Christmas Fun at Ely Cathedral

We have lots going on this Christmas for everyone to enjoy, from Dress Up Day with craft activities to exploring the Nativity story through our new Nativity Riddle Trail.
 

Join Ely Cathedral Learning team for dressing up and Christmas crafts on Monday 22nd December between 10.00am and 12.00pm. 
 

Where will you be?

You'll find us in the Lady Chapel with Christmas crafts and activities on Monday 22nd December.

What will you be doing?

We'll all be dressed up as people, angels and stars from the Nativity story - the sparklier the better! We'd love to see your costumes too! In the Lady Chapel we'll have lots of different Christmas crafts for you to have a go at, as well as toys for our youngest visitors. As well as these activities, you will also be able to explore our Christmas trail around the rest of Ely Cathedral - The Nativity Riddle Trail.

How do I join in?

Just come along to the Cathedral between 10.00am and 12.00pm on Monday 22nd December to join in with our Dress Up Day and then any day afterwards until 5th January to explore the trail. There is no need to pre-book this event, it is free with standard entry (don't forget to bring proof of address if you have a CB6/7 postcode so that you can enter for free). We are happy to provide a range of craft activities for children young and old at no extra cost, though a suggested donation of £2 per child would be much appreciated to fund our resources for this event.
 

This year, we have a brand new Nativity Riddle Trail. It will be available in Ely Cathedral from Friday 19th December 2025 to Monday 5th January 2026.
 

Where will you be?

The banner trail will be set out around the Cathedral so you can explore our beautiful building as you discover more about the story of the first Christmas. Supporting Reflection Rings will be available from the ticket office.

What will you be doing?

The trail explores the key events surrounding the birth of Christ through a banner trail. You will have the choice to follow the traditional telling of the story on the banners, with the options of a simplified version of the story using PECS style pictures and a riddle to solve for each part of the story in the accompanying Reflection Rings. Solve the riddles to spell out a word related to the story. Please see The Nativity Riddle Trail Notes document below for more information.

How do I join in?

Pick up a Reflection Ring from the ticket office when you come into the Cathedral.  There is no need to pre-book for this activity and it is free with standard entry (don't forget to bring proof of address if you have a CB6/7 postcode so that you can enter for free). Please return your Reflection Ring once you have finished the trail. The trail will be available between Friday 19th December and Monday 5th January during visitor opening times.