Advent Procession
Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November, 6pm
Advent Procession marks the start of Advent.
Starting in darkness, the choir begins to sing at the west end of the cathedral and, as they move slowly through the building, the light grows as they go. Join us for this beautiful candlelit service sung by the Cathedral Choir, including incense smoke and bible readings anticipating the Christmas story.
You do not need a ticket or to book, but we do recommend you arrive 15 minutes early to this popular service.
Watch here to get a glimpse of this special service.
Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
Tuesday 22 December, 6pm & Thursday 24 December, 3pm
This traditional service starts in darkness as a lone Chorister sings the first verse from Once in Royal David's City, with the Durham Cathedral Choir joining in as the procession begins.
The service continues with carols old and new, and readings recounting the Christmas story.
Christmas Day Services
Holy Communion on Christmas Day, 8am
A service of prayers and Bible readings, in which we offer bread and wine to God in thanksgiving for his goodness to us, which we receive back as the body and blood of Christ.
Sung Eucharist on Christmas Day, 10am
A service of prayers, Bible readings, hymns, and Choral music, in which we offer bread and wine to God in thanksgiving for his goodness to us, which we receive back as the body and blood of Christ. The service lasts around 1 hour.
Matins on Christmas Day, 11.30am
We celebrate Christmas in the traditional service of Matins (Morning Prayer) sung by the Cathedral Choir.
Evensong on Christmas Day, 3.30pm
Evensong is a service of bible readings, psalms and prayers. The choir sing for us accompanied by organ music.
