Early Holy Communion
Sunday Eucharist
Choral Evensong
Morning Prayer
Holy Communion
Evensong or Evening Prayer Said
This is our traditional service of readings and carols for Christmas – it’s so popular that we do it twice!
Join us on either date to hear the traditional Christmas readings alongside our world-class Cathedral Choir, and make the Cathedral resound with the singing of Christmas carols. Doors will open at 17:00.
Please be advised to arrive early to get a seat.
Free admission
Our short Nativity Service is ideal for young families. The Angel Gabriel narrates the Christmas story, and he is always grateful to have lots of little helpers! Your little ones are encouraged to dress up as their favourite Nativity character and be involved in the story. This service will also feature music sung by our Cathedral Junior Choir (ages 5-9). More information about our Junior Choir can be found on our website!
Free admission
Be the first to celebrate the birth of Jesus at Midnight Mass! Known also as ‘The First Eucharist of Christmas’, this is the service where the Baby Jesus is placed in the manger, and our Christmas festivities begin in full, with candles and incense aplenty, and music led by our fabulous Voluntary Choir. A truly magical service. Doors will open at 22:00
Free admission
Join the Cathedral congregation on Christmas Morning to celebrate this very special service led by the Bishop of Derby and the Cathedral Choir. This service follows the usual pattern of our regular Sunday 10:45 Eucharist, but with plenty of Christmas adornments.
*Please note that the Cathedral will close after this service to allow our team a well-earned afternoon off!
Wednesday Hold Communion
Ecumenical Praying Together
Saturday Morning Prayer (at the Bridge Chapel)
Saturday Holy Communion (at the Bridge Chapel)
The Christmas journey continues at Epiphany, when we remember the arrival of the wise men, and their gifts of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh. Music will be led by the Lay Clerks of the Cathedral Choir, with more congregational carols for the Epiphany season.
Free admission
Following Evensong, Derby Cathedral’s Director of Music, Mr Alexander Binns, concludes the Christmas season by playing Olivier Messiaen’s nine-movement atmospheric mediation for the organ, which depicts aspects of the birth of Christ alongside biblical references.
This is a devotional performance with free admission.
Our Christmas journey ends, not on Twelfth Night, but on Candlemas (also known as The Presentation of Christ in the Temple). Both of our regular Sunday Services this day will look back on the joys of the festive season, and also look forward to the Easter Narrative.