Advent is a season of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of Christmas. At this time, we look forward to the arrival of Jesus.
Each Sunday during Advent a candle is lit to count down the weeks until we celebrate Christmas Day.
And then Christmas truly begins...
No booking is necessary, unless otherwise stated. We look forward to welcoming you to our services and events this Advent.
Visitor opening hours will vary throughout Advent and Christmas, please check the calendar before visiting.
Advent Carol Service: From Darkness to Light
Saturday 29 November and Sunday 30 November* | 18:00
A beautiful thought-provoking service with readings and carols that help us begin the Advent journey.
Starting in darkness, the Cathedral is gradually lit by thousands of candles as the first of the Advent Candles is taken in procession through the church.
* On Sunday 30 November at 18:00, The Darkness to Light Service will also be livestreamed
St Giles: Light up a Life
Monday 1 December | 19:00
A special service at the Cathedral to remember those loved ones lost in years gone by. A chance to reflect and remember after the service while viewing the Books of Remembrance, lighting candles.
More info: www.stgileshospice.com
The Christmas Tree Festival
Thursday 4 December – Sunday 4 January | Open during visitor opening hours*
Come and see a wonderful festive array of real Christmas trees, decorated by local businesses, schools, and charities.
New for 2025: This year, enjoy an exciting addition: a spectacular selection of wreaths showcased on the Fenland Black Oak table.
* Please note the Christmas Tree Festival is closed during service times.
Kindly sponsored by
Christmas Light Service
Sunday 7 December | 15:30Come and join us as the light fades outside the Cathedral for carols, readings and prayers as we light the Christmas tree. This short service begins inside and moves outside; it is suitable for all-ages. Bring your own lantern (battery operated - no candles, please).
The City of Lichfield Concert Band: Christmas Concert
Sunday 7 December | 19:00
Lichfield’s award-winning wind band perform their popular Christmas concert at Lichfield Cathedral for the very first time. Join us for a wonderful evening of festive music.
Tickets
All proceeds help support the work of Lichfield Cathedral.
Lichfield Cathedral Chorus & The Cannock Citadel Salvation Army Band
Thursday 11 December | 19:30Come and celebrate Christmas with Lichfield Cathedral Chorus and the Cannock Citadel Salvation Army Band in their annual concert of Christmas music, with carols for all.
A retiring collection will be taken.
Christmas Light Show: The Robin's Reward
Monday 15 - Sunday 21 December
Enjoy a spectacular light show around the Close, and on the front of the Cathedral, listen to popular carols, and head inside to soak up the atmosphere of this special time of year. Includes after-hours access to the Christmas Tree Festival.
Tickets here
Kindly sponsored by
Shoppers Carols
Saturday 20 December | 14:00 and 15:00Enjoy a short time of joy and celebration with some popular readings and Christmas Carols. Featuring a live brass band.
SOLD OUT! Lichfield Cathedral Choir: Christmas by Candlelight
Monday 22 December | 19:30
Tired of the same old Christmas music everywhere? Come and experience the true meaning of Christmas in the beautiful setting of Lichfield Cathedral. New and classic arrangements of carols performed by your own Cathedral Choir in glowing candlelight.
Nine Lessons and Carols
Tuesday 23 December and Wednesday 24 December | 18:00
Celebrate the promise of the Christmas story through readings interspersed with carols, hymns and other choral music sung by the Cathedral Choir.
Christmas Eve | Wednesday 24 December
| 13:30 & 15:00 |
Crib Service Please note: for visitor safety, bag searches will be in operation, and there will be no vehicular access to the Close. |
| 16:30 |
Evening Prayer |
| 18:00 |
Festival of Lessons and Carols - see above. |
| 22:00 |
Midnight Mass: First Eucharist of Christmas |
Christmas Day | Thursday 25 December
Please note: The Cathedral is open for services only.
|
07:40 |
Morning Prayer |
|
08:00 |
Holy Communion - livestreamed |
|
10:30 |
Choral Eucharist for Christmas Day - livestreamed |
|
15:30 |
Evening Prayer with Carols around the Crib |
Boxing Day / St Stephen's Day | Friday 26 December
Please note: The Cathedral is open for sightseeing 10:00-15:30 only.
| 09:00 | Morning Prayer |
| 12:30 | Eucharist |
| 16:00 |
Evening Prayer with Carols around the Crib |
Christmas is more than pretty lights, trees and wishing for snow.
Right at the heart of it is a celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth, when God came down from Heaven in the person of Jesus Christ. The amazement that God, in all his glory, would love the world enough to leave Heaven and be born as a baby is what makes this season so wonderful.
This season lasts forty days, the same as the Lent season.
A Birthday Party for Jesus!
Tuesday 30 December at 11:00
Come and celebrate with us at a joyful children's party in honour of Jesus' birthday!
Enjoy classic party games like musical statues and bumps, birthday cake, party bags, crafts, and a special pass-the-parcel that tells the nativity story.
Want to bring a gift for Jesus? Let’s share His love! We’re collecting birthday presents to donate to the Pathway Project, supporting families and children affected by domestic abuse.
Perfect for families with young children. Come and celebrate with us.
Epiphany: Sunday 4 January
|
10:30 |
Solemn Choral Eucharist for the Epiphany |
|
15:30 |
Choral Evensong |
|
18:00 |
Epiphany Carol Service |
Candlemas: Sunday 1 February
|
10:30 |
Solemn Choral Eucharist for Candlemas |
|
15:30 |
Evening Prayer |
|
18:00 |
Candlemas Carol Service |