Advent marks the beginning of the Church's year, and is a season of reflection, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas Day.
Our schedule of special services and events for this season, to which all are welcome, can be found below. Many of these will also be livestreamed.
Advent Procession | Sunday 3rd December, 4.30pm
A special candlelit service moving from darkness to light, as we await the coming of our Saviour Jesus Christ, with readings, congregational carols and music sung by Chichester Cathedral Choir. Advance booking is not required (also livestreamed).
Carol Services
All are welcome to the Cathedral Carol Service, a celebration of Christmas in a service of lessons, congregational carols and music sung by the Cathedral Choir.
There are four opportunities to attend this year's Carol Service:
- Tuesday 19th December at 6.00pm
- Wednesday 20th December at 6.00pm
- Thursday 21st December at 6.00pm (also livestreamed)
- Friday 22nd December at 3.00pm
Advance booking is not required - doors will open one hour before each service.
Services on Christmas Eve
- Christmas Eve Evensong, 6.00pm
A service of Choral Evensong sung by the Cathedral Choir, with seasonal music and congregational carols. No booking required - seating available on a first-come, first-served basis (also livestreamed).
- Midnight Mass, 11.00pm
The First Eucharist of Christmas, led by The Bishop of Chichester, with music sung by the Cathedral Choir. No booking required - seating available on a first-come, first-served basis (also livestreamed).
Services on Christmas Day
- Holy Communion (said), 8.00am
A service of Holy Communion according to the Book of Common Prayer, held in the Lady Chapel. Advance booking is not required.
- Christmas Day Choral Mattins, 10.15am
Sung by the Cathedral Choir. No booking required - seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Christmas Day Eucharist, 11.15am
The Eucharist service for Christmas Day, led by the Bishop of Chichester, with music sung by the Cathedral Choir. No booking required - seating available on a first-come, first-served basis (also livestreamed).
Please note - the Cathedral will close to the public for the rest of the day at 1.00pm.
For Children & Families
- Children's Crib Service, Christmas Eve, 2.00pm & 4.00pm
Hear the Christmas story unfold as we sing carols and build the Christmas crib. These services are specially designed to appeal to children, young people and their caregivers, but are open to all! Advance booking is not required.
- Christmas Day Service for Children, Families & Caregivers, 9.15am
A special Christmas Eucharist designed for children aged 0 - 12, plus their parents, guardians or caregivers, held in the North Transept of the Cathedral. Advance booking is not required.