Advent and Christmas Services
To God on High be Glory and Peace to all on Earth
Worship, Prayer and Christian Formation at Ely Cathedral
View our Advent, Christmas & Epiphany bookletOur hope is in Jesus Christ, the light of the world, and this period of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany helps us turn towards him, celebrate his coming, and rejoice in the transforming joy that he brings to the world.
We celebrate God’s presence amongst us in the babe of Bethlehem and move from waiting to fulfilment, darkness to light - our great Creator, who was and is and is to come.
Advent & Christmas Services
Sunday 3 December, 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.
Tuesdays 5, 12 & 19 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.
Saturday 9 December, 5.30pm (Live streamed)
Evensong featuring Britten’s Ceremony of Carols with the Girl & Boy Choristers
Accompanied by Anne Denholm, Official Harpist to the Prince of Wales 2015-19
Sunday 10 December, 5.15pm (Live streamed)
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.
Sunday 10 December, 6.30pm
Advent Taizé Service
Contemplative worship in the Taizé tradition.
Saturday 16 December, 3pm (Live streamed)
Christingle Service in aid of the Children’s Society
A family celebratory and community event. It is named after the Christingles that are lit during the service and made from an orange decorated with red tape, sweets and a candle. Sung by the Ely Imps.
Saturday 23 & Sunday 24 December, 3pm (Live streamed)
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!
23 December: Sung by the Choristers. With Carrot the Donkey.
24 December: Sung by the Ely Imps. With Marley the Donkey.
Saturday 23* & Sunday 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 (Live streamed)
Sunday 24 December, 11pm (Live streamed)
Midnight Mass
The waiting and watching of Advent is brought to fulfilment in the deepest part of the night.
British Sign Language interpreted
Monday 25 December
10.30am Christmas Day Festal Eucharist (Live streamed)
4pm Christmas Day Festal Evensong (Live streamed)
Our Resident Clergy have selected the following three charities for this year’s Christmas Collections:
USPG (United Society Partners in the Gospel) is the Anglican mission agency partnering with churches worldwide in God’s mission to enliven faith, strengthen relationships, unlock potential and champion justice. www.uspg.org.uk
DEC (Disasters Emergency Committee) brings together 15 leading aid charities to raise funds quickly and efficiently at times of crisis overseas. Our contribution will be for the current principal campaign. www.dec.org.uk
YANA (You Are Not Alone) provides support for those involved in agriculture and rural business affected by stress and depression. YANA’s Mission is to improve mental health in agriculture and rural businesses in East Anglia. www.yanahelp.org
Previous page
Special Services