This festive celebration always takes place during the Advent season. Typical English carols will be sung with narratives from the Christmas story in between. This tradition has been practiced in the Anglican Church for 140 years. These type of carol services have also been celebrated in an especially festive way since 1918 in the Chapel of King’s College in Cambridge.

The Anglican Church of St. Andrew’s in Zurich and its daughter church in St. Gallen are also following this tradition. This year marks the 43rd time that the choir of St. Andrew’s, under the current direction of Shaun Yong, will come to St. Gallen.

Well-known carols such as «O come all ye faithful» and „Hark! The herald angels sing“ and others will be sung together with the congregation. Remarkable works this year are "Angels from the Realms of Glory", arranged by Philip Ledger, a Christmas carol written by James Montgomery, a Scottish poet and hymnwriter. The carol "In the bleak midwinter”, arranged by Harold Darke, with words by the English poet Christina Rossetti describes the birth of the Christ child on a “bleak midwinter” day and the worship of those who came to see him. Whether traditional or newly arranged, these carols sum up exactly what Christmas is all about.

Afterwards all are invited for “Guetzli” and Glühwein. The perfect occasion to start the Christmas season !!

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with the Choir of St Andrew's Church, Zurich

Holy Communion using Common Worship and sung hymns