Christmas at Hereford Cathedral

There is no other place quite like Hereford Cathedral to feel the true spirit of Christmas. We have curated all the festive events and services below and visit the Cathedral website if booking required or for further information.

Advent Carol Service

Sunday 30 November – 3.30pm
Everyone is invited to join the Advent Carol Service. Tickets not required.

A Service for Advent in London

Tuesday 2 December – 6.30pm
Hereford Cathedral Choir will perform in London at The Guard’s Chapel, Wellington Barracks in support of Hereford Cathedral Perpetual Trust. The service is open to all but tickets are essential. Tickets can be booked in advance via the cathedral website or by calling the ticket desk (01432 374 202).

Cathedral Treasures: Seasonal selections

Friday 5 December – 4.30pm
The Library team have selected a range of items from the 12th century up to the 20th that tell the story of the Advent season. This is a rare opportunity to see historic items from the Chained Library, archives and All Saints library up close in the Reading Room.
Tickets cost £15 and can be booked in advance via the cathedral website or by calling the ticket desk (01432 374 202)

Hereford Choral Society – Handel Messiah by Candlelight

Saturday 6 December – 7.30pm
Much-loved since that first performance over 275 years ago at Neal’s Musick-Hall in Dublin’s Fishamble Street, Messiah has been at the heart of the choral society tradition for over 250 years.
To book your ticket, please visit the Hereford Choral Society website: herefordchoralsociety.org/DecemberConcert.php

Ex Cathedra: Christmas Music by Candlelight

Thursday 10 December – 7.30pm
In the deep still darkness, comes the luminous sound of a choir in harmony. Expect some of your favourite carols, and discover a treasure trove of gorgeous new -and old – music and readings that explore the magic, humour and peace of Christmas. A concert with both familiar melodies and wondrous discoveries to make you smile as well as reflect.
Tickets are available from Ex Cathedra website. 

Nativity Family Trail

Thursday 11 December – Saturday 10 January
Discover the story of the Nativity this Christmas with our family trail! Collect your free trail from the Welcome Desk as you arrive, explore the building and collect a sticker once you’ve completed the worksheet.

Hereford Cathedral Christmas Fair

Saturday 13 December, 9.30 am – 4 pm
Visit Hereford Cathedral for their wonderful annual Christmas Fair with over forty stalls selling a range of festive gifts. Admission free, with a collection to support the work of Hereford Cathedral. Carol Singing from 12 noon.

St Michael’s Hospice ‘Light up a Life’ Service

Sunday 14 December, 6pm
Light up a Life offers a chance to come together with others who understand the experience of grieving the loss of a loved one. At the service, candles are lit, each representing the life and memories of someone special.
Please visit st-michaels-hospice.org.uk for more information.

ABF The Soldier’s Charity Christmas Concert

Wednesday 17 December – 7 pm
ABF’s annual Christmas concert returns in all its glory, with school choirs and bands. Tickets are available from The Courtyard Box Office via courtyard.org.uk or 01432 340555.

Toddler Carol Service

Thursday 18 December – 10am
Take your little ones to a special carol service just for toddlers in the Lady Chapel. Enjoy a delightful Nativity with storytelling, drama and beautiful Christmas songs. Dress up as your favourite Nativity character – a sheep, a star, Joseph, Mary or even a donkey!

Festival of Lessons and Carols

Monday 22 December & Tuesday 23 December – 7pm
Everyone is invited to the festival of Lessons & Carols. Admission by ticket only. Tickets are free and can be booked via the cathedral website, the Ticket Desk or by calling 01432 374 202

Christmas Eve Services

Morning Prayer – 8am
Holy Communion – 10.30am

Family Crib Service – 2pm
A celebration of the Christmas story for children and families. Come dressed as a shepherd, angel or wise man!

Choral Evensong – 5.30pm
With Blessing of the Crib. Everyone welcome.

Midnight Mass -11 pm

Christmas Day Services

Holy Communion with hymns – 8am
Cathedral Eucharist – 10am (Preacher: The Dean)
Choral Matins – 11.30am (Preacher: The Bishop)

Holy Innocents’ Day

Sunday 28 December – 3.30pm
A quiet service of remembrance for parents and families who have suffered the loss of a child, whether recently or long ago. All welcome.