christmas crafts for the whole family taking place throughout the day, too.
Then bring your best voices along to the family carol services on Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 December 2025 at 2.30pm, to enjoy traditional readings and joyful carols in the cathedral's spectacular surroundings.
These events are all free to attend and don't require pre-booking, but seating is on a first come, first served basis so it's advisable to arrive early for the carol services.
Christmas carol services and worship at Gloucester Cathedral
Starting with the Advent carol service and procession on Sunday 30 November 2025 at 6pm, Gloucester Cathedral is hosting a number of services throughout the festive season – including the return of its popular Carols on the Hour event.
With performances from the cathedral choirs throughout the day from 11am until 3.30pm, Carols on the Hour takes place on Saturday 6 December this year; followed by Britten's Ceremony of Carols sung by the cathedral choristers on Sunday 7 December 2025.
One of the highlights of the festive season for the whole county, Gloucester Cathedral's carol services take place on Sunday 21, Monday 22 and Tuesday 23 December 2025 at 6pm, welcoming everyone to enjoy incredible music and traditional readings in a stunning setting.
Midnight mass starts at 11.15pm on Christmas Eve, inviting worshippers to an atmospheric service to mark the start of Christmas Day; then the family friendly Christmas Day Eucharist service starts at 10.15am on the big day.
Gloucester Cathedral welcomes people of all faiths and of none to its Christmas services. Entry is free and pre-booking is not required, but seating is on a first come, first served basis so it's advisable to arrive early.
Cathedral Christmas Experience at Night at Gloucester Cathedral
The hugely popular Cathedral Christmas Experience at Night returns to Gloucester Cathedral on Friday 5, Saturday 6, Saturday 13, Monday 15, Wednesday 17, Friday 19 and Saturday 20 December 2025.
Inviting visitors to explore the historic building to see the spectacular Christmas lights at their most magical, there's also live music from the cathedral's musicians providing a fantastically festive atmosphere.
The cathedral gift shop will also be open for Christmas shopping and The Monk's Kitchen will be serving up mulled wine and hot chocolate, too.
Entry timeslots are available from 5.45pm, with last entry at 7.45pm, with tickets costing £8.50 for adults and £5 for children.
To book tickets to Cathedral Christmas Experience at Night, visit gloucestercathedral.org.uk.
Library and Tower tours at Gloucester Cathedral
Gloucester Cathedral is giving visitors a chance to take an atmospheric, after dark tour of the Library or the Tower with an Unwrapped ticket for Cathedral Christmas Experience at Night.
Explore the medieval Library by candlelight, or climb the spiral staircase to the Tower to see the most spectacular view over Gloucestershire as the Christmas lights twinkle.
Unwrapped tickets cost £15 for adults and £8 for children, to include the Cathedral Christmas Experience at Night, plus a tour of the Library; or £20 for adults and £10 for children to include a Tower tour.
To book Unwrapped tickets for Cathedral Christmas Experience at Night, visit gloucestercathedral.org.uk.
