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.
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.
We have a developed a booklet 'Your Advent' to guide you through the four weeks before Christmas, with explanations and reflections for each week.
St Giles: Light up a Life
Sunday 24 November| 18:30
A special service outside 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
Advent Carol Service: From Darkness to Light
Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December | 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.
The Christmas Tree Festival
Saturday 30 November – Sunday 5 January | Open during visitor opening hours
Please note the Christmas Tree Festival is closed during service times
Come and see a wonderful festive array of real Christmas trees decorated by local businesses, schools and charities.
Kindly sponsored by
Christmas Light Service
Sunday 8 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.
The City of Lichfield Concert Band Christmas Concert
Sunday 8 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 & Salvation Army Band
Thursday 12 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.
Reserved seats are available for £10 - please visit the Lichfield Cathedral Chorus website to book. Unreserved seats are free of charge. - A retiring collection will be taken.
Emergency Services Carol Service
Sunday 15 December | 18:30 Join us for a special carol service where we invite those from the fire, police and ambulance services, along with their families.
Christmas Light Show; A Light Spectacular by Illuminos
Monday 16 December - Wednesday 18 December &
Friday 20 December - Sunday 22 December| From 17:30Join us for a light show with a difference by acclaimed animation team, Illuminos.
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.
New for 2024 - Neuro-inclusive sessions
Limited dedicated sessions for neurodiverse individuals featuring the two outside lights shows only, with limited numbers and quieter volumes.
Kindly sponsored by
Lichfield Cathedral Choir: Christmas by Candlelight
Thursday 19 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. Please book early, as concert sells out fast.
Carols around the Tree
Saturday 21 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.
Weather update: due to high winds the services will now take place inside the Cathedral.
Festival of Lessons and Carols
Monday 23 December and Tuesday 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 | Tuesday 24 December
Please note: The Cathedral is open for sightseeing 10:00-14:00.
| 15:00 |
Crib Service |
| 18:00 |
Festival of Lessons and Carols - see above. |
| 22:00 |
Midnight Mass - First Eucharist of Christmas |
Christmas Day | Wednesday 25 December
Please note: The Cathedral is open for services only.
|
08:00 |
Holy Communion |
|
10:30 |
Choral Eucharist for Christmas Day |
|
15:30 |
Evening Prayer with Carols around the Crib |
Boxing Day |Thursday 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.
Epiphany
Sunday 5 January
|
10:30 |
Solemn Choral Eucharist for the Epiphany |
|
15:30 |
Choral Evensong |
|
18:00 |
Epiphany Carol Service |
Candlemas
Sunday 2 February
|
10:30 |
Solemn Eucharist |
|
15:30 |
Solemn Choral Evensong |
|
18:00 |
Candlemas Carol Service |
