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Festive Concerts during Advent and Christmas

Music and theatre fills the cathedral this December with concerts, theatre, carols and choir services.

November Concerts

G4 Christmas

Monday 23 November, 7.30pm

Enjoy an evening of G4's unique renditions of traditional carols, sacred contemplations, classical favourites and modern festive hits, including Silent Night, O Holy Night, All I Want for Christmas, Walking in the Air, When a Child is Born, The 12 Days of Christmas and many more. 

Book tickets here

Brass and Chorus of Royal Northern Sinfonia Winter Tour

Friday 27 November, 7.30pm

Hear familiar carols in all their festive glory, from the joyful sweep of Joy to the World to the dark sparkle of God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen performed by the Royal Northern Sinfonia.

Book tickets here

December Concerts and Events

The Big Christmas Sing A-Long with Aled Jones and Alexander Armstrong

Wednesday 2 December, 7.30pm

Starring much-loved performers and presenters Aled Jones and Alexander Armstrong, this heartwarming live experience promises an unforgettable evening of music, laughter and Christmas cheer.

Book your tickets here

The Snowman: Film with Live Orchestra

Saturday 5 December, 1.30pm, 3.30pm & 7pm

Make it a Christmas to remember with a special screening of the much-loved film. The Snowman, shown on the big screen with its unforgettable soundtrack performed live by a professional orchestra.

Book tickets here

Friends of Durham Cathedral Christmas Concert

Thursday 10 December, 7.30pm

Our ever-popular annual Friends Christmas Concert is back for another evening of festive favourites and carolling with Durham Cathedral Young Singers, Rock Choir North East and Consett Citadel Salvation Army Band.

Book Tickets here

Benjamin Britten's Ceremony of Carols

Saturday 12 December, 6pm

Be transported back to the medieval monastery here at Durham Cathedral with Britten’s Ceremony of Carols. Hear the Cathedral’s Lay Clerks and Choral Scholars sing the ancient music of Vespers, followed by Benjamin Britten’s stunning Ceremony of Carols, sung by the Cathedral Choristers and accompanied by harpist Richard Allen. 

Book your free tickets here
Choir and Audience Photograph taken from West End

Carol Services

Carols for All

Sing your favourite Christmas carols with friends at the Carols for All services in the cathedral.

St Cuthbert's Hospice Light Up a Life Service

Remember and celebrate the lives of lost loved ones this Christmas.
Choir and Audience

NHS Carol Service

Past and present NHS staff will join with family and friends in a traditional Christmas carol service of readings, carols and a Christmas message.

Mencap Carol Service

A carol service organised by Mencap, a charity working to improve the lives of those with learning disabilities.
Cathedral Christmas Tree with lights and candles

NSPCC Carol Service

Join as we sing our favourite Christmas Carols in support of NSPCC.

Concerts coming up in 2026

Durham Choral Society presents 'Messiah'

Start the new year with a memorable musical experience as Durham Choral Society performs Handel's magnificent Messiah.

Queen By Candlelight

Experience an evening of Queen’s greatest anthems, performed live by candlelight at Durham Cathedral.

Tribute to Hans Zimmer & Film Favourites Illuminated

An immersive tribute to Hans Zimmer and cinema's most iconic music with a live chamber orchestra illuminated by light.

Berlioz 'Requiem'

Tim Burke conducts the combined forces of Durham University Choral and Orchestral Societies in one of the repertoire’s most monumental musical statements.

Advent and Christmas at Durham Cathedral

Family Favourites at Advent and Christmas

Discover what's on this Advent and Christmas time at Durham Cathedral

Special Services at Advent and Christmas

Upcoming services with a special feel