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.
Service of Lessons and Carols
Monday, 23rd December 2024
6.00pm - 7.00pm
The Abbey
Free (booking required)
Service of Lessons and Carols
Tuesday, 24th December 2024
4.00pm - 5.00pm
The Abbey
Free (booking required)
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)
Tuesday, 24th December 2024
11.00pm - 12:30am
The Abbey
Free (booking required)
Christmas Day Holy Communion
Wednesday, 25th December 2024
8.00am - 8.40am
The Abbey
Free (no booking required)
Christmas Day Sung Eucharist
Wednesday, 25th December 2024
10:30am - 11.30am
The Abbey
Free (booking required)
Christmas Day Evensong
Wednesday, 25th December 2024
3.00pm - 4.00pm
The Abbey
Free (no booking required)
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?
The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster, reflects on Luke’s gospel.
Advent II Reflection: God who wants to be known
"God wants to be known in history" says The Reverend Canon Mark Birch.
Advent III Reflection: God who keeps faith for ever
Join The Reverend Helena Bickley-Percival as she reminds us why we should 'rejoice in the Lord always'.
Advent IV Reflection: God who has promised
Explore Elizabeth and Mary's response to God's promise with The Reverend Canon James Hawkey.
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
A traditional service for the singing of Christmas carols, with readings and anthems sung by the Abbey Choir.
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
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
Festive choral works with much-loved carols and seasonal readings telling the story of the Nativity
Christmas Menu
Enjoy a delicious Christmas menu in the Cellarium Cafe from 25th November to 20th December
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.
Our Christmas shop is open
Discover our range of exclusive cards, decorations and gifts