Advent and Christmas Services

We celebrate with great joy the coming of Jesus, our Lord and Saviour, in the seasons of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany when we wait in joyful expectation and prepare ourselves for the coming of Jesus as the child of Bethlehem. 

We rejoice in the revealing of God to all nations, peoples, languages and cultures throughout history and especially to us in our own generation especially at this time of pain and sadness in the land Christ made holy.

Advent & Christmas Services

Sunday 30 November, 6pm
Advent Procession
This awe-inspiring service helps us prepare our hearts and minds for the season of Advent, a time of patient waiting and joyful expectation.
Watch the Advent Procession on YouTube

Tuesdays 2, 9 & 16 December, 8pm
Advent Compline
A beautiful candlelit service in the Lady Chapel to help wind down at the end of the day. Sung by the Compline Choir.

Sunday 7 December, 5.15pm
The Big Christmas Tree Lights Switch-on Service
Come and enjoy the biggest, most spectacular, Christmas tree in Ely as we count down to the switching on of the lights. This popular family event celebrates the festive season in song and prayer, concluding with the blessing of the magnificent tree! Sung by the Girl Choristers and Ely Imps.
Watch the Christmas Tree Lights Switch-on on YouTube

Saturday 13 December, 2pm
Community Carols
Come and sing along to your favourite carols with Littleport Brass Band. With Christmas music, readings and prayers.

Tuesday 23* & Wednesday 24 December, 6pm
Carol Services
This processional service includes many opportunities for congregational singing as well as a colourful mix of carols from the Cathedral Choir.
*British Sign Language interpreted 

Wednesday 24 December, 12pm & 3pm
Crib Services
The children of the Cathedral retell the story of Christmas in this wonderful tableau of shepherds, angels and wise men. Sing carols and enjoy this family friendly celebration to mark the birth of Jesus. Dressing up optional!
12pm: Sung by the Ely Imps. 3pm: Sung by the Choristers.

Wednesday 24 December, 11pm
Midnight Mass
The waiting and watching of Advent is brought to fulfilment in the deepest part of the night.
*British Sign Language interpreted 

Thursday 25 December 
10.30am Christmas Day Eucharist
4pm Christmas Day Evensong 

Sunday 28 December, 4pm (rehearsal 2.15-4pm)
Come and Sing Carols

Saturday 10 January, 5.30pm 
Choral Evensong with Britten’s Ceremony of Carols 
Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols is sung by girl and boy choristers together, conducted by Edmund Aldhouse, with harpist Elizabeth Bass. The 1942 collection of settings from medieval and sixteenth-century carol texts is framed at beginning and end by plainsong.