This Advent and Christmas, all is calm and all is bright at Gloucester Cathedral.

The Cathedral is extending a warm invitation to all, welcoming the community and visitors to celebrate the season in a magnificent setting.

Without the need to book or reserve tickets, Gloucester Cathedral makes its services accessible to all, encouraging early arrival to secure seats. Among the offerings are the Advent Carol Service on Sunday, December 1 at 6pm, which marks the new Christian year with a majestic service. Meanwhile, for music lovers, the Cathedral choirs will fill the building with bursts of festive music for Carols on the Hour on Saturday, December 7.

Gloucester Cathedral's Cloisters transformed for Christmas. Gloucester Cathedral's Cloisters transformed for Christmas. (Image: Gloucester Cathedral) The Cathedral Carol Services on December 22 and 23, offer a traditional celebration with readings and carols that resonate with the beauty of the season, while the Family Crib Services on December 21, 23 and 24 are perfect for families seeking to enjoy the festive season. Due to their popularity, an additional service has been added to accommodate more families.

For those wishing to mark Christmas Day in a magnificent setting, the atmospheric Midnight Mass service takes place on December 24 at 11.15pm, meanwhile the Christmas Day Eucharist on December 25 at 10.15am will gather the community to celebrate the birth of Christ.

The Cathedral also offers a varied programme of activities and events during the festive season. From December 6, the majestic space will be adorned with beautiful decorations. These shine their brightest at night, when the Cathedral will come alive at its Christmas Experience at Night events, held on selected dates in December. These evenings invite guests to stroll through the beautifully decorated Cathedral after dark, while enjoying live music performances.

Christmas trees in the Cloisters at Gloucester Cathedral. Christmas trees in the Cloisters at Gloucester Cathedral. (Image: Gloucester Cathedral) For families, the Once Upon a Star: The Christmas Story trail running from December 6 to January 5, 2025 offers an enchanting way to discover the Nativity story, with a free map guiding participants through the journey of the first Christmas. Meanwhile, on Saturday, December 14, children can discover the origins of Father Christmas and meet St Nicholas himself in the charming setting of the Chapter House.

For those craving something indulgent, the Cathedral's Monk’s Kitchen will be serving a delightful Nativi-tea, a festive twist on afternoon tea, complete with homemade mince pies and mulled wine. In the spirit of giving, Gloucester Cathedral invites the community to contribute to a food collection for Gloucester Foodbank between November 30 and December 19, helping those in need.

The Dean of Gloucester, The Very Reverend Andrew Zihni, says, ‘In the midst of the season’s busyness, we hope you will find tranquillity through our reflective services, celebrating the good news of Jesus Christ.

‘His love reminds us that ‘all is calm, all is bright,’ and I invite you to share that joy and hope with others this season. We need this love and light more than ever in our world today.’

Gloucester Cathedral warmly welcomes regular worshippers and new visitors alike to its Advent and Christmas services.

For more information, visit gloucestercathedral.org.uk