Candlelit carols, cosy family films, twilight tower tours and a towering 32ft Christmas tree, there is plenty of Christmas joy at Salisbury Cathedral this year.
From the famous candlelit Advent service to a special screening of The Box of Delights, Salisbury Cathedral has a host of services and events to get you ready to celebrate the joy of the Advent and Christmas season.
Services
The busy season begins with a special Cantata Evensong on Sunday 23rd November, where the Cathedral Choir will be accompanied by period instruments performing Bach’s Wachet Auf.
The world-famous From Darkness to Light: The Advent Procession marks the official beginning of Advent, taking place from Friday, 28th November to Sunday, 30th November.
Over 4,500 people are expected to attend across the weekend as the Cathedral is plunged into darkness, before more than 1,000 candles are gradually lit, as two processions move through the building with music and readings. The service will begin at 7 pm on Friday and at 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Throughout Advent, there will be Advent Font Services every Sunday at 9 am, offering an informal way to worship, which is open to all and child-friendly. The traditional Chorister Bishop Evensong that dates to medieval times will take place on Sunday, 7th December, where a senior chorister is elected to take the place of the Bishop on the Feast of St Nicholas. This year, a boy will be selected and robed in traditional cope and mitre and will give the sermon in this special service.
Other highlights include Carols by Candlelight on 22nd and 23rd December, when the story of the Nativity will be told through Bible readings, choral works, and beloved Christmas carols sung by the Cathedral Choir.
Events
A musical highlight is Handel’s Messiah, performed in support of Salisbury Cathedral’s Choral Foundation. Returning on Saturday, 13th December, this concert features the City of London Sinfonia, the full Cathedral Choir (men, girls, and boys), and four distinguished soloists. Pre-booking for a delicious dinner in the Refectory before the concert is also available.
Festive Fun for Families
The Cathedral’s 32ft Christmas tree, adorned with over 1,000 twinkling fairy lights, will be installed on Tuesday, 2nd December.
Families are invited to enjoy the Festive Late-Night Opening on 11th December, with free entry to the Cathedral and a variety of activities: crafts, live music, behind-the-scenes tours of the private library and West Window, and photo opportunities beside the Nativity scene and floral displays.
Throughout December, families can enjoy Christmas Craft days and a Christmouse Activity Trail, all of which will use repurposed materials. There will also be three performances of The Snowman: Film with Live Orchestra on Friday, 19th December.
For anyone seeking some nostalgia, all six episodes of John Masefield’s much-loved classic, The Box of Delights, will be shown on Friday, 5th December, giving viewers the unique opportunity to see the series on the big screen. On Saturday, 20th December, don’t miss a full day of Christmas Crafts and Storytelling, ending with a festive film screening of The Muppet Christmas Carol, chosen by popular request!
Special Tours and Gifts
For a breathtaking view of Salisbury at Christmas, join a Twilight Tower Tour and climb 332 steps to the base of the spire, where you can admire the city’s sparkling lights. Afterwards, you can enjoy a festive lunch featuring traditional roast turkey with all the trimmings at the Refectory Restaurant, or a simple mulled wine and a mince pie.
The Cathedral Shop is the place to find interesting and quirky Christmas gifts. New for this year are craft and construction kits, as well as Christmas homeware.
These sit alongside traditional Nativity sets, Advent calendars, cards and a multitude of decorations and stocking fillers. There really is something for everyone! The Dean’s new book, The Twelve Joys of Christmas, will also be available to purchase, which explores the trappings and traditions associated with Christmas.
To learn more and view the full range of upcoming festive services and events, visit www.salisburycathedral.org.uk/advent-and-christmas/
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