Advent and Christmas

Advent and Christmas

Join us at the Abbey as we prepare to celebrate Christmas, the coming of Jesus Christ.

Throughout the festive season, visit us or attend a service, concert, or event. Wherever you are, stream services or subscribe to our faith newsletter for reflections throughout this holy season.

Advent & Christmas Services

Attending a service at the Abbey is a special way to celebrate Christmas. Some of our most popular services require free tickets to be booked in advance.

Male members of the Choir holding hymn sheets and singing

Service of Lessons and Carols

Monday, 23rd December 2024

6.00pm - 7.00pm
The Abbey
Free (booking required)

Male members of the Choir holding hymn sheets and singing

Service of Lessons and Carols

Tuesday, 24th December 2024

4.00pm - 5.00pm
The Abbey
Free (booking required)

Service of Lessons and Carols

Service of Lessons and Carols

Tuesday, 24th December 2024

6.00pm - 7.00pm
St Margaret's Church
Free (no booking required)

First Eucharist of Christmas (Midnight Mass)

First Eucharist of Christmas (Midnight Mass)

Tuesday, 24th December 2024

11.00pm - 12:30am
The Abbey
Free (booking required)

Christmas Day Holy Communion

Christmas Day Holy Communion

Wednesday, 25th December 2024

8.00am - 8.40am
The Abbey
Free (no booking required)

The Choir singing in front of a Christmas tree

Christmas Day Sung Eucharist

Wednesday, 25th December 2024

10:30am - 11.30am
The Abbey
Free (booking required)

Christmas Day Evensong

Christmas Day Evensong

Wednesday, 25th December 2024

3.00pm - 4.00pm
The Abbey
Free (no booking required)

A depiction of the epiphany - a man offers a goblet to a woman and a small child. Two men wearing crowns are stood behind

The Epiphany of our Lord Sung Eucharist

Monday, 6th January 2025

5.00pm - 6.00pm
The Abbey
Free (no booking required)

Reflections

Join us throughout Advent & Christmas for a series of special reflections from the Abbey.

Advent I Reflection: Who are we expecting?

Advent I Reflection: Who are we expecting?

The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster, reflects on Luke’s gospel.

Advent II Reflection: God who wants to be known

Advent II Reflection: God who wants to be known

"God wants to be known in history" says The Reverend Canon Mark Birch.

Streamed Services

If you can't make it to the Abbey in person this Christmastide then you can enjoy our Christmas services from the comfort of your home.

Stream two services on demand this festive season.

Service of Lessons and Carols

Service of Lessons and Carols

A traditional service for the singing of Christmas carols, with readings and anthems sung by the Abbey Choir.

A depiction of the epiphany - a man offers a goblet to a woman and a small child. Two men wearing crowns are stood behind

The Epiphany of our Lord

A service to observing Epiphany, which traditionally marks the visit of the Magi or ‘Wise Men’ to the child Jesus.

Visit the Abbey

Visit the Abbey

The Abbey is open for visitors throughout December. Explore our visiting hours and available tours by clicking the button below. 

 

Featured Festive Events

Christmas Concert

Christmas Concert

Festive choral works with much-loved carols and seasonal readings telling the story of the Nativity

Christmas Menu

Christmas Menu

Enjoy a delicious Christmas menu in the Cellarium Cafe from 25th November to 20th December

More Events

More Events

See a complete list of events taking place throughout autumn and winter at the Abbey

Subscribe to our worship newsletter

Sign up to receive Advent and Christmas reflections, videos and podcasts direct to your inbox, and discover how we celebrate this special season at Westminster Abbey.

New subscribers between now and 13 December 2024 will be entered to win one of 10 pairs of tickets to Lessons and Carols on 23 or 24 December.

Advent and Christmas for Young People

Celebrate one of the most special festivals in the Christian calendar at school or at home with these resources.

What is Advent? Video

What is Advent? Video

What is Christmas? Video

What is Christmas? Video

Teaching Resources

Teaching Resources

Family Resources

Family Resources

Our Christmas shop is open

Our Christmas shop is open

Discover our range of exclusive cards, decorations and gifts