From carol services to a Christmas tree festival, Lichfield Cathedral will host a full programme of events during Advent and across the Christmas period.

Services are free for all to attend. All are welcome, no need to book, unless otherwise stated. Check out the full programming below.

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Advent Carol Service: From Darkness to Light - Saturday 26 November and Sunday 27 November | 18:00

A 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.

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The Christmas Tree Festival - Saturday 26 November – Monday 2 January | Open during visitor opening hours 

See a wonderful festive array of real Christmas trees decorated by local businesses, schools and charities.

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Entrust Christmas Festival of Music - Friday 2 December | 19:30 

A wonderful concert of music especially for Christmas - featuring Staffordshire Jazz Orchestra and Staffordshire Orchestra East and Massed School Choirs led by Cathy Lamb and the MusicShare Band.

For ticket enquiries, email musicservice@entrust-ed.co.uk 

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Lichfield Cathedral Chorus Christmas Concert - Saturday 3 December | 19:30

Hear Lichfield Cathedral Chorus as they present a concert of seasonal choral music: Joseph Haydn – Missa Sancti Nicolai, Gerald Finzi – In Terra Pax, Benjamin Britten – Saint Nicolas.

More info and tickets: lichfieldcathedralchorus.co.uk

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Christmas Light Service - Sunday 4 December 16:00

As the light fades outside the Cathedral, join for carols, readings and prayers as the Christmas tree is lit. This short service begins inside and moves outside; it is suitable for all-ages.

Bring your own lantern (battery operated – no candles, please).

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Storytelling at the Crib - Monday 5 December - Thursday 8 December | 10:00

Join at the crib as you hear the story of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Available for school groups to book in advance. Email education@lichfield-cathedral.org.

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Leprosy Mission Christmas Carol Concert - Wednesday 7 December | 19:30

A special evening with acclaimed brass group Bold'z Brass and tenor Richard Lloyd Owen.  

This is an opportunity to hear about leprosy in the 21st Century. Free mince pies, teas and coffee will be served at the end of the evening.

There is no charge for this service – donations are encouraged. For more information phone 01733 516087

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St Giles Light up a Life - Sunday 11 December | 19:30

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: stgileshospice.com

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Candlelight Vigil - Tuesday 13 December | 18:30

The Cathedral will be open for those who will be finding Christmas difficult for whatever reason. Candles can be lit and there will be space for reflection.

People are welcome to drop in any time from 18:30 and the evening will be brought to a close with a simple Compline service at 21:45.

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Lichfield Cathedral Chorus & Salvation Army - Thursday 15 December | 19:30

Celebrate Christmas with Lichfield Cathedral Chorus and the Cannock Citadel Salvation Army Band in their annual concert of Christmas music, with carols for all.

Free entry, donations are welcomed.

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Sing Choirs of Angels; A Light Spectacular by Illuminos - Friday 16 December - Tuesday 20 December | From 17:30

A light show with a difference by acclaimed animation team, Illuminos. Journey through the joyful story of the Nativity through the popular carol, O Come All Ye Faithful, exploring its links to Lichfield.

Enjoy a 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 access to the Christmas Tree Festival.

Click here to find out more...

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Carols around the Tree - Saturday 17 December | 14:00, 15:00 and 16:00

Enjoy a short time of joy and celebration with some popular readings and Christmas Carols. Featuring a live band, outdoors in the Cathedral Close.

14:00 & 15:00 we will be accompanied by a brass band and 16:00 will be the Cathedral organ.

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Festival of Lessons and Carols - Friday 23 December and Saturday 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.

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Christmas Eve | Saturday 24 December - 15:00

Crib and Christingle Service

The popular children’s nativity service (Crib Service) together with the lighting of Christingles. Come dressed as a character from the story of the Nativity.

18:00  Festival of Lessons and Carols - see above.

22:00 Midnight Mass - First Eucharist of Christmas

Gather together for the First Eucharist of Christmas to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

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Christmas Day | Sunday 25 December

08:00 Holy Communion

10:30 Choral Eucharist for Christmas Day

Choral Eucharist service to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The service is led by the Dean, with a sermon given by the Bishop of Lichfield and singing led by the Cathedral Choir.

15:30 Evening Prayer with Carols at the Crib

The celebration of Christmas Day continues, joining together for Evening Prayer.

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Boxing Day | Monday 26 December

09:00 Holy Communion

12:30 Choral Eucharist

17:30 Evening Prayer at the Crib

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Epiphany Carol Service - Sunday 8 January | 18:00

Celebrate the Christmas story through readings interspersed with carols and hymns.

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Candlemas Carol Service - Sunday 29 January | 15:30

Celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple through readings interspersed with carols and hymns.