Celebrate Advent & Christmas with Chichester Cathedral

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 the Cathedral Choir.

This service begins at 4.30pm, seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. This service will also be livestreamed.

Experience a service of readings and carols celebrating the Christmas story. There are four opportunities to attend this year's Carol Service:

• Thursday 18 December (6.00pm)
• Friday 19 December (6.00pm)
• Saturday 20 December (3.00pm)
• Sunday 21 December (3.00pm) - also livestreamed

There’s no need to book for these services. Doors open 1 hour before each service, and seating is available on first-come, first-served basis.

Children's Crib Service

11.00am & 2.00pm

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!

Children are also warmly invited to dress up as characters from the Nativity (angels, shepherds, sheep, donkeys, oxen etc.) if they wish! No booking required - seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.

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. Doors open 1 hour before the service.

This service will also be 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. Doors open 1 hour before the service.

This service will also be livestreamed.

Holy Communion (said)

8.00am

A service of Holy Communion according to the Book of Common Prayer, held in the Lady Chapel. No booking required - seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Christmas Day Service for Children, Families & Caregivers

9.00am

A special Christmas Eucharist designed for children aged 0 – 12, plus their parents, guardians or caregivers. No booking required - seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Christmas Day Choral Mattins

10.00am

Sung by the Cathedral Choir. No booking required - seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Christmas Day Eucharist

11.00am

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.

This service will also be livestreamed.

Please note - the Cathedral will close to the public for the rest of the day at 12.30pm.

Between Christmas and into the New Year is the perfect opportunity to visit Chichester Cathedral.

This quieter, contemplative time offers a chance to step away from the festive rush and experience the Cathedral in a more peaceful light. Whether you're seeking a moment of stillness, renewal, or simply a beautiful setting to reflect, the Cathedral provides a welcome sanctuary.

One such moment is our regular service of Choral Evensong - an opportunity for peace and quiet reflection at the end of each day, accompanied by beautiful choral music.

During this period, while the Cathedral Choir is on leave, we are delighted to welcome guest ensembles: the Martus Ensemble from the Netherlands (at 4.00pm on Tuesday 30 December, Wednesday 31 December, and Thursday 1 January), and Cantemus Cum Spiritu (at 5.30pm on Saturday 3 January), each bringing their own distinctive sound to this cherished tradition.

Click here to see our upcoming service schedule>>

A special service celebrating the arrival of the Magi at Bethlehem, featuring a living tableau of the Nativity scene and music from the choir of St Paul’s, Chichester.

The Feast of the Epiphany recalls the visit of the Magi, the wise men, to the infant Jesus, as recounted in the second chapter of St Matthew’s Gospel.

This service begins at 6.00pm - seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.