How do I apply for tickets?
Due to a high demand all tickets for the Carol Service on 23 and 24 December have now been allocated. Booking has now closed.
Are tickets free?
Yes, tickets for the services are free (there is never any charge to worship at Westminster Abbey) but we ask that you either come to collect your tickets in person or send in a stamped-addressed envelope.
May I apply for both services?
As these services are so popular, please apply for only one service so that as many people as possible can attend. They are identical in terms of content.
In exceptional circumstances, is there a chance to get more than the maximum number of four tickets?
The Services of Lessons and Carols are extremely popular and we have to limit ticket applications to ensure that as many people as possible are able to attend. Let us know in writing why you require more tickets to Christmas at Westminster Abbey, 20 Dean’s Yard, SW1P 3PA. Please enclose a Self-Addressed Envelope. In certain special circumstances, we may let you have more.
If I live overseas and have been successful in obtaining tickets, but will not be arriving in London until close to Christmas, how will I pick my tickets up?
Please email us at christmas@westminster-abbey.org giving details of the Service you have been allocated tickets for and the date you would be able to collect tickets from us.
I am now unable to use my tickets, what should I do?
So that we can reallocate your tickets, please let us know by emailing christmas@westminster-abbey.org and return your tickets to us at Room 13, The Chapter Office, 20 Dean’s Yard, London, SW1P 3PA.
How long will the service last?
Approximately one hour.
Are specific seats allocated? Are there better seats than others?
Seating is unallocated. The services have been designed so that musical items and readings can be observed in different parts of the Abbey at different times, so that everyone gets a chance to participate and enjoy the service.
If I am successful in obtaining tickets, will I need to queue to get into the Abbey?
We always advise people to arrive in good time. Seating is allocated on a first-come-first-served basis and for this reason; many people do arrive early and queue for admission.
When do the doors open?
The doors open one hour in advance although we try to open earlier if the weather is inclement and the queues are particularly long.
Can I bring my children?
Yes. We seat parents with very young children in the Nave. This means that if they become restless you can take them into the Cloisters. There is also a Crib Service in the Nave on Christmas Eve at 12 noon and it may be that you will prefer to bring very young children to this service.
Is there a dress code I should follow?
There is no dress code but most people wear clothes appropriate to going to Church and to the weather conditions.
Can I take pictures before, during and after the service?
Photography is not allowed inside the Abbey though you are welcome to take pictures outside.
Are there cloakroom facilities for coats, small bags and luggage?
There are no facilities to store luggage in Westminster Abbey. The nearest left luggage facility is at Victoria Station. Small items of hand luggage can be kept with you but they may need to be searched.
How do I get to the Abbey?
Ticket holders are advised to arrive by public transport.
The nearest Underground Stations are St James’s Park (District and Circle Lines) and Westminster (Jubilee, District and Circle Lines) approximately a five minute walk to Westminster Abbey.
The following buses stop near to the Abbey: 11, 24, 88, 148, 211.
Can I park at the Abbey?
No. There is no parking at the Abbey. There is a Q car park which is a five-minute walk from the Abbey. Cars/taxis can drop off on Broad Sanctuary which is outside the West Door.
I am disabled. Is there easy access to the Abbey?
Yes, there is ramped access at the West Door and all forms of wheelchair can be accommodated. There is a disabled toilet inside the Abbey and also close by outside. The Abbey is equipped with a hearing loop system that covers the whole of the main building. This system is used at all Services. We are also able to provide large print Orders of Service.
If you do have any accessibility requirements, please let us know in advance by contacting Alison Chown on alison.chown@westminster-abbey.org or 020 7654 4862.
Are there toilets in the Abbey?
Yes, there are limited toilet facilities at Poets’ Corner (ask for directions).
What happens if I am late?
You will be admitted to the Abbey at the first suitable point and taken to an available seat.
Are refreshments available before the Service?
The Cellarium Café and Terrace will be open 2pm - 4pm on the 23 December and 10am – 4pm on the 24 December for the service of tea, coffee and cake. For further details and online booking please visit www.cellariumcafe.com. Bookings are recommended.
Other Queries
If you have any further queries please email christmas@westminster-abbey.org
The Dean and Chapter of Westminster look forward to welcoming you to the Abbey.