Celebrate Advent and Christmas with us

The Abbey will also be open for prayer, and for visitors to explore the church and its remarkable thousand-year history.

Services

A highlight of the Christmas calendar in London, the Abbey’s Services of Lessons and Carols will be held on Thursday 23rd December at 6.00pm and on Friday 24th December at 4.00pm, followed by the First Eucharist of Christmas at 11.00pm. Due to their popularity, free tickets are needed for these services, with Eventbrite bookings opening on Tuesday 16th November.

Tickets are not required for other Advent and Christmas services, which include an Advent Liturgy on Sunday 28th November at 4.00pm, a Crib Service for families on Christmas Eve at noon, and services on Christmas Day.

Concerts

Handel's Messiah, performed by the Choir of Westminster Abbey and St. James' Baroque, and conducted by James O'Donnell, Organist and Master of the Choristers, heralds the start of the Christmas season on Tuesday 30th November at 7.00pm.

The Abbey Choir will also perform a Christmas concert on Tuesday 14th December at 7.00pm, featuring festive choral works with carols and seasonal readings.

Tickets for both concerts start from £15.00.

These concerts take place thanks to the generous support of Patricia Owen Keltner and David Keltner.

Families

There will be hands-on activities for children and their families in the run-up to Christmas, with advent calendar-making on 27th November, and decorating Christmas stars on 4th December.

All activities are free with entry to the Abbey.

Visiting us

The Abbey is open throughout Advent and Christmas for private prayer and visiting from Monday to Saturday, including New Year’s Day, but excluding 23rd to 26th December.

The Cellarium Café and Terrace will be serving Christmas lunches and Christmas afternoon teas from Monday 29th November.

We very much hope to welcome you to Westminster Abbey during Advent and Christmas.