December at Guildford Cathedral is a season of light, music, and joyful anticipation.

December at Guildford Cathedral is a season of light, music, and joyful anticipation.  

As Advent unfolds, the Cathedral becomes a beacon of festive spirit and spiritual reflection. Visitors can experience the warmth of traditional carol services, including the beloved Service of Lessons and Carols and the uplifting Age UK Surrey Christmas Carol Service. The month also features enchanting concerts such as Vivaldi Four Seasons at Christmas by Candlelight and Sir John Rutter’s Christmas Celebration, bringing classical elegance to the season.  

Family-friendly events like Cathedral Tots, Storytime at the Cathedral, and The Snowman Concert add to the inclusive atmosphere, making December a time for all to gather, celebrate, and prepare for the joy of Christmas. 

Monday 1 Dec to Wednesday 31 Dec  
Lucia and Starboy Sculpture by Vincent Gray MRSS  
Celebrating Saint Lucy’s Day with light, peace, and joy. 

Wednesday 3 December 2025 | 19am to 11.30am 
Cathedral Tots 
Join us for our monthly informal service for families, with a Bible story, children’s activity and refreshments. This month our theme is God's wonderful love: The greatest gift. 
Cost of tickets: free  
contact details: [email protected] 

Wednesday 3 December | 7.30pm to 9.30pm 
Vivaldi Four Seasons at Christmas by Candlelight  
CityMusic Promotions presents Vivaldi Four Seasons at Christmas, featuring Beethoven - Emperor Piano Concerto, Vivaldi - Four Seasons and Traditional - Festive Medley.  
💷 Ticket cost Entry: From £22.38.  
🌐 Box office/website: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/vivaldi-four-seasons-at-christmas-by-candlelight-tickets-1395929244949   

Sunday 7 December | 9.45am  
Sunday School  

Sunday 7 December | 7.45pm  
Phyllis Tuckwell Light up a Life 2025  
Join this special carol concert and see the names of all those being remembered projected up onto the Cathedral.  
🌐 Box office/website: https://www.pth.org.uk/support-us/donate/light-up-a-life/   

Wednesday 10 December | 7.30pm  
Guildford Carol Concert (Air Ambulance Kent, Surrey, Sussex)  
Fund-raising concert of seasonal carols and readings for this popular charity featuring the Guildford Cathedral Singers.  
💷 Ticket cost Entry: From £15.   
🌐 Box office/website: https://aakss.org.uk/guildford-carol-concert/   

Thursday 11 December | 11am to 11.45 
Storytime at the Cathedral 
Join us in Seasons Café for songs, stories and rhymes, for preschoolers and carers. 
Cost of tickets: free but booking recommended as space is limited.  
Event contact details: [email protected] 

Saturday 13 December | 2pm-3pm, 3.45pm-4.45pm and 6.30pm-7.30 
The Snowman Concert 
Make it a Christmas to remember, with a special screening of family favourite The Snowman, plus Wallace & Gromit, accompanied by a live orchestra 
💷 Ticket cost Entry: From £17.64  
🌐 Box office/website: https://www.carrotproductions.com/whats-on/snowman-tour  

Thursday 18 December • 11am  
Age UK Surrey Christmas Carol Service  
Be uplifted by this fabulous carol service, with refreshments from 10.30am. Special guests include Tormead Prep School Choir, Guildford Cathedral Singers, and the Guildford, Godalming & Farnham Rock Choir. 

Saturday 20 December | 7.30pm 
Sir John Rutter’s Christmas Celebration 
Join us at Guildford Cathedral for a magical evening with the world-renowned Sir John Rutter and the sensational Septura Brass Septet, joined by the acclaimed Cathedral Choir. Experience a heart-warming celebration of festive favourites and timeless carols, masterfully conducted by Sir John Rutter himself alongside Katherine Dienes Williams. 
Tickets: £19-£45 
Box Office: https://www.guildford-cathedral.org/events/boxoffice/929  

Sunday 21 December • 6pm (doors open at 5.30pm)  
Thursday 25 December • 4pm (doors open at 3.30pm)  
A Service of Lessons and Carols  
Our traditional carol service which tells the story of Jesus’s birth in music and readings.  

Wednesday 24 December • 4pm  
Journey to Bethlehem 
A service for all ages, with the Cathedral Choristers and Stag Hill Phil., exploring the Christmas story and message.  

Wednesday 24 December • 11pm  
Midnight Mass  
Marking the beginning of Christmas, this service includes John Tavener’s famous Christmas Proclamation.  

Thursday 25 December • 10am  
The Eucharist of Christmas Day  
Join us as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Saviour of the world.